The NC Cooperative Extension team saw a need for a livestock related, hands-on program for FFA students in the region. The team worked to design a practical, real-world contest to both educate and test the students knowledge of beef cattle handling and production. Livestock Extension Agents work with high school agriculture teachers to educate students about the National Beef Quality Assurance Guidelines, general production practices, and livestock handling. Students learn how to properly sort beef cattle out of a group, guide the cattle through a livestock handling facility, and restrain each animal individually to properly administer vaccinations. Each team of three students are scored based on preparedness, teamwork, safety, and correctness of vaccine administration. The top three teams from each regional competition will qualify to advance to the final state contest. Since the inaugural contest in 2016, we have seen steady growth. The competition has expanded to four contests per year, the number of FFA students participating has increased 233% since 2016.