Gibbon FFA had a HUGE day at District CDEs!
The growth in this chapter continues to show up in big ways. I am so proud of the work these members put in behind the scenes.
Ag Biotechnology
2nd Place Team & State Qualifier
Andrea Montanez – 9th Overall
Natalie Bendfeldt – 10th Overall
Cove Fries
Landi Weldon
Overview of the contest:
Students perform lab-based agricultural science skills such as micro pipetting, DNA concepts, gel electrophoresis interpretation, and lab safety. They analyze real agricultural biotechnology scenarios and apply scientific reasoning to solve problems related to genetics, animal health, and crop production.
Natural Resources
6th Place Team & State Qualifier
Chase Herter, Keaton Heikkinen, Trace Smith, Riley Bergstrom
Contest overview:
Students evaluate environmental conditions and land use. This includes soil analysis, water quality testing, wildlife habitat identification, forestry measurements, conservation practices, and management recommendations. The contest focuses on sustainable use of land and protecting natural resources.
Welding
14th Place Team
Hunter Grey – 5th Overall + Blue Ribbon in TIG Welding
Evynn Phillips-Abiles – 10th in Stick Welding
Chase Herter – 11th in Stick Welding
Other welders that competed: Agustin Montanez, Brayllan Martinez, Trace Smith, Giovanny Hernandez, Jose Ramirez Aguilar
Contest Overview:
Students demonstrate technical welding skills used in agricultural careers. They complete hands-on welds (such as TIG and Stick welding), identify weld quality, read blueprints, follow safety procedures, and apply metal fabrication knowledge used in equipment repair and manufacturing.
Agriscience
18th place as a Junior High Member- Nora Fries
Chloe Frerichs
Adison Benker
Karter Bendfeldt
Contest Overview:
Students apply the scientific method to agriculture. They analyze data, interpret research scenarios, understand experimental design, and solve real agricultural problems related to plants, animals, food systems, and environmental science.
Food Science
18th place Individual- Cove Fries
Natalie Bendfeldt
Keaton Heikkinen
Wyatt DeBrie
Giovanny Hernandez
Landi Weldon
Bryan Vargas
Kaden Binkey
Contest Overview:
Students evaluate food products using sensory analysis, food safety knowledge, and ingredient functionality. They identify aromas, judge product quality, solve processing problems, and understand how food is preserved, produced, and kept safe for consumers.
Livestock Management
14th place team
Silas Lester
McKenzie Clevenger
Kenzie Ackley
Braxton Leonard
Jacob Burns
Bailey Weldon
Contest Overview:
Students make production decisions for a simulated livestock operation. They balance feed rations, evaluate animal health and performance records, manage facilities, and make economic decisions related to profitability and animal welfare.
I am so proud of how these members represent Gibbon, our school, and Nebraska agriculture every single time they compete.
#GibbonPride