Missouri FFA News Releases

COLUMBIA , Mo., April 17, 2009 - The Miller FFA Chapter placed first in the FFA Meats Evaluation Career Development Event at the 81^st Missouri FFA Convention. There were 48 teams in the competition.

The first-place team members are Melanie Atwell, Katie Colley, Nate Johnson and Shelby Smith. From a field of 184 competitors, individually, Atwell ranked ninth, Colley ranked 29^th, Johnson ranked fourth and Smith ranked first. Miller FFA advisors are Jay Shepherd and Lyle Whittaker.

Participants in the event are required to complete comprehensive exams in meat selection, storage, cooking, nutrition and safety. They also are asked to perform activities involving mathematical formulas for making cost-efficient meat products. Competitors identify cuts of meat by species, retail trade name and prime cut identification.

Sponsored by University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, career development events prepare student members for career success, engage student learning and make a real connection to lifetime goals.

The Missouri FFA has 24,410 members representing 317 chapters. The national organization has more than 507,000 members representing 7,439 local chapters in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands .

The FFA Mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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