Twenty-two members of the Chinook Chapter of the FFA departed on Monday afternoon, April 1 for Billings where they will be attending the 94th Annual Montana FFA State Convention all week. Following the convention theme Guided by Gold, events will take place at MetraPark – First Interstate Arena from April 2-6.

In addition to their nine qualifying teams, two of the members, Aislinn Handy and Wylee Simenson will be receiving their Montana State FFA Degrees at the State Degree Dinner on April 5. Simenson is also a finalist for the State Star Farmer Award. He will face-off with other candidates on Wednesday, April 3.

The Montana FFA annually recognizes members who rise to the top with Star Awards. According to the award criteria, “These members demonstrate exemplary performance in their attitude, involvement, community service and supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Finalists for these awards have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research.”

About Chinook’s candidate, FFA Advisor Mitzi Cecrle stated, “Wylee Simenson and his SAE was chosen as the cream of the crop from all the other Montana State FFA Degrees. He will undergo personal interviews from a panel of judges while at State, and the Stars will be awarded later during the State FFA Convention.”

Career Development Event (CDE) competition begins on Tuesday when three of Chinook’s CDE teams will vie for state status: Meats, Poultry, and Ag Sales. Bryce Elliot, Oliver Standiford, Madi Gruszie, and Landen Keeling comprise the Meats Team; while Oliver Standiford, Landen Keeling, Rangler Skoyen, and Zoe Scofield compete with the Poultry Team. Serving on Ag Sales will be Ben Hofeldt, Kohen Sullivan, Wylee Simenson, and Brockton Elliot.

On Thursday, the Livestock Team will see competition. Members on that team are Wylee Simenson, Wacee Simenson, Brockton Elliot, and Rangler Skoyen. Additionally, Agronomy, Horse Evaluation, and Vet Science will compete. Participating on the Agronomy Team are Bryce Elliot, Gracie Skoyen, Eyan Hofeldt, and Wacee Simenson. The Horse Evaluation Team consists of Emma Paulsen, Aislinn Handy, Ashlyn Hofeldt, and Sterling Bemis. Finally, Aislinn Handy, Zoe Scofield, Ashlyn Hofeldt, and Bella Brown will match their skill against opponents in Vet Science.

In Friday’s contests, Floriculture will compete. Those members are Gracie Skoyen, Aislinn Handy, Kirbey Hofeldt, Madi Gruszie. Also competing on April 5 will be the Mechanics and Ag Technologies Team: Ben Hofeldt, Brockton Elliot, Jacob Metcalf, and Kohen Sullivan.

Other members attending from Chinook are Leadership Delegates: Falyn Cecrle and Gus Buck and Courtesy Corps Community Service Participants: Bella Brown, Eyan Hofeldt, Kirbey Hofeldt, and Jacob Metcalf.

Besides CDE competition, event organizers tell convention attendees to “prepare to be immersed in a dynamic atmosphere where over 2,000 FFA members, dedicated teachers, passionate alumni, and supportive advocates will converge from every corner of Montana. This annual convention is not just an event; it’s a celebration of agricultural excellence and leadership development!”

The convention not only offers meetings, workshops, and an FFA Career and Trade Show but entertainment and awards.