FFA State Land Judging Held in Perry County
Recently, staff from Alabama NRCS, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Resource Conservation and Development, and the Alabama Forestry Commission had the opportunity to assist the Alabama FFA Association with their annual Land Judging CDE (Career Development Event). FFA is a youth organization that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. This mission is accomplished through providing opportunities for students to practice and compete in competitions and leadership events that will prepare them for professional careers in agriculture. The land judging competition succeeds in introducing students to basic concepts of soil science - such as soil texture, slope estimates, runoff potential, and permeability - as well as enables students to practice prescribing recommended land management practices based on the data gathered at each pit.
The competition is comprised of a total of four soil pits, each one representing a distinct land use. Sites to be judged included cropland, pastureland, forestland, and homesite. This variance provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the diversity of agriculture in Alabama and exposes students to numerous career options. While the cropland, pastureland, and forestland sites each highlight concepts related to agricultural management, the homesite introduces practical skills for determining site suitability for construction of homes, roadways, septic tanks, and lawns and landscapes.
At this competition students analyzed a gently sloping cropland site and provided recommendations for how to manage for a successful crop. Some of the recommendation's students have been trained to identify include building/maintaining terraces, establishing field borders, contour farming, basic fertilizer recommendations and the importance of testing soil pH as related to lime application. At the pastureland site, students were able to differentiate between recommended permanent pasture plants and undesirable species. Students are also trained to check for the presence of legumes in pasture settings to ensure proper forage quality. At the forestland site, contestants were shown a maturing stand of longleaf pines and made recommendations such as prescribed burn, establishing firebreaks, and selective harvest of pine trees. At the homesite, students were able to identify soil features indicative of poor drainage and therefore provided guidance to avoid construction and septic system installation.
In total, forty-six students representing 12 high school FFA chapters from across the state made the trip to Perry County to compete. The top four teams will each receive a chapter banner at the FFA State Convention in June. Finishing first through fourth was Lincoln, Benjamin Russell, Douglas, and Falkville. The state champion team, Lincoln, will have the opportunity to represent Alabama at the national competition in May. Other competing schools included: Albertville, Baldwin County, Brantley, Cordova, Millry, Weaver, White Plains, and W.S. Neal. Overall, the event was extremely successful in providing students an opportunity to further their agricultural knowledge and enhance their career readiness.
Special thanks to Mr. Charles who allowed the competition to take place on his property near Marion, AL. Mr. Holmes is a recent recipient of the Hugh Hammond Bennett National Producer Award for Conservation Excellence and his efforts and assistance with this competition are greatly appreciated by everyone involved. Also, special thanks to the Perry County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Hale County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Bibb County Soil & Water Conservation District for their efforts to ensure that the competition was a huge success.
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