This past weekend, junior and senior members of the FFA chapter travelled to Denver for the annual Denver Stock Show. The Denver Stock Show is the National Western Stock Show where animals are led around a show ring while a judge determines which animal is better looking and places them accordingly.

“We predominately watched cattle in Denver,” senior Cheyenne Schwab said. “We got to visit the Denver Museum of Natural History, walk around the show arena areas and watched a session of the professional rodeo.”

The trip’s purpose is to teach the future farmers what top-notch livestock should look like.

“We were able to learn more about cattle and how much money people spend on stock that looks nice,” senior FFA member Brooke Russell. “It doesn’t really benefit our organization, otherwise. It’s more a reward for doing well in our agriculture classes.”

Members had primarily good reviews on the chapter trip.

“I think it was very interesting and was an overall good experience,” Russell said. “The environment was a lot like a small town which was really cool. I would definitely go back and recommend it for other people. It is a learning experience and also quite enjoyable. You aren’t just looking at the animals on the internet or in a magazine. You are actually there seeing them in person.”

Schwab spoke of her experience with the trip.

“Going on trips such as the livestock show allows students to view a side of the agriculture community that they may not have experienced before,” Schwab said. “Experiencing new things allows us to grow as students and citizens. I loved the entire trip. I met some amazing people, learned a ton of new things, and had experiences that will most definitely last a lifetime. I would go every year if I was able to.”

17mcrees@usd489.com