The Atlantic FFA chapter competed in the Southwest Iowa District Soils Judging Contest at the Armstrong Research Farm in Lewis on Wednesday, Sept. 21. 188 FFA members made up 46 teams from 23 schools at the Soils Career Development Event.

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

Team Two placed twelfth with team members Callee Pellett, Charli Goff, Clarie Pellett, and Mary McCurdy. Ca. Pellett said, “I had fun. It was a good experience and I would like to do it again next year.” Team Three, which consisted of Colton Rudy, Charles Klemmensen, and Joaquin Wailes, placed twenty-seventh.

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. McCurdy said, “It was a lot of fun! 10 out of 10 and I would do it again.”

After the contest took place, Eric 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.”