NRCS Celebrates National FFA Week, Highlights Range Judging Contest

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is celebrating National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week, Feb. 15-22, by recognizing the importance of agricultural education and its role in shaping future conservation leaders.

One such opportunity for young people to engage with conservation principles was the North Dakota FFA and 4-H State Range Judging Contest, held near Tioga, N.D., on Sept. 19, 2024. More than 100 FFA and 4-H students participated in the event, learning how to assess rangeland health, identify plant communities, and develop management strategies to improve ecosystems.

“Range judging teaches students to read the land and make informed decisions about its management,” said Malinda Ferguson, NRCS district conservationist in the Williston Field Office. “It’s a hands-on way for them to see the connection between soil, plants, and livestock and understand how conservation plays a role in maintaining healthy landscapes.”

The contest also sparked interest in conservation careers. Following the event, a Stanley FFA student requested to job shadow NRCS for a day and attended a Rangeland Ecological Site Description training last fall.

“The student told us they’re now considering a degree in natural resources,” Ferguson said. “It was a great experience working with these FFA kids and seeing their enthusiasm for conservation.”

NRCS remains committed to supporting agricultural education and fostering the next generation of conservation professionals. Through partnerships with organizations like FFA and 4-H, young people gain valuable skills that contribute to sustainable land management and the future of North Dakota’s natural resources.

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