4-H land judging teams from Stark-Billings counties placed first in the senior and junior divisions of the state 4-H land judging contest in Park River on Thursday, Aug. 7.

The team of Stetson Pedersen, Caden Tuhy, Marissa Tuhy and Tristen Polensky, all of Dickinson, placed first in the 4-H senior division. Pedersen also was high individual in the senior division of the contest. Kurt Froelich coached the Stark-Billings teams.

The Walsh County team of Toby Zikmund of Pisek, Taylor Knudson and Trevor Knudson of Dahlen, Kaitlyn Nelson of Grafton and Britton Bina of Lankin placed second in the senior division. Brad Brummond coached the Walsh County teams.

The Stark-Billings team of Seth Polensky, Kail Larsen, Alexa Dineen, Kyle Kostelectky and Skylar Hondl, all of Dickinson, placed first in the junior division.

The Eddy County team placed second in the junior division. Team members are Justin Lee, Tyler Lee and Beth Lee of Grace City, and Chris Becker of McHenry. Joel Lemer, Missy Hanson and Tim Becker coached the team.

The Walsh County junior division team of Lilly Bina of Lankin; Jonah Zikmund, Owen Zikmund and Zach Zikmund of Pisek; Sara Hodek of Fairdale; Seth Nelson of Grafton; and Andrew Myrdahl of Edinburg placed third.

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, and estimate slope and potential erosion, to determine land class and recommendations for management of the soil.

The North Dakota State University Extension Service’s Walsh County office hosted the contest with support and sponsorship from the Walsh County Crop Improvement Association, Walsh County Natural Resources Conservation Service and North Dakota 4-H Foundation. David Franzen, NDSU Extension soils specialist, officiated the contest.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Aug. 11, 2014