Olivia VanEvera is tops in the nation.
The Cobleskill-Richmondville sophomore placed first in the Future Farmers of America Dairy Cattle Handlers event in national competition last week in Indianapolis.
No one has done that before; Olivia’s the first C-R or Cobleskill student to finish first in FFA Nationals.
“I consider it an honor,” Olivia said. “I’m proud to represent Cobleskill-Richmondville and New York State at Nationals.”
The daughter of Jacob and Lydia VanEvera, Olivia won the event at the State Fair in Syracuse to advance to Nationals.
“It’s how to present yourself and how to present your animal,” Olivia said, describing dairy cattle handling.
“How do you calm an animal if it’s misbehaving? That kind of thing.”
Competitors are given two animals in case one is troublesome. Olivia had a Jersey cow and a calf.
“You get animals you’ve never seen before, and you don’t know the judge,” Olivia said.
She credits C-R FFA advisor Justin Ferreira and former FFA advisor Deb Fletcher with helping her get to this point.
Mr. Ferreira was with Olivia at the competition. He told her that no matter where she placed, being a sophomore in the awards ceremony is an achievement in itself.
“This mindset that Olivia had while anxiously waiting for the awards announcement is not something we advisors see very day,” Mr. Ferreira said.
“In that room, Olivia saw the big picture: How her success could affect others sat C-RCS and within the state of New York.”
Thrilled with the event and competition, Olivia also enjoyed meeting people and making new friends––like State Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.
Naturally she made friends with newly-met FFA members, especially a girl from Illinois.
“We said it would be wonderful if we finished one-two,” Olivia said. “We didn’t care who was first or second.”
While Olivia was proud to represent C-R and the community, both are proud of her.
“The rich history of FFA at Cobleskill-Richmondville has never experienced anything like what Olivia accomplished,” said C-R school board President Bruce Tryon.
“This is an unprecedented honor. Our school and community are so proud of Olivia’s remarkable achievement.”
At Monday night’s school board meeting, High School Principal Brett Barr had similar thoughts.
“Think about that––a national champion,” Mr. Barr said.
Olivia’s mom agreed.
“We’re extremely proud. She’s done a lot of hard work,” Ms. VanEvera said.
Back home in Lawyersville, Olivia tackles chores at her parents’ Windcrest Farm and raises her own show cows, fixing their diets and preparing them for showing.
“I take it very seriously,” she said. “It’s something I love to do. It’s my passion.”
Olivia’s long-term goal is to have her own farm; short-term, it’s continuing to compete in FFA events.