4-H land judging teams from Walsh and Eddy/Foster counties placed first in the senior and junior divisions of the land judging contest in Maddock.

The senior Walsh team of Tim Hodek of Fairdale, and Josh Ruzicka and Emily Zikmund, both of Fordville, placed first in the 4-H senior division. Hodek also was high individual in the senior division of the contest. The team is coached by Brad Brummond.

The Eddy/Foster County team of Savanna Friedt of Carrington, and Justin Lee and Tyler Lee, both of Grace City, placed first in the 4-H junior division. Friedt was the high individual in the junior division. The team is coached by Joel Lemer.

Stark-Billings placed second and McHenry County was the third-place team in the junior division.

The land judging contest consists of four sites. Each site includes a pit for the contestants to examine the soil profile and characteristics. Information on the soil depth history, present crop use, cropping plan and fertility levels is provided to the contestants. They use this information to estimate slope and potential erosion to determine land class and recommendations for management of the soil.

The Maddock FFA chapter hosted the contest. David Franzen, North Dakota State University Extension Service soils specialist, officiated the contest. Contest sponsors are North Dakota soil conservation districts and the North Dakota 4-H Foundation.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Aug. 7, 2012