Cashmere FFA Wins a National Title and a 4th Place finish in Indianapolis.

Cashmere FFA traveled to the National Convention in Indianapolis on October 22^nd to compete in two Career Develop Event contests. Students earned the sole right to represent Washington in each of the events. Members of the Environmental Natural Resources team took a 50-question environmental science test, tested surface water for nitrates, temperature, and pH, identified natural resource equipment and species, navigated a GPS course and evaluated a section of soil and land recommending erosion prevention strategies. In order to further prepare for the competitions, the Environmental Natural Resources team toured and worked with professionals from Purdue University’s Soil Science Department, Southside Landfill in Indianapolis and a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Carmel, Indiana.

The Meats Evaluation team identified 30 retail cuts from a list of 120, quality and yield graded beef carcasses according to USDA standards and selected/ranked different meat cuts based on quality, cutability, workmanship and color. They also took a written test and identified different muscle and skeletal features of the three livestock species. Earlier in October, the Meats team traveled to Pullman to practice at WSU’s Meat Science Lab. Once at Nationals, the team traveled deep into Ohio visiting Ohio State University's Meat Science Lab and Boliantz Meat Packing in Ashland, Ohio. They eventually competed in West Lafayette at Purdue University. After hours of practice and preparation, Cashmere landed all 8 of their competitors in the Gold Tier - meaning they finished in the top one-third of the individuals competing. Both teams were recognized at Lucas Oil Stadium since they qualified in the “Final Four.”

Cashmere’s Environmental Natural Resources team beat 38 other teams to win a National Championship. Three of the students placed in the top ten individually out of 155 competitors and all four members will receive a $1,000 cash award. The Meats Evaluation team landed 4^th out of 43 teams with Dru Heyen placing 6^th individually out of 170 students. Carly Schoening was the state winner of the talent competition earning the opportunity to compete on a national stage. She made it to the semifinals and earned the opportunity to perform in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Environmental Natural Resources and Meats Teams would like to thank everyone who supported them along the way. Listed below are Cashmere's National teams, members, and accomplishments.

Environmental Natural Resources = National Champions out of 39 States

Kimmy Dodson - 3^rd Individual - $1,000

Grady Zimmerman - 4^th Individual - $1,000

Tristan Hoffman - 8^th Individual - $1,000

Eli Lyons - Gold - $1,000

Meats Evaluation = 4^th Place Team out of 43 States Drew Heyen - Gold - 6^th Place Individual - $700  Monica Oropeza - Gold  Wendy Garcia - Gold  Ivette Alvarado – Gold