The Tillamook FFA Chapter is proud to announce outstanding results at the recent Oregon FFA State Career Development Events (CDEs), with two teams earning the title of State Champions and qualifying to represent Oregon at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall.
The Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE Team and the Milk Quality and Products CDE Team both claimed first place in their respective contests, securing a coveted invitation to the national stage. These contests were hosted at Oregon State University, where students demonstrated their skills in evaluating dairy cattle and assessing milk and dairy product quality – key components of Oregon’s agricultural economy and Tillamook’s local heritage. While the Dairy Cattle Evaluation team has seen recent success at the state level, the Milk Quality and Products team hasn’t won the title since 2008. Under the direction of FFA Advisor and Coach Brookyln Bush, the team placed at state multiple times in recent years and was finally able to bring home a blue banner.
“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown,” said Hayden Bush, Tillamook FFA Advisor. “Many of them have been training and competing for years, and to see that effort rewarded at the state level is a testament to their commitment and the strength of our program.”
In addition to the state champions, Tillamook FFA also celebrated strong finishes in other contests:
● The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) CDE Team placed third in the state. This competition, held at the Oregon Garden in Silverton, challenged students to apply their knowledge of ecosystems, environmental science, and natural resource management.
● The Horse Evaluation CDE Team, also hosted at Oregon State University, earned an impressive third-place finish in a highly competitive field. Participants evaluated conformation and performance of various horse breeds and provided oral reasons to justify their rankings.
“These students are learning real-world skills that go far beyond the classroom,” said Bush. “Whether it’s judging cattle and defending your choices, analyzing agricultural products, or solving environmental problems, they’re gaining experience that will serve them well in college, careers, and life.” The Tillamook FFA Chapter would like to express immense gratitude to the community supporters, parents, and volunteers for helping make these achievements possible. The chapter looks forward to preparing its state champion teams for nationals and continuing its proud tradition of agricultural excellence.
About Tillamook FFA: Chartered in 1949, the Tillamook FFA Chapter is a proud part of the Oregon FFA Association and the National FFA Organization. Through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and leadership development, Tillamook FFA empowers students at Tillamook High School to explore careers in agriculture, build leadership skills, and serve their community. With 660 members, Tillamook FFA serves the largest and one of the most diverse chapters in the state.