There is no time for slack. The DeWitt County International Livestock Judging Team is on a grueling schedule.
“The four-member team, consisting of Jackie Finney, Wyatt Luddeke, Percy Torrez, and Nathan Oakes, has been practicing three nights a week for almost a month and a half, in addition to fundraising for their international trip to Scotland,” Coach Amanda Luddeke said.
“They have met three-quarters of their fundraising goal but still need to raise $25,000,” she continued.
There are still raffle tickets selling for $200 apiece available for a 24-foot stock trailer donated by Mr. Gossett of Ful-O-Pep.
At the Ag Luncheon held on April 23rd, Coach Luddeke, recognized as the Agricultural Person of the Year, expressed deep appreciation for the community’s unwavering support. Luddeke highlighted the invaluable leadership skills that the judging team members have acquired.
“It teaches them to define and defend their ideas in a professional manner. It connects them to industry who are the leaders who raise these livestock and breed them,” she said.
Each team member shared their future ambitions. Jackie Finney plans to attend Blinn College and later transfer to Texas A&M, aiming to specialize in Agricultural and Natural Resources law. Percy Torrez intends to attend Glen Rose or Redland Community Colleges to focus on judging, with plans to transfer to Texas Tech's nursing program. Wyatt Luddeke wants to go to Blinn or Redland, then transfer to A&M, study Agricultural Systems, and start an agricultural drone spraying business.
Meanwhile, Coaches Luddeke and Finney are preparing the next group of students for this year’s competition. In a few weeks, they are heading to the district competition with fifteen students, organized into three teams of juniors, intermediates, and seniors, all aiming to qualify for State. The dream of winning State continues.
