California State FFA Champions, Gridley FFA’s Livestock Team and advisors are pictured left to r: Advisor Andrea Thomas, Bella Bastiani, Gracie Yost, Joe Schohr, Reagan Witt and Advisor Madelyn Vaca. Photo courtesy of Madelyn Vaca

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley FFA’s livestock team claimed the state championship, along with the large silver trophy, at the California FFA State Judging Finals held May 2-3 at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Gridley High School FFA adviser Madelyn Vaca said the team has spent the past several years rebuilding after a hiatus. The team includes Joe Schohr, Gracie Yost, Reagan Witt and Bella Bastiani. Over the past three years, they have traveled across the state competing in numerous events.

“Three years ago, I held an interest meeting to get a team back up and running,” Vaca said. “This year, they were determined to succeed and win the state contest.”

Witt explained that livestock judging differs from showing animals at auction because the students evaluate the animals rather than being judged themselves.

“In livestock judging, we evaluate a class of four animals and place them from best to worst, then give reasons to support our decisions,” Witt said. “At a county fair, a judge evaluates a much larger class of up to 15 animals and ranks them.”

Schohr, who serves as the California State FFA secretary, said the process requires precision and confidence.

“You have to be clear, confident and actually compare the animals,” Schohr said. “You’re scored on how close your placing is to the official placing and how well you present your reasons.”

Bastiani added. “It takes a lot of work, Not only do you have to learn how to evaluate livestock and industry standards, but you also have to present yourself professionally and explain your decisions.”

Team members said they spent hundreds of hours practicing together and evaluating animals throughout the region to refine their skills.

“The contest is one of the most competitive in all of FFA, and we have been working toward this goal for the past three years,” Schohr said.

When the team learned it had won, the reaction was immediate.

“We immediately ran toward the person holding the trophy,” Bastiani said.

“There were definitely some happy tears when we heard Gridley FFA called as the state champion livestock judging team,” Schohr said. “It was truly amazing to succeed alongside my team.”

“Winning state honestly felt like a dream,” Witt said. “Winning the silver bowl felt like winning the Super Bowl of agriculture.”

Yost said she looks forward to representing California at the national level.

“I am looking forward to wearing the blue jacket one final time with my team,” Yost said. “It’s a special way to finish my senior year and something I’ll always be proud of.”

The team will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to compete at the National FFA Convention and Expo from Oct. 21-24.

Bastiani said the team is focused on improving ahead of nationals, noting scholarship opportunities tied to strong performances.

She also credited the program’s advisers.

“I’d like to thank both my coaches for putting in a lot of work,” Bastiani said. “For Ms. Vaca for starting it and for Ms. Thomas for jumping in and being so invested.”

Vaca said the achievement reflects the team’s commitment.

“Completing a goal they set at the beginning of the year was the most rewarding experience for them,” Vaca said.