SDSU Extension, along with the Jones County Conservation District and the South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), hosted the 38th Annual Rangeland and 17th Annual Soils Days in Murdo.
The first day of the event focused on learning about rangelands and soils, and students were allowed to prepare for the contest. The soils judging and rangeland judging contests were held the second day of the event.
"The two days students get to spend out in the field allow them to learn about the importance of rangelands and develop valuable skills in a unique learning environment," says Krista Ehlert, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Range Specialist. "The event takes the practical applications of rangeland ecology and soil properties and puts it into context for students in a real-world experience. From the New Rangers to the Go Getters, every student walks away from this event with knowledge and skills they can use now and in the future."
The 1st place 4-H Go Getter Rangeland Judging Team and the 1st place 4-H Soils Judging Team will travel to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in May of 2023.
Contestants for each contest are evaluated individually, then individual scores are grouped together for a team score.
17th Annual Soils Day Results
In the soils judging event, contestants use their knowledge of soils and land to determine soil properties, recommend land treatments and fertility treatments and determine land capability class. Contestants also determine site suitability for homesite development including foundations, lawns, septic systems and sewage lagoons.
Categories: South Dakota, Crops