The Ron Whitson Agricultural Science Center will host the first Mansfield Future Farmers of America (FFA) Local Show and Chili Cook-Off on March 21. The two part event will be hosted by the Mansfield FFA Alumni. Keven Smith, the Agriculture and Science Teacher and FFA Advisor at the center, will participate at the new event.
“The students [have] the opportunity to an outside judge to critique their ability to have show ring stewardship,” Smith said. “Students who participate in this show will benefit from peer competition as well.”
The show promotes agriculture by giving the students a chance to learn from a knowledgeable person that can make them more successful in their field. The show will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at noon, while the cook-off judging begins at 1:00 p.m. following the show.
“I would hope that the winner has a slight or mild hint of hot pepper with a rich, full bodied chili that opens the nasal cavity prior to landing on the plate,” Smith said.
Along with the livestock show and cook-off, a silent auction will raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors, money for animal purchase, and add-ons for the upcoming Tarrant County Fair. Sketter Johnston, President of Mansfield FFA Alumni, enjoys what the alumni does and hopes to keep hosting events to help students succeed.
“Most of all, I feel proud when family, friends, and sometimes complete strangers come together to support the kids,” Johnston said. “It has, to me, been all about the kids.”
