The Iowa FFA Extemporaneous Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) was held at the Iowa State Center, Ames, on Monday, April 17, 2023. Twelve individuals participated in this year's LDE. The second place individual for the event was Elli Blackford from the Osceola Big Chief FFA Chapter. Their agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor is Mrs. Brandi Boyd. The Extemporaneous Speaking event requires participants to deliver a speech on one of the four agricultural topics after given 30 minutes to prepare a four-to-six minute speech. This event is designed to encourage the development of FFA members in the ability to speak, to think and to answer questions readily before an audience.
Proficiency Area: Diversified Livestock Production State Winner: Elli Blackford FFA
Chapter: Osceola Big Chief FFA Chapter Description: The winner in Diversified Livestock Production is Elli Blackford of the Osceola Big Chief FFA Chapter. Blackford has invested thousands of hours working at Ruby Cattle Company and with their goat herd. She has worked as a farmhand and herdsman with a wide array of responsibilities. She also raises her own herd of Maintainers, Angus, and Simmental cows. Through this SAE Blackford has learned how to create a nutritional plan, the scientific principles in breeding livestock, and most importantly hard work and dedication. Elli is currently a junior at Clarke High School.