Summerland FFA Excels at District Livestock Judging

Two Summerland FFA teams qualify for state competition

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Summerland FFA chapter had a strong showing at the District 4 Livestock Judging Competition, with several individual and team qualifications for the upcoming state competition in Lincoln.

Why it matters

The Summerland FFA chapter's success at the district competition demonstrates the hard work and dedication of its members, as well as the strength of the school's agricultural education program. Qualifying for the state competition is a significant achievement that will bring positive attention to the school and community.

The details

At the District 4 Livestock Judging Competition, 12 Summerland FFA members competed, with several standout individual and team performances. In the Junior Division, Braelyn Bergman placed 2nd out of 127 participants, Alive Bearinger placed 4th, and Ellie Heiss received a blue ribbon. The Junior Division team, consisting of Braelyn Bergman, Alive Bearinger, Ellie Heiss, and Ian Rittscher, placed 4th and qualified for the state competition. In the Senior Division, Clair Krysl placed 2nd out of 109 participants, Cassie Livingston placed 3rd, and Sierra Thomson placed 10th, all receiving purple ribbons. Shaylie Kester received a blue ribbon, and Breckyn Bergman received a red ribbon. The Senior Division team, made up of Clair Krysl, Cassie Livingston, Sierra Thomson, and Shaylie Kester, were the District Champion Team and also qualified for the state competition.

  • The District 4 Livestock Judging Competition took place on January 28, 2026.
  • The state competition in Lincoln is scheduled for the end of March 2026.

The players

Summerland FFA

The Summerland FFA chapter is a student organization focused on agricultural education and leadership development.

Northeast Community College

The District 4 Livestock Judging Competition was held at Northeast Community College.

Braelyn Bergman

A Summerland FFA member who placed 2nd in the Junior Division of the livestock judging competition.

Alive Bearinger

A Summerland FFA member who placed 4th in the Junior Division of the livestock judging competition.

Clair Krysl

A Summerland FFA member who placed 2nd in the Senior Division of the livestock judging competition.

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What’s next

The Summerland FFA chapter will compete in the state competition in Lincoln at the end of March 2026.

The takeaway

The Summerland FFA chapter's strong performance at the district livestock judging competition demonstrates the quality of its agricultural education program and the dedication of its members. Qualifying two teams for the state competition is a significant achievement that will bring positive recognition to the school and community.