On the brisk morning of March 31st, three Levy County 4-H Members seize new opportunities by competing in the 2023 State Land Judging Contest hosted by FFA. The members arrived at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center to check-in and prepare for the day. From there, members traveled to a local field that contained the areas to be judged.

This is the first time that Levy County 4-H has had a presence at a State Land Judging contest in over 7 years. These members have been preparing for the contest since November of 2022. Practices included many hands on learning activities that were provided through Levy County Ag Agent, Mark Warren and Environmental Pedology Assistant Professor, Dr. Allan Bacon. Learning activities included everything from walking slopes and feeling the textures of different soil types to practicing filling out score cards in pits.

At the State Land Judging Contest, 4-H and FFA members judge 4 pits, including one for homesite evaluation. During the contest, members have 20 minutes at each pit and then  walk through the results at the end of the contest. Contestants are looking at the soil texture, permeability, root zones and more to determine the land class.

Levy County 4-H placed 3rd in the 4-H High School Division. We would like to congratulate these 4-H members on their accomplishment and for doing something outside of their comfort zone! The 3rd Place 4-H High School Division State Land Judging Team consisted of Abigail Campbell, Nox Hobby and Brandon Watson. We are excited to see what these members can accomplish next year!

To discover more about Levy County 4-H and the opportunities available to your youth, visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/levy/4-h/.

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