Boyceville places first, Colfax third in Tri County Land Evaluation Contest

submitted by Janell Newcomb, Dunn County Land and Water Conservation Division

PEPIN — Pepin County hosted the 2016 Tri County Land Evaluation Contest on Thursday, October 6th at R. Green Acres Farm in Pepin, WI. This contest is an annual event hosted by Dunn and Pepin Counties and is open to schools in the surrounding area. Approximately 136 students, representing five schools and four counties, participated in the event – Boyceville, Colfax, Menomonie, Mondovi and Spring Valley.

The students examined four soil pits to determine the texture, structure, depth, slope and drainage of the soil. They were also tasked with determining soil fertility and nutrient management requirements. Using that information, they then identified soil erosion and land use limitations and capabilities of the soil and recommended the farm management and conservation practices.

The top team in the event was from Boyceville led by Agriscience Instructor, Glenn Knudtson. The Boyceville team scored a total of 1,100 points. Eli Swanson had the top individual score of 302. Brad Mounce, (288), Taylor Grambow, (263) and Cade Klefstad, (247) were the other team members that contributed toward the winning score.

The Menomonie FFA team directed by Agriscience Instructor Jean D’Angelo, placed second in the contest with a score of 1,032. Team members Devin Plett (270), Ellie Fritz (260), Alex Kelly (253) and Jarin Boettcher (249) were the top-scoring individuals.

Third place honors went to the Colfax team, under the direction of John Nelson, with a score of 1,011. Top scorers were Andrew Schneider (275), Dalton Bradford (262), Hannah Sykora (239) and Taylor Meyer (235).

Receiving fourth place with a team score of 976 was Spring Valley. The team is under the direction of Agriscience Instructor, Carter Turner. Kaleb Olson received top score for the team with 248 points. Other top-scorers were Matthew Aamodt (243), Brennan Coffman (243) and Brendin Williams (242).

The Mondovi team, under the direction of Agriscience Instructor, Darin Gray, placed fifth with a team total of 773. Leading scorers were Ben Halverson (206), Dalton Kahler (192), Tori Ross (188) and Lucas Ganschow (187).

Michael England, USDA-NRCS Soil Scientist, was the official judge along with USDA-NRCS Soil Scientists, Tim Miland and Betsy Shug. Todd Mau, staff from Pepin and Dunn County Land and Water Conservation, and UW-Extension-Durand Center also assisted.