Lubbock Students to Compete at National FFA Convention
Lubbock High School siblings earned their national spot by winning a state science project competition.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Organic Food
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Lubbock High School students Kaylyn and Carter Baker will travel to the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis starting October 21, 2026. The siblings qualified for the event after winning the state FFA convention with their research project on chick health.
Why it matters
The project, titled Pecking at Performance, highlights the practical application of agricultural science in local student learning. AgTexas supported the educational achievement by providing funding for the students to travel to the upcoming national competition.
The study assigned 21 Barred Rock chicks to three treatment groups to compare powdered and liquid probiotics. Researchers identified Hydro-Hen as the most effective probiotic supplement for the birds.
The players
Kaylyn and Carter Baker
These students at Lubbock High School developed an award-winning science project focused on poultry probiotics.
AgTexas
This agricultural lending institution provided the necessary funding for the student researchers to travel to the national convention.
The details
The students compared the effects of powdered and liquid probiotic supplements on 21 Barred Rock chicks. Their research focused on improving poultry performance, ultimately naming Hydro-Hen as the optimal choice for the birds.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The 99th National FFA Convention and Expo begins in Indianapolis.
Culture Shift
The project follows the pattern set by National FFA Organization agricultural education programs, which encourage student-led research projects. This accomplishment underscores a growing trend of high school students engaging in practical, science-based agricultural studies.
This success highlights the research opportunities available to students within the local school district. Residents can support local youth agricultural education through programs that help fund student travel and project development.
The takeaway
The students' success demonstrates how small-scale scientific research can lead to significant educational opportunities. Students interested in agriculture can utilize similar controlled-testing methods to explore the efficacy of various natural supplements.
What happens next
The 99th National FFA Convention and Expo is scheduled to begin in Indianapolis on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local agricultural developments in Lubbock.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kcbd.
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