FFA Animal Science Teams Earn State Honors

The Mount Vernon FFA recently competed in the very first virtual State Small Animal competition. Members competed in contests of their choice; Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal Management, and Grooming. The Grooming and Animal Behavior Teams both earned top 10 finishes. The chapter also had three individuals achieve top 10 honors: Erin Combs, Hannah Henry, and Isabelle Bobo.

The Grooming Team placed 4th in the state. Grooming team members included Anna Patterson, Mattie Butler, Erich Rhodeback, and Erin Combs. Combs individually earned state runner-up honors.  Members were required to groom a dog, take an exam, and then complete an interview.

Erich Rhodeback, Anna Patterson, Erin Combs, Mattie Butler

Animal Behavior and Welfare Team made up of Allic Ashcraft, Leah Gourley, Gavin Burke, and Hannah Henry placed 5th in the state. Hannah Henry placed 3rd in the state as an individual. Members were required to take an exam and assess the behavior to determine the well-being of a bearded dragon, dingo, and goat.

Leah Gourley, Allic Ashcraft, Hannah Henry, Gavin Burke

Isabelle Bobo, Lelia Hill, Emily Marshall, Raylene Fletcher, and Damian Frazee comprised the Animal Management Team, which also competed in the tournament.  Members were required to identify the cage and accessories for pocket pets and blue-fronted amazon parrots, assess the nutrition and health of rabbits and leopard tortoises, as well as take an exam.

Lelia Hill, Raylene Fletcher, Emily Marshall, Isabelle Bobo

The Mount Vernon FFA is very proud of the teams and individuals that competed in the state competition.