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Students from high schools across central Nebraska evaluate soil during the 2022 North Central Land Judging Contest held near Ord on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Four pits were dug on the Lower Loup NRD’s Aagaard Farm. Each varied in its soil properties. Students evaluated each one on characteristics like soil texture, permeability, and thickness of the surface layer. Competing students also had opportunities to weigh in on possible conservation practices that could benefit the land. Students braved the wind, but autumn temperatures were mild. Sprinkles held off until after the contest.
High School students from across a large swath of Nebraska competed in the 2022 North Central Land Judging Contest on Oct. 12 at the Lower Loup Natural Resources District’s Aagaard Farm near Ord.
Students from Anselmo-Merna, Central Valley, Fullerton, Ord, Palmer, Twin River, and even as far away as Verdigre took part in the contest hosted by the Lower Loup NRD and NRCS, with support from the State Land Judging Committee. Land Judging challenges students to gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation by enabling participants to learn how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices necessary for proper stewardship.
Logan Kershaw and Aiden Cuba, both of Twin River, placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the individual rankings, followed by Gatlin Reinners (Palmer) in 3rd place, and Hana Mamot (Palmer) in 4th place. In the team rankings, Twin River took 1st place, Palmer took 2nd and 3rd, and Ord won 4th. Teams from Twin River, Palmer, and Ord qualified for State. Dave Tejral of Twin River won first place in the adult division, followed by Max Voichahoske of Fullerton in second place.