Competing in State Finals over the weekend at Fresno State University, Righetti FFA’s Fruit Tree Judging Team again took home state champion honors, bringing the silver bowl to the Santa Maria Valley and Righetti High School.

Fruit Tree Judging Team members hold their ribbons, trophies and plaques as they stand beneath a red, white and blue balloon arch. (Courtesy photo)
Fruit Tree Judging Team members are proud of the ribbons, trophies and plaques they won. (Courtesy photo)

Placements included First High Individual, Hazel Ward; Fourth High Individual – Sam Stubblefield; and Fifth High Individual, Selah Rodriguez. Also on the team was Haley Buchanan.

The Fruit Tree Judging event seeks to effectively prepare the students to learn current agriculture pomology practices and procedures used in today’s industry.

Workers seeking careers in agriculture must not only develop a high degree of knowledge and skill, they must also develop the ability to solve difficult problems.

The event blends the testing of manipulative skills and knowledge required for careers in agriculture production.