LUSK - The Rawhide FFA Chapter began their successful 2024-2025 school year welcoming new members and bright ideas. Homecoming was an exciting period as the chapter hosted its first annual Talladega Nights, where members and teachers put together carts and rapidly raced around the block. Trophies were set in place as different age divisions competed for first place.

The chapter fell quiet until Niobrara County’s Christmas Parade in December of 2024. Members put heads together and decorated a thrilling float to represent the Rawhide FFA as they strolled main street. The M Lazy Hart generously lent their truck and trailer as the chapter showed off their display.

With the new year crawling in quickly, the chapter started assembling another Hammershlagen tournament. Weather was a dictator, and the members anxiously awaited March 28th. Projects were built and bought as the tournament carried on throughout the evening. Competitive ranch folk raced for first place but Jessie Reed successfully pulled the win. Karmin Shane, second. Levi Single, third, and Katie Smith, fourth. In the student competition Tyree Hubbard, Tryan Hubbard, Masson Hiser, and Daxton Hiser were the top four in order. An enjoyable evening soon ended, and the chapter began preparation for the State Convention in April.

The HS meats judging team traveled to Laramie with Mr. Hubbard on April 2nd to compete in their state competition (Gracie and Emily Zumbrunnen, Jaci Vetter, Francheska Bannan). On April 9, the rest of the chapter set out for the State Convention with twenty-four members ready to compete in their events. The chapter began its convention on Wednesday with an opening session as Hannah Krein led the state in our National Anthem. Thursday’s schedule consisted of Livestock Judging (Aspen Beiri, Quintin Bieri, Hannah Krein, Francheska Bannan), JH Livestock Judging (Carter Bannan, Marlee Lang, Mya Goodwin, Addison Hiser), Ag Mechanics (Keen Coffman, Charlie Gaukel, Lexus Single, Aubrey Manning), and State Officer Interviews (Quintin Bieri). Competitions went late into the morning and early afternoon sending the chapter straight into their second session of convention. Friday came quick with Horse Judging (Hannah Krein, Addie Harvey, Ronald Kreuger, Brecken Ricker), JH Horse Judging (Laurel Poage, Leah Krein, Trey Hubbard, Leyton Single), JH Poultry Judging (Riley Ricker, Marlee Lang, Addison Hiser, Kinsey Keller), and Ag Sales (Brittin Bruch, Lainey single, Quintin Beiri, Hannah Krein). The third night of convention was long as members anxiously awaited the state dance where Wyoming’s very own boy band led the concert. The night was all smiles and fun until the early wake Saturday morning. Closing session slowly began and the chapter waited for awards. JH Horse Judging received 2nd high team, JH Poultry Judging received 6th high team, and JH Meats received a State Champion banner Chapter members journey home was quiet as they tried to catch up on missed hours of sleep.

Upcoming events for the Rawhide FFA  will be on May 1, 2025. They will assist Niobrara County’s Cattle Women in the annual Ag Expo, held at the Fairgrounds, followed by an awards banquet for the at Prairie Hills Community Center @7 pm. Many thanks to Jason Hubbard for all his work in preparing, teaching, and mentoring chapter members throughout the school year.