(Lewis, Iowa) – The Atlantic FFA chapter competed in the Southwest Iowa District Soils Judging Contest at the Armstrong Research Farm in Lewis on Wednesday, September 21st. There were 188 FFA members that made up 46 teams from 23 schools at the Soils Career Development Event.

Atlantic FFA had 11 individuals compete in 3 teams. Team 1 which consisted of Brent Masker, Brett Dreager, Daniel Freund and DJ Shepperd got 10th place overall and earned a gold rating. “It was a fun experience and you get a chance to see different dirt each year,” said team member Daniel Freund.

Team 2 placed 12th with team members Callee, Pellett, Charli Goff, Clarie Pellett and Mary McCurdy placed 12th. Callee Pellett said, “I had fun. It was a good experience and I would like to do it again next year.“ Team 3 consisted of Colton Rudy, Charles Klemmensen and joaquin Wailes placed 27th.

Team members back row from left to right are:
SW District Treasurer Dylan Comes, Joaquin Wailes, Charles Klemmensen, Daniel Freund, DJ Shepperd, Brent Masker, COlton Rudy, SW District VP Colin Bauer, SW State President George Martin,
Front row Callee Pellett, Claire Pellett, Brett Dreager, Mary McCurdy, Charli Goff

The Soils Judging Career Development Event is designed towards motivating students to gain knowledge on surface features, the soil profile, land capability and productivity, evaluation of land use and management practices, and suitability of soils for nonagricultural uses. Students also develop the ability to observe selected soil properties, and use these observations to interpret and evaluate these properties for recommendations for land use.

Mary McCurdy said, “It was a lot of fun! 10 out of 10 and I would do it again.” After the contest took place, Mr. Miller, the Atlantic FFA advisor, felt good about the day’s competition. “I was impressed with the way our students performed. They made a lot of improvement in a very short amount of time.”

(Reporting by Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller)