Cape High FFA students compete and win at state fair

Students from Cape Henlopen High School FFA, Valhalla Farms, once again participated in various livestock and horticulture competitions at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington July 18-27.

This year, Valhalla Farms had 23 students from elementary age to high school age participating in the show. Between the eight students who showed pigs and the 15 students who showed goats, everyone was fortunate to place in all of their classes for both species.

“We are so proud of all of our students who earned awards this year at the state fair,” said Ryan Ellis, Cape teacher and FFA advisor. “They have worked really hard throughout the school year to care for the animals and prepare for the show. It’s been wonderful to see their hard work paying off. Throughout the school year, students prepare for shows by attending mandatory farm days. The students are expected to attend the farm days to help with various farm chores, and to ensure that their animals are getting the practice they need prior to showing.”

Students who are showing the goats visit Amazing Grace Acres each week to participate in the farm day, while students who are showing pigs visit Cool Spring Acres.

“In addition to the farm days, students will visit the farms on their own time to see what we are doing and to help out with feeding and milking,” said Ellis. “Oftentimes, students involved with FFA will bring friends out, and they too then want to become more active with the FFA.”

Valhalla Farms is an affiliated FFA Chapter, so all of the students taking agricultural classes are automatically members. All animal science, horticulture and environmental science classes are also FFA members. For a complete list of all student participants, their awards and the class in which they competed, go to www.capehenlopenschools.com/ffa-awards.