Diamond Trail ‘s Crops Contest Members (left to right): Jodie DeVries, Alex Samson, Derrick Hoodjer, Nathan VandeWall, Whitney Figland and advisor Ed Ricks. Iowa State University held a collegiate crops contest on Feb. 9. Approximately 100 people participated in this contest. Each contestant completed four areas in the contest: math practicium, pest practicum, agronomic tests and crops and seed identification. The Diamond Trail FFA was invited and placed first in the high school division. Nathan VandeWall was the overall winner, Derrick Hoodjer was second and Alex Samson placed third. 

Diamond Trail’s Swine Judging Members (left to right): Alex Samson, Derrick Hoodjer, Advisor Ed Ricks, Connor Warrick and Michael Birkenholtz. The Iowa Pork Producers Association held their fifth annual Youth Swine Judging Contest on Jan. 24. A turnout of 511 students from 46 schools around Iowa participated in this contest. The students were able to test their gilt selection and market evaluation skill in four different judging classes. Diamond Trail FFA’s Connor Warrick was the highest individual followed by Derrick Hoodjer, Alex Samson and Michael Birkenholtz.