By Scout Nelson
On October 16, high school students from across Nebraska converged near Norfolk to participate in the annual State Land Judging competition, a significant event in agricultural education. The competition, hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (NRD) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), challenged students to apply their knowledge of soil and land management.
The event took place under sunny skies with cool, breezy conditions, providing an ideal setting for the students to engage with the landscape. The chosen site featured a steep slope and was part of the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), offering a diverse array of soil parent materials such as loess, glacial till, eolian sands, and colluvium for evaluation.
"By exposing them to diverse soil types each year, they are challenged to determine appropriate management styles needed from one side of the state to the other," said Brian Bruckner, General Manager of the Lower Elkhorn NRD. "It has been our pleasure to host the 2024 State FFA Land Judging Contest and we congratulate the students from across Nebraska who qualified for the contest and traveled to northeast Nebraska to compete.”
Land Judging competitions are crucial in helping students understand soil structure and its implications for land use. Participants from various FFA chapters form teams to assess physical soil features, determine land capability for crops, and suggest management practices for sustainability.
During the contest, participants evaluated four soil pits, using specific criteria such as soil depth, surface texture, permeability, and erosion on an evaluation card. These assessments help determine the best agricultural practices for each type of soil observed. Scores from these cards were used to rank individual and team performances, culminating in statewide recognition for top performers.
The State Land Judging not only tests students' understanding of agronomy but also instills a deeper respect for land stewardship, a critical skill for future generations of farmers and agricultural professionals. Through such competitions, students gain practical experience and insights into the complexities of soil management and conservation, vital for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Government & Policy