The Savannah FFA Meats Evaluation and Technology team proudly represented both Savannah High School and the state of Missouri at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. After months of dedication, practice, and travel, the team earned an impressive fourth-place finish in the nation, taking home a Gold Emblem award for their outstanding performance.
Team members Kaylea Farrell, Addison Neiderhouse, Mackenzie Schmutzler, and Reagan Rodgers secured their spot at nationals after winning the Missouri State Meats Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) earlier this year. Under the guidance of longtime FFA sponsor Jeff Bauman, the team spent their summer and fall sharpening their skills at collegiate meat science facilities, including Iowa State University, the University of Nebraska, the University of Illinois, and the University of Missouri.
Individually, the Savannah competitors excelled on the national stage:
Mackenzie Schmutzler – 3rd place overall (Gold Emblem)
Addison Neiderhouse – 8th place overall (Gold Emblem)
Kaylea Farrell – 10th place overall (Gold Emblem)
Reagan Rodgers – Silver Emblem recognition
The Meats Evaluation and Technology event challenges students to apply their knowledge of the meat animal industry, evaluating products for quality, yield, and consumer value while strengthening their teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Savannah High School has a long-standing tradition of agricultural excellence, and these young women are continuing that legacy with pride. Many are second- and third-generation FFA members, carrying on family traditions of leadership, hard work, and commitment to the future of agriculture.
Two team members, Addison Neiderhouse and Kaylea Farrell, are continuing their FFA journey at the collegiate level—furthering both their education and their passion for agricultural science and leadership.
“The dedication these girls have shown is truly incredible,” said advisor Jeff Bauman. “They’ve put in countless hours of preparation, and their success reflects not only their talent but the strength of our entire FFA community here in Savannah.”
The event was held at the Land O’Lakes Center for Experiential Learning at Purdue University, one of many educational contests where students bring classroom lessons to life in real-world agricultural settings.
Congratulations to these outstanding students and their advisor for representing Savannah—and the state of Missouri—with pride and excellence.