FFA students named national finalists

Tucumcari FFA students MiKayla Klinger and Ashton Smith recently were named national finalists for their hydroponic tomato perception research project.

They were ranked in the top 10 in their division to earn the nationals berth after winning the state competition.

Klinger and Smith's project tried to determine whether respondents had a preference with how their tomatoes were grown.

"This was important to us because our FFA chapter operates a hydroponic greenhouse and often struggles consistently marketing our tomatoes," they wrote in their presentation. "In the greater ag industry, consumer perception drives sales. Agriculturists can benefit from studying and understanding consumer preferences when buying products."

The survey, which had 702 responses, indicated 49% to 56% chose tomatoes on visual qualities over how they were grown. When considering organic, hydroponic or traditionally grown methods, respondents indicated they felt comfortable with any of those.

"Our results were similar to other published studies, showing that consumers conduct their buying according to appearance at the store. The results from our studies as well as other similar studies drive home the importance of consumer preference in marketing ag products," they wrote.

The National FFA Convention will be in Indianapolis on Oct. 26-30, where they will give their presentation.