The Davie County FFA was proud to represent its chapter at the Dixie Classic Fair.

The FFA received first place for its well-designed fair booth –  judged on creativity, captivity, educational elements, design and student involvement.  The theme was “Your Beacon to Agriculture.”  FFA members created an image that highlighted North Carolina Agriculture.  FFA members placed a beacon in the middle to shine a light on North Carolina’s most important industry.

Agriculture is the leading income producer in the state with more than 48,000 farms. North Carolina is the top sweet potato producer, which is the state vegetable.

FFA members also participated in the junior ewe and junior market lamb show. Weeks before the show students learned about showmanship and taught their lamb to lead.  In preparation for the fair students sheared and washed their lambs.

Students also learned to evaluate the lambs based on muscling and conformation. All students walked away with ribbons and prizes.

The highlight was a first place market lamb and two first place ewe lambs. Payton Smith said “the blue ribbon made it worth all the effort.”

In addition to showing, they made educational videos that showed skills, terminology, and technique.

Senior Mattie Clark said: “Showing and judging animals builds confidence and life skill.

Mia Foster said: “Sheep have a mind of their own and it takes patience to train them.” It is a little lonely at the high school because the lambs are back at the Lazy 5 ranch.

The FFA mission is to promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.