The rash of success for the Thorsby FFA in recent years continued with the dairy judging team being named state champions during the finals that were held on Nov. 2 in Montgomery.

“It’s pretty unique because we only have one dairy farm within about a 50-mile radius,” Thorsby FFA sponsor Brian Lucas said. These kids don’t grow up around it, which means that they have to work even harder.”

Lucas has found certain ways to prepare and teach his kids despite the built-in challenges.

According to Lucas, he uses a computer program as a resource that has photos from different classes of animals, as well as taking trips to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., which has a working dairy farm available.

“They’ve been real nice to let the kids come over and actually work on the farm,” Lucas said. “We don’t want to have any excuses.”

During the competition, the students evaluated animals to determine their current and future production value.

“The biggest thing that these kids get out of this is not being a dairy judger, but gaining the decision-making skills required and developing a level of self-confidence,” Lucas said. “It doesn’t matter what they choose to do in life, they will see the benefits of it at some point in time.”

Kailey Acreman was the overall high scoring individual, while Jason Brackner was second individually and Cody Lucas rounded out the top five.

Other key members of the team included Rianna Green and Carson Littleton.

“What these kids have to know and the amount of material is unreal,” Lucas said. “We’re talking masters level stuff. It is that in-depth.”

Claiming the top two spots in the state in the individual portion of the event was quite a feat and is a tribute to their hard work.

“This type of competitiveness is a mindset,” Lucas said. “Winning is all about attitude.”

As a result of the victory, the team will represent Alabama at the National Dairy Evaluation Contest in Indianapolis in October 2017.