One-in-43 may not seem like very good odds, but a local FFA chapter proved those odds aren't impossible to overcome.

Dan Erdmann takes us to Berthold, where students are celebrating a recent national FFA victory.

(Troy Enga, Berthold FFA Advisor) "Berthold is a very good FFA town."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) And no one is disputing that fact now. The Berthold FFA Chapter has traveled a long road over the past few months- a road that's led them to national recognition.

(Ian Hall, Berthold Senior) "This last year, we knew we had a shot at it, but I didn't really ever think it was possible until it actually happened."


(Payton Lautenschlager, Berthold Junior) "Only one team in the state gets to go to it ,obviously, and once you compete in it, you're done forever, so it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) In order to qualify for the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, the Berthold FFA Livestock Judging Team had to beat nearly 50 other teams at the state level. After taking the North Dakota crown, Ian Hall, Payton and Mason Lautenschlager, Wyatt Hansen, and ag teacher, Troy Enga set off for Indiana on October 17th

(Troy Enga, Berthold FFA Advisor) "That's the best of the best down there, of course. Each state has got the same qualification in order to make it there, and so they are going up against probably the best livestock judgers in the nation."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) The competition includes 43 teams, evaluating beef, sheep, and swine, placing each in a specific class. The group admits, their expectations weren't very high going into the event, so it came as quite a surprise when the results were read: 17th overall, and 1st in the nation for beef cattle judging. Payton also captured second for individual beef cattle selection.

(Payton Lautenschlager, Berthold Junior) "It was a big surprise, I didn't expect to do that well I guess."

(Ian Hall, Berthold Senior) "You only get one shot at nationals, so I think we made a pretty good run at it."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) The Berthold FFA members already have their sights set on the next competition, but for now, they'll enjoy their accomplishments, and a few pats on the back from the community.

(Payton Lautenschlager, Berthold Junior) "It feels pretty cool, it's a big honor."


(Ian Hall, Berthold Senior) "It feels pretty awesome."


(Troy Enga, Berthold FFA Advisor) "Something to be very proud about."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) In Berthold, Dan Erdmann, KX News.

The Berthold FFA Chapter has around 50 active members this year. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list