The 2025 N.C. FFA Dairy Judging contest was held on April 11 at the Winston Fairgrounds.
Despite the rainy day, Davie FFA made a big splash, bringing home state champion honors in the FFA and 4H Divisions.
Team members included Caitlyn Nicholson, Lyla Sapp, Makayla Van Meter, and Aubree Barnhardt. The team was propelled by an outstanding performance from Nicholson, who placed as the highest scoring individual in the state for the second year in a row.
Members evaluated six classes and five breeds of dairy cattle, and completed a general knowledge exam. The team will represent North Carolina at National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. this fall.
In another major accomplishment, Davie FFA members Delaney Warner, Riley Barnes, Emily Hernandez, and Keeley Carter earned Reserve State Champion honors in the 4-H division.
This success follows a strong performance at the State Livestock Judging Competition March 25th in Raleigh, where the team earned Reserve State Champion honors. Team members Kyra Verkuyl, Aubree Barnhardt, Makayla Van Meter, and Caitlyn Nicholson showcased their skills in the highly competitive event.
Davie FFA also had a stellar showing at regional contests on April 9.
The Floriculture Team captured champion honors, led by senior Nevan Ellis, who earned the highest individual score and was the only participant to achieve a perfect score on plant identification. His teammates included Mallory Peck, Lillian Ragan, and Lillyanne Simmons.
Other notable accomplishments from the regional contests included the second place Horticulture team, second place individual in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, third place Tool Identification team, and fourth place Forestry team. All earned spots to compete at State FFA Convention in June.
Two juniors – Makayla Van Meter and Lillian Ragan – made history by being selected as 2025-2026 Northwest Regional Officers, marking the first time Davie FFA has had members serve in such roles.
Van Meter will serve as the regional secretary, overseeing organizational correspondence and assisting with meeting and activity preparations. Ragan will serve as the regional reporter, handling public relations and recognizing achievements from chapters across the region.
Both will engage with chapters throughout the Northwest Region, organize regional leadership conferences, and help plan regional competitions.
FFA Advisors Jesse Ledbetter and Eli Lindsey say the work ethic, positive attitude and humility members consistently display contributes greatly to recent success, along with continued support from community partners and parents.
Davie FFA remains committed to providing students with opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Through competitions, community involvement, supervised agricultural experiences, and classroom activities, the program continues to thrive, the advisors said.
The team will prepare for the State Convention in June, followed by the start of the sheep showing season this summer and a trip to compete at National Convention in October.
To support Davie County FFA or stay updated on activities, email dchsagriculture@gmail.com or follow them on Instagram @daviecountyffa_dcaw.