Nearly 1,300 students attend annual WC Aggies livestock judging contest

Nearly 1,300 high school students — and not a single cellphone. They’re focused, quiet and learning.

“This is honestly one of my favorite events,” said Brighton Morris, a junior at Blanchester High School in Clinton County.

She is among more than a thousand high school students from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky who made it this week to the Champion Expo Center in Springfield for Wilmington College’s 60th annual Livestock Judging Contest.

“It’s fun because there’s an arena. I judge equine, so it’s easier, there’s a lot more space. It’s well run,” she said.

The event is one of the largest competitions of its kind, according to event organizers.

With cellphones banned, students are able to focus, judging everything from livestock to agriculture.

Lucas Fledderman is the president of the Wilmington College Aggies.

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“General livestock, which is where we’re standing now, they have agronomy located back there, we have dairy judging and we have equine judging also,” he said.

Students are learning practical skills, Fledderman said.

“Just market and looking for your own production farm. Kind of gives you something to look for. What you want to increase in your heard.”

According to Wilmington College's website, winning teams included Miamisburg, Butler Tech, Miami Trace and East Clinton high schools.

Morris said she’s already looking forward to next year.

“It’s a good way to meet new people and get out and test your knowledge on something,” she said.

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