KNOXVILLE, TN – Bedford County FFA took home first place honors in the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Meats Judging competition April 21 held on the University of Tennessee campus. Sixteen FFA chapters from across the state participated. 

Bedford County FFA of Shelbyville Central High School was represented by team members: Jordin Hockaday, Hunter Lemmon, Jessie Sanders, and Jackson Smith. Jessie Sanders was 1st High Individual in the state contest with team members Jackson, Jordin and Hunter following suit by placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively. The chapter advisor is Tommy Green. Bedford County will represent Tennessee at the National FFA Convention in Louisville this October. The team will compete against other state winning teams for the national title. 

The National FFA Meats Judging Career Development Event develops employment skills for students who are interested in exploring or pursuing career opportunities in the meat animal industry. Meats Judging competitors evaluate beef carcasses and identify meat cuts, as well as wholesale and/or retail cuts. Team members also complete a written exam relating to meat storage and handling, nutrition, food safety, animal welfare, and animal identification systems. Finally, the team participates in a practicum focused on a meat production scenario. 

Cumberland Gap FFA placed second behind Bedford County and earned first place in the East Tennessee Region. 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 610,240 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of more than 13,000 members from 214 high school chapters, seven middle school chapters, and eight collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee.

Photo caption: Bedford County FFA members excited after winning the State Meats Judging competition in Knoxville last month. (L-R) Hunter Lemmon, Jordin Hockaday, Jessie Sanders, Jackson Smith, and Tommy Green (Advisor)