Spencer County FFA Dairy Team Wins Big at National Events

By Blake Jackson

As the dairy industry celebrates National Dairy Month this June, students from Spencer County High School (SCHS) are proving their lasting dedication to the field through their nationally acclaimed dairy judging team. Known for their consistent excellence, the team has earned a strong reputation at both state and national levels.

In October, the SCHS team took part in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event.

This event allows students to refine skills related to dairy cattle assessment and herd management. True to form, the team secured another first-place finish, continuing a long-standing tradition of success.

Bland Baird, a retired agriculture teacher and long-time coach of the team, has been mentoring students for two decades. Under his leadership, SCHS has built a legacy of winning.

“We have won the national contest 11 times, but we have won at the state level probably the last 20 years, except for one year,” Baird said. “By winning the state competition, you are qualified to participate in the nationals.”

Their achievements go beyond trophies. Victories at the national level open doors to international opportunities, including the prestigious Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland. The team has already claimed the top spot there twice.

“This year will be the tenth year that we have participated in Scotland,” Baird shared. “We're leaving on June 18, the competition is two days later, and after that we are going to be traveling on a tour for two weeks.”

Preparation for competitions began last January, with the team meeting four times a week. Throughout the season, they competed in numerous events to sharpen their abilities. Baird, who began his teaching career in 1978, noted that this will be his final trip as the team’s coach.

Remarkably, none of the current team members were raised on dairy farms. Their impressive knowledge stems from Baird’s guidance and hands-on experience in the field. His decades of leadership have paved the way for a team that continues to stand out year after year.

Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa