LLCC Ag Club students shine at state Professional Agriculture Student contest

SPRINGFIELD — Seventeen Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture Club members recently competed at the Illinois Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) conference held in Normal. Fifteen members earned top rankings to advance to the national competition, which will be held in Sheridan, Wyo. March 18-21.
 
LLCC’s Swine Specialist Team won first place overall. The team includes Jordan Shields, of Winfield, Mo., who also placed first individually; Bailey Shields, of Winfield, Mo., who placed second individually; and Taylor Armstrong of Huntsville, who placed third individually.
 
The Sheep Specialist Team placed third overall. The team includes Karly Reel, of Mendota, who also placed third individually; Kelsey Snyder, of Shelby, Ohio; and Ava Shroyer, of Degraff, Ohio.
 
Two Soil Specialist Teams participated from LLCC. Sawyer Smith, of Auburn; Kinsey Mennen, of Logansport, Ind.; and Clay Aylesworth, of Mt. Pulaski placed first overall with Smith taking top individual honors. Mennen placed third individually and Aylesworth placed fourth. The soils team of Leah Sargeant, of Macomb; Avery Pope, of Harvel; and Maggie White, of Murrayville placed third overall.
 
In Prepared Public Speaking, Maggie Bland, of Eldred, took third place and Michael Matesa, of Staunton, placed third in an Agriculture Education job interview and was elected as the second vice-president of Illinois PAS for next year. Ally Loosen, of Hartland, Wis., placed second in a Livestock Services Job Interview.
 
Seven members participated in the double elimination college bowl contest which finished with two wins and two losses for the day. The team included Armstrong, White, Pope, Sargeant, Mennen, Leedah Scheer, of Ashland; and Malena Kirgan, of New Holland.
 
PAS is a nationally recognized student organization that brings education and industry together in agriculture. The LLCC Agriculture Club is advised by Liz Conrady, Liz Stamberger and Bill Harmon.