“We had students from as far as Lubbock and Houston, giving our local economy dollars,” said FFA advisor Sophie Hayhurst. “We’re bringing in so many people to show Dublin FFA hosted more than 300 FFA students at Dublin Secondary and Fluit South Dairy for its first ever Career Development Event contest Friday, Feb. 28.
Paul Gaudette | off our facilities and a great contest we want to put forth.”
Hayhurst reported the contest and its success can be directly attributed to the ag booster club.
“Without them, this was not happening,” Hayhurst said. “This was completely our booster club that has really taken the reins and said ‘this is what we want to do. Let us know how to help you.’ As ag teachers, it was wonderful to show up and do our thing and they provided the wonderful experience for all these students and schools to learn from.”
Competition included Dairy Cattle judging at Fluit South and Plant ID, Milk Quality Products, Entomology and Cotton Judging at the school.
“We would love to grow the even further,” Hayhurst said. “I would love to incorporate a nursery contest with our new greenhouse.”
“We can always do better in offering more room or contests, but everybody I’ve talked to had a fabulous time but quote of the day- “I’ve had no complaints,” she said.
Also instrumental in the success were Dublin FFA advisors and students assisting with the competition as well as sponsors Dairy Queen Gorman Milling, Signs Express Plus, Dublin Bottling Works, Dublin Life Skills class, Dairy Max, Fluit South Dairy, AgTexas Farm Credit Services,Tex Ken Ranch Steakhouse, Thompson Custom Meats and Sorrels Realty.
Following the event, everyone traveled to Dublin Intermediate for a special lunch.
“So many compliments were given about the Dublin students, facilities and contest,” said Dublin FFA on its Facebook page. “We cannot wait to host again next year!”