March 29, 2024

FFA takes home silver at nationals

Senior Van Der Kamp receives Gold Emblem

To compete in the Food Science and Technology Career Development Event at the National FFA Convention, you must have an in-depth understanding of food product development, food presentation and food safety issues. Students must also use their sensory skills to solve problems and make sound decisions regarding food safety.

That is exactly what four members of Diamond Trail FFA did during the event Nov. 1 in Indianapolis and for their efforts the team came home with a silver rating ranking 24 out of 39 teams. Individually, senior Blake Van Der Kamp received a Gold Emblem rating and was 29 out of 156 competitors at the event.

“I was definitely excited about it because the team had been working hard the whole time. I think my number one thing I felt happy with was the team factor of it. Last year was our first year ever competing in the food science and we got a silver. Coming back the next year and winning state and getting a silver at nationals, that’s just crazy,” Van Der Kamp said. “Seeing everyone’s growth, a lot of us didn’t have a lot of experience and seeing everyone putting in so much time and then as a team getting the silver, it was a really cool experience, I was proud of everyone.”

PCM graduate and current Iowa State student Morgan DeHaai received a Silver Emblem and was ranked 80th while senior Alexis Dross came in 93rd overall, also receiving a Silver Emblem. Junior Arthur Van Wyk placed 103rd and came home with the Silver Emblem, as well.

The team earned their spot at nationals after being named state champions at the Iowa FFA Food Science Career Development Event in June. There, Van Der Kamp, who is also the current chapter president, was also named the High Individual Overall in the competition.

The competition was designed to test the student’s basic knowledge of food science as well as the student’s ability to apply this knowledge to practical situations. Each team participates in a timed team product development project including designing new food product or reformulate an existing product based on information contained within the product development scenario. The team also completed a food safety and sanitation activity As individual participates, the students take part in practicums involving food sensory evaluation and food safety and sanitation as well as a written exam. All events go went toward the final team score.

The hope is the event reaches students in an area of agriculture that’s continuing to grow in all aspects, according to the national organization. By exposing students to issues in food science and technology, students gain experience that prepares them for traditional and non-traditional careers.

“This team had the chance to represent all of Iowa FFA this week, and we are so proud of them,” advisor Amber Samson said. “We are especially proud as this is the chapter’s second ever year doing this contest.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com