Hamilton County Hosts Regional Soil Judging Competition

The Bray Family Homestead Park was the site of a recent “Soil Judging” competition for high school students from eight different counties.  Nearly 140 students took part in a competition to test their knowledge and understanding of soil characteristics, and how those characteristics (soil texture, composition, drainage, layers, etc.) affect various land use choices.   Teams of four students each judged four different soil pits that were excavated on the property in various soil types and conditions.  Teams from each school district were accompanied by their coach, but judged the soils individually without assistance.  Following the timed competition, score sheets were turned in and tabulated by Purdue Extension staff, while students gathered at each soil pit for a review by soil scientists. Teams from Hamilton County Schools included Sheridan FFA, Hamilton Heights FFA, and Hamilton Southeastern FFA.           

The top ranking individual in the junior division was Patrick Weitzel (coached by Phil Carter) from Sheridan 4-H, and the top ranking individual in the senior division was Chase Neville from Franklin FFA.  The winning team, consisting of Brandon Rice, Kayla Bechman, Erin Bush, and Bailey Johnson (coached by Tom Bechman) was also from Franklin FFA.             

The Area VI 4-H/FFA Soils Career Development Event was a collaboration between the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Purdue Extension, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, Purdue University, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Roudebush Excavating, Inc.  If you are a student or know of a student who might be interested in Soil Judging please contact your school FFA leader, Purdue Extension at 317-776-0854, or the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District at 317-773-2181.