Chelan FFA team honored as state champions in apple judging competition

Washington State Future Farmers of America State Champions in Apple Judging. Chelan FFA team members Lupita Jimenez, left, Haley McClellan, Abby Ludwig, Mariana Cortez, and Jimena Oregon.

A Chelan Future Farmers of America team (FFA) won first place at the recent Washington FFA Apple Judging Competition.

Lake Chelan School Superintendent Brad Wilson says the seven-member Chelan team was named state champions at the career development event.

"I'm real proud of these kids," said Wilson. "It takes a lot of practice and work to be the very best at apple judging. The students have to make determinations on different types of varieties, analyze blemishes, and other characteristics of apple quality."

"(FFA) Students take part in a number of competitions that are hopefully not just fun and learn a little bit about agriculture but also prepare them for their future and potential jobs in the ag industry," added Wilson.

The last time Chelan FFA won Washington State State Apple Judging competition was over ten years ago.