Jadynn Justice, representing Katy High School FFA, earned reserve High Individual Overall and received a $1,000 scholarship at the annual 4-H and FFA Floriculture Contest during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on January 21.

At the event hosted at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, students identified plant materials, tools and pests, as well as floral design, and were tested on their knowledge. Twenty-three teams and 87 individuals participated in this year’s contest.

The goal of the contest is to enhance participants’ knowledge of the floriculture industry in support of high school floriculture programs as well as awareness of the increasing business and career opportunities presented in this rapidly expanding field of agriculture, organizers said in a January 28 press release.

“The FWSSR takes pride in providing agriculture and livestock production learning opportunities through livestock shows, judging contests and other competitions that test their knowledge and skills in areas including robotics, wildlife and habitat management, horticulture and equine care and production to name a few,” the release said. “Both 4-H and FFA members from more than 232 of Texas’ 254 counties are competing for premium awards, scholarships and the chance to sell their animals in the Jr. Sale of Champions. Their experiences enlighten them on the importance of natural resource stewardship and feeding a growing global population.”

“Helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders goes to the heart of the mission of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo,” said FWSSR President and General Manager Matt Carter. “Regardless of where their career path takes them, the experiences and lessons learned here are invaluable.”