Catoctin’s FFA Attends the 98th Maryland State FFA Convention
Thirty-three Catoctin FFA members attended the 98th Maryland State FFA Convention on June 23-25 (pictured above).
The state convention was held in Garrett County at Garrett College and The Wisp. This year’s theme was Unwritten. All students attended workshops and sessions, industry tours, and participated in CDE/LDEs (contest), getting to network with over 550 members, volunteers, judges, and ag leaders from across the state!
Ag Issues: The agricultural issues forum allows students to research and present current agricultural issues to public audiences, promoting professional ethics and standards. The team consisted of Gabby Brauning, Marcus Kuhn, Valeria Lake, Lizzie Schuebel, Addy Smith, and Quamari Willard. This team created a presentation about the use of solar panels being used on agriculture land. They placed 2nd in the state.
Agriculture Sales: The Ag Sales team placed 1st in the state. This team had to research different types of chainsaws. They then had to sell the different products to potential consumers. Team members included Grady Abruzzese, Simon Burrier, Faith May, Grace May (2nd ind.). Ryleigh Ruch participated in the contest as an individual. The team will be traveling to the National Convention this fall to represent Catoctin and Maryland on the national level.
Ag Marketing: Makayla Comer, Makayla Eckenrode, and Sophie Wagaman are members of the ag marketing team. This team worked with Cherry Hill Construction and Restoration, a local agriculture business that restores old barns. They developed a business plan for the business. They had to present their plan in a live presentation, while working collaboratively to research, analyse, and deliver marketing solutions tailored to Cherry Hill Construction and Restoration. This team placed 2nd in the state.
Conduct of Chapter Meeting: The Conduct of Chapter Meetings team placed 3rd. The team consisted of Avery Harbaugh, Josie Harbaugh, Jada Morgan, Kayla Kieffer, Jordyan Ohler, Wes Shultz, and Kylee Thomason. Members assume various officer duties (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel, and advisor) during the event presentation that is evaluated by a team of judges. Additionally, each participant is challenged by a written exam about officer duties, meeting room preparation, and parliamentary procedure. This contest is designed for 9th grade members.
Environmental and Natural Resources: This event fosters student interest, promotes environmental and natural resource instruction in agricultural education, and recognizes skills and competencies gained through such instruction. Students engage in various activities and practicums, working under challenging conditions to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in environmental and natural resources management. This includes soils, water, ecosystems, waste management, navigational mapping, and environmental monitoring skills through GPS. Team members consisted of Preston Clark (9th ind.), Caleb Krantz (4th ind.), Blake Smith (2nd ind.), and Connor Smith (7th ind.). The team placed 1st in the state and will be traveling to the National Convention in October.
Employment Skills: The employment skills event helps FFA members develop, practice, and demonstrate essential skills needed for employment in the industry of agriculture. The event simulates real-world activities used by employers, providing participants with practical job search and interview experience, helping them prepare for future careers in agriculture. Connor Giove participated in this event.
Extemporaneous Speaking: Blake Smith participated in this event. He picked a topic out of a hat and had 30 minutes to write a four-to-six-minute speech about the topic. They were allowed to use five resources. Blake placed 4th in the state.
Dairy Evaluation and Management: Members assess pedigrees and herd records, conduct management exercises, evaluate live dairy cattle, and present oral justifications for their decisions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the industry. Team members included Leah Morgan (3rd ind.), Carly Nowell (4th ind.), AJ Schuebel, and Lizzie Schuebel. The team placed 2nd in the state.
Livestock Evaluation: Students in this event had to evaluate livestock, including beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. They had to make accurate observations, determine desirable traits, and make informed decisions based on these observations. They also had to define their decision, understand industry standards, and effectively communicate using industry terminology. Team members included Logan Grimes, Josie Harbaugh, Landon Kelley, Will LeGore, and Ainsley Savage.
Prepared Speaking: Grady Aburzzese and Faith May participated in this event. They each had to write a six-to-eight-minute speech, present it to a panel of judges, and answer questions about it. Grady’s topic was about Water Runoff into the Chesapeake Bay. Faith’s speech was about The Critical Infrastructure Crisis (the battle between power lines and data centers and farmland). Faith placed 8th in the state.
State FFA Degree: Carly Nowell, Ryleigh Ruch, and Qumari Willard earned their state degree. This is the highest degree our state can bestow to its members. Fifty-one members in the state earned this degree.
American FFA Degree: Ella Burrier, Caroline Clark, Owen Cook, and Colt Sanders were recognized for being American FFA Degree candidates. Less than 1 percent of National FFA membership achieve this degree. As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career.
Retiring 2025-2026 MD State FFA Treasurer: Katilynn Bentz served this year as the 2025-2026 MD State FFA Treasurer. She served MD FFA by advocating for agriculture education, presenting workshops, hosting conferences, and traveling to different states. During the convention, Katilynn lead sessions and presented a retiring address entitled “Behind the Walls.” She challenged FFA members to persevere and to never let their past determine their unwritten futures.
Catoctin’s FFA would like to thank everyone who helped them to get there: coaches, volunteers, chaperones, bus drivers, and community support members. They had a great week. A special shout out goes to Mrs. Clements for coming to visit them at the state convention!
