Melissa Voss | Editor
As the Sioux Empire Fair came to an end this weekend, many members of the Tri-Valley FFA brought home many awards for their work in livestock shows. Although the fair was cautious with COVID-19, Tri-Valley agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor Sarah VanDerVliet stated that the preparation for this year’s shows were not that different to those in the past.
“Preparation was similar to past years. All of the shows were outside, and we allowed an entry point where exhibitors could social distance if they wanted to,” VanDerVliet stated.
Regardless of COVID-19, VanDerVliet stated that the students were enthusiastic of the event and were appreciative that they were still able to show off the hard work they have put toward their livestock.
“As an FFA Advisor, 4-H volunteer and a show mom, it gives me pride to watch everyone walk into the ring and show their livestock to the best of their ability. It takes a great amount of hard work, dedication, and patience to train and grow an animal for the show. Livestock showing is just like a sport. You train and entertain. I appreciate the fact that we have had leadership in our state that has allowed these events for our youth to still happen in light of COVID-19,” VanDerVliet said.
VanDerVliet also noticed an increase in attendance and use of “common sense” when it came to COVID-19.
“I observed that livestock people use every day common sense in regard to COVID-19. When the shows were happening, all felt normal like it was in the past. We had higher attendance this year in 3 out of the 4 shows,” VanDerVliet stated.
Tri-Valley FFA has 100 members ranging from 7-12 graders who are led by advisors Sarah VanDerVliet and Jessica Haneke. Their focus is to develop students’ leadership, create career experiences through competition, develop healthy relationships, and build stewards of our community through service and dedication.
Below are the listed awards won by members of the Tri-Valley FFA at the Sioux Empire Fair:
FFA Beef
Derek Van Asselt, Tri-Valley FFA, brought the champion market steer. He also had the reserve champion market heifer.
Makayla Simmermon, Tri-Valley FFA, showed the champion market heifer.
FFA Goats
Taylor Benson, Tri-Valley FFA, had the reserve champion market goat. She was also the champion FFA meat goat showman.
Will Benson, Tri-Valley FFA, had the champion breeding doe.
Parker Johnson, Tri-Valley FFA, showed the reserve champion breeding doe.