The 2017 Southwest Wisconsin Land Judging Contest was held Wednesday, October 18, at the Plainview Stock Farm owned by Keith, Teresa, Trent and Krishell Blumer, about one mile north of Albany. This contest is co-hosted by Grant, Lafayette, and Green County. Those participating were from: Albany, Belmont, Black Hawk, Cassville, Cuba City, Lancaster, Monroe, Monticello, Pecatonica, Platteville, Potosi, and Shullsburg. A total of 180 students participated in the contest.

The students reviewed four soil pits and evaluated soil properties, estimated slope, ranked land classes, and recommended conservation practices in the contest.

The results are as follows: Top Individual was Andy Eyler of Monticello, second place was Zach Woodword of Shullsburg, third place was Madi Russell of Shullsburg, fourth place was Chantee Lamp of Monticello, and fifth place was Hunter Huschitt of Monroe. In team results, Monticello placed first, Black Hawk second, Shullsburg third, Cassville fourth, and Potosi fifth.

Thank yous go to Rufer and Son for digging the pits for the contest. Kevin Traastad of the Natural Resources Conservation Service was the official judge of the contest. And of course, a big thanks to the Blumers for agreeing to host the event.