Paintrock FFA judging teams compete at NILE

The Paintrock FFA headed to Billings, Montana to compete in the Northern International Livestock Exhibition (NILE). On Monday, October 12th, the Vet Science and Livestock Judging teams competed. Both teams did well individually and as a team. The Vet Science team included Alexis Scott, Charley Russell, Jordan Potter, and Brianna Landis. They placed 22nd out of 32 teams. The Vet Science contest includes tool, breed and parasite identification as well as clinicals. 

The Livestock Judging team included Haakon Craft, Ryan Whisenant, Hudsyn Hopkin and Olivia Wenzel. The team placed 20th out of 48. Clarity Turner, and Katelyn Scott also competed as individuals. In this competition, students judge cattle, sheep and swine from both market and breeding standpoints. These members are new to competing, but they did very well, especially in their first competition.

On Tuesday, October 13th, the Meats and Horse Judging teams competed. The Senior Meats Judging team included Eli Jensen, Dawson Scott, Alan Landis, and Ethan Bidleman. They placed 18th out of 25. The Junior Meats Judging team consisted of Haakon Craft and Jordan Potter. They placed 13th out of 18. Both teams are excited to compete again later in the year. Meats Judging includes retail cut ID, carcass judging, and determining quality and yield grades. 

The Horse Judging team included Katie Bertolini, Katelyn Scott, Hunter Craft and Alexis Scott. FFA Horse Evaluation is a competition where students rank horses based on their physical build and riding performance. For body structure, or conformation, judges look for balance, straight leg alignment, smooth muscling, and breed traits. For riding performance, they grade the horse on its smooth movement, correct gaits, and obedient manners in response to the rider. The Horse Judging team placed 3rd out of 28 teams in the Junior division with a total of 1,653 points. Katie Bertolini ranked 33rd with a score of 409. Alexis Scott ranked 4th, with a score of 447. Hunter Craft ranked 49th with a score of 397, and Katelyn Scott ranked 43rd with a total score of 400. 

We are excited for these teams to continue to compete in the spring!