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Over 40 students, participants, and volunteers attended the Green County Land Judging Competition on Thursday, July 14, 2016, to learn about judging land and soil. The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosts competitions every year for students across the state involving high school FFA programs. The competition was hosted by Green County Farmers Becky, Dan and Ashley Wegmueller. The rotationally grazed property provided a variety of soil types and land formations for students to enjoy hands-on learning. The NRCS promotes soil health and conservation to all ages. Targeted conservation education of high school age students helps build a strong foundation for agriculture and conservation before students choose future career paths.

A handful of experienced staff and partners directed the event, including Jason Thomas, NRCS District Conservationist; Shaunna Repking, NRCS Soil Scientist; Todd Jensen, Green County Conservationist; and Tonya Gratz, Green County Conservation Technician. Students from Cashton, Janesville Craig, Lancaster, Monticello, Pecatonica, Potosi and River Ridge participated in the event. The Cashton team placed first in the competition. Highest scoring individuals were Angela Klinkner, Sierra Hanley and Nicholas Gronemus of Cashton.

Land judging serves as a tool to teach participants about the field of soil science and the use and management of soils. It is a program designed to guide participants toward the understanding and importance of basic soil properties as they affect the use and management of soils, and best management practices applicable to take care of and manage our natural resources, including soil and water. "Conservation education is a huge part of NRCS, we'd love to get more student participants in these land judging contents; it's beneficial to have students learn about the importance of healthy, productive soil and how it impacts everyone, from the food we eat, to controlling pollutants in the air and water," said Jason Thomas, Green County District Conservationist.

The first step in determining good land use is to study the site and soils to determine capabilities. NRCS uses soil health tools to teach participants better land use by understanding factors that go into decisions. Four large pits are dug to expose soil profiles for judging on the property. Contestants are allowed around 15 minutes to assess each pit independently. NRCS competition hosts provide all equipment needed and guidelines for participants to have a great day learning and judging soils. "We're working together to get students thinking more about the importance of what's under our feet; participants are judging different soil textures, depths, slope, and more," said Tonya Gratz, Green County Conservation Technician.

Contestants measure thickness and determine textures of the topsoil, subsoil, and subsoil permeability. Participants study topsoil and subsoil samples up close for judging, along with describing characteristics of the soil profile and fertility. They also determine limiting factors for crop growth and production, land capability class, identify invasive species and choose potential conservation practices required for long-term resource management and conservation of the site. Understanding and relating soil properties to the surrounding landscape is an important part of land evaluation including position in landscape, slope, type and degree of erosion or deposition.

This year's State Competition recently coincided with Wisconsin Farm Tech Days in Walworth County. Eleven teams participated in the event the week of July 21st from Cashton, Cuba City, Janesville Craig, Lancaster, Monticello, Pecatonica, Platteville, Potosi, Riverdale, River Ridge and Shullsburg. Cashton took first place as a team in the State Competition. Highest scoring individuals were Katelyn Quick of River Ridge, Rebecca Gronemus of Cashton and Abby Pahnke of Shullsburg.

If you are interested in learning more about the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or participating in an upcoming land judging contest in Wisconsin, visit our website http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/wi/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_020876.