FREDERICKTOWN — The Agriscience Fair program is aimed at providing opportunities for experiential learning in a specific subject matter.
Ohio operates on a pre-qualifying system, similar to the National Agriscience Fair process. There are 36 total categories/divisions within the following categories: Animal Systems, Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Plant Systems, Power, Structural and Technical Systems, and Social Systems.
Ohio FFA members had the opportunity to submit their application and report project to the state for a pre-qualifying event. The state then evaluates those projects and names the top four finalist in each category to conduct a virtual interview with judges which is used to determine their final placing in the Ohio contest.
Participants in this activity as required to use the scientific theory to conduct a test or experiment regarding an aspect of agriculture. They must do research before the trials, form a hypothesis and complete records on their findings. Following the virtual interview, contestants will construct a Agriscience Fair Display board that summarizes the project and the results.
Fredericktown High School student Austin Robinson entered his project, “Probiotics: The Key to Thriving Calves,” as an entry into the Animal Systems in Division III, in which he had a display at the Ohio FFA State Convention.
Prior to the State Convention, Robinson was named one of the top four finalists in Ohio after an intense award application process. He then had to complete and online virtual interview and presentation with the judges.
Robinson was recognized on stage as a finalist at the fourth convention session, where they announce the final placings and their project ratings for Ohio.
Robinson was selected runner-up for Ohio. The Fredericktown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.