JJC Agriculture Students Excel at PAS State Competition

Three Joliet Junior College agriculture specialist teams placed at the 2023 Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) state competition. 

The swine specialist team placed first with the three individuals sweeping the individual podium. Mackenzie Hodupp was first overall, Jack Link was second and Peytin Herith was third. 

Kyla Mennen, Ivan Miller and Nick Angus competed as JJC’s sheep specialist team to place second. 

The crop specialists team of Angus, Jack Beetz and Jordan Countryman also placed second. In addition, Angus won third individually. 

According to JJC agriculture professor and PAS advisor Jeffrey Landers, the specialist competitions focus on various parts of the agriculture industry and include a written exam, a team problem solving scenario and an oral presentation. 

“These events are meant to prepare students for their future by giving them technical skills in agriculture and other skills, including public speaking, problem solving and critical thinking skills,” Landers said. “The JJC agriculture department strives to not only provide great in the classroom experiences, but also great experiences outside of the classroom.” 

One more JJC student shined at the state competition as Keely Wixted was elected the Illinois state PAS president. Duties of the role will include creating and hosting the spring and fall PAS conferences and contests and representing the state PAS chapter at industry and educational organizational meetings. 

“I couldn’t believe that I was given the opportunity to hold such a role, and more importantly, to represent and lead my fellow agriculture students from colleges across the state,” Wixted said. “I feel very fortunate to be selected for this position and confident that with the other officers on this year’s team, the Illinois PAS will be successful.” 

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Manager Katie Smith at 815-280-2844 or katherine.smith@jjc.edu.