Liberty Future Farmers of America Places Third in Small Animal Event

Members of the Liberty High School Future Farmers of America placed third in the Small Animal Career Development Event held on September at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Massachusetts, according to a press release. 

Team members April Hahn, Victoria Robinson, and Eric Summann were eligible to compete in this multi-state competition after placing first on the state level last June at the Maryland State FFA Convention.  

Liberty FFA team members competed against top Small Animal Career Development teams from seven other states.

Individually, Victoria Robinson placed 2nd, Eric Summann placed 3rd, and April Hahn placed 16th. The LHS FFA Small Animal Career Development team was coached by their LHS FFA Advisors, Clare Linfield, and Katy Macleod.

"The purpose of this Career Development Event is to demonstrate student knowledge and abilities in the small animal care field," said the release. "This includes information and skills used in a veterinary hospital, laboratory facility, or pet shop/grooming facility."

Team members identified specific breeds from a variety of species of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, "pocket pet," rabbits, guinea pigs, and tropical fish.

Students completed a general exam with questions pertaining to a variety of animal care issues such as cleaning and sanitation, veterinary hospital procedures, nutrition, disease and parasites, and housing. Four practicums were included in the competition. 

Students needed to identify equipment, tools, feed, and anatomy/parts of various species, complete a medical record chart, as well as perform dosage calculations, and feed calculations. 

In addition to the individual challenges, team members worked together to complete the team problem solving activity. The team was graded on group dynamics, presentation and knowledge.