Urbana FFA students recently competed in the District 6 FFA Soil Judging Career Development Event at Old Reid Park in Springfield. Students have been practicing since early September to prepare for the competition, which challenges students to evaluate soil characteristics and make recommendations based on real-world land use and agricultural needs.

The Agricultural Soil Judging Team placed second at the district competition, qualifying the team for the State Competition. Team members Isabelle Shoemaker, who placed sixth individually, and Clayton Schafer, who placed eighth, both finished in the Top 10 individually. Kaden Gochenouer and Lola Rice rounded out the qualifying team.

The Agricultural competition focuses on soil management for crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans and alfalfa. Students evaluate factors including erosion, compaction, water quality, fertility, drainage, soil structure and soil texture before developing recommended management practices.

The Soil Judging Team placed eighth, with Madison Farmer earning second place individually and qualifying for the State Competition. The Urban competition challenges students to evaluate soil for uses including buildings with basements, sewage treatment systems, driveways and roads, and lawns, gardens and landscaping.

Congratulations to all of our Urbana FFA students for their hard work and success at the District 6 competition!