Saturday, October 22, marked a significant day for the Hutto ISD Future Farmers of America as the district hosted its first livestock shows; a Chapter Show for Hutto ISD students and a Hungry Hippo Jackpot Show open to outside districts. Agricultural Science Teacher and FFA Sponsor, Brandon Masi, says it was a huge success and attributes it to the construction of the new ag barn and arena- a project of the 2008 bond that opened in October 2021.
The Hungry Hippo Jackpot Show drew in 77 participants aged 3rd through 12th grade from as far away as College Station. Farley Middle School 6th Grader Emalynn Mouser came away with Grand Champion Market Lamb, Grand Champion Goat, and Intermediate Showmanship Champion for Market Lamb.
For the Hutto ISD Chapter Show, winners included: Grand Champion Market Lamb - Kayla Branham, Reserve Champion Market Lamb - Abigail Calhoun, Grand Champion Market Lamb Showmanship - Abigail Calhoun, Reserve Champion Market Lamb Showmanship - Lily Edwards, Grand Champion Market Goat and Grand Champion Market Goat Showmanship - Justin Beene, Reserve Champion Market Goat - Adrian Villarreal, Reserve Champion Market Goat Showmanship - Faith Rowan, Grand Champion Market Swine and Grand Champion Market Swine Showmanship - Abigail Calhoun, Reserve Champion Market Goat and Reserve Champion Market Goat Showmanship - Justin Beene, Grand Champion Breeding Heifer and Grand Champion Breeding Heifer Showmanship- Ethan Blanco, Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer - Madison Gonzalez, Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer Showmanship - Adrianna Olguin.
Masi, who is a 5th generation farmer and rancher whose family has been here in the Hutto area for 150 years, says more than 50 students have livestock in the district. He says the ag barn is at capacity which is unique to a 6A district. Typically, as districts grow, the ag population decreases. Not here he says, “These are all new kids who have embraced the ag lifestyle and enjoy being able to keep this way of life going for years to come in Hutto. What’s great about Hutto is the school board, superintendent and community embraces ag. The ag barn and arena allows us to host these events.”
Masi, as well as Agricultural Science Teachers Natalie Nielsen and Jackie Ehrlich, sponsor the Hutto ISD FFA Organization. They extend their gratitude to the many generous donations from the event sponsors who covered the costs for judges, belt buckles, ribbons, rosettes, and other student awards allowing the FFA Chapter to utilize 100% of the profit from entry fees for future entries for FFA students at Career Development and Leadership Development Events.
