Southern Ag Center

Future farmers from across the state convened at the Southern University M. A. Edmond Livestock Arena for the 45th Annual Louisiana Future Farmers of America (FFA) Soil Judging Career Development Event (CDE) on Wednesday, November 15.

More than 200 FFA members on 50 teams participated in the day-long event. Each team was asked to examine the soil exposed in excavated pits, describe various soil properties, place soil in the proper land capability class, and record accompanying natural resource conservation practices for each site.

This year, North Central High School, near Opelousas, Louisiana, won first-place honors. Kaplan High School placed second overall; South Lafourche High School placed third; Port Barre High School placed fourth; and Comeaux High School from Lafayette took fifth place honors. Justen Harris from Port Barre High School was the highest scoring FFA participant.

The Soil Judging CDE is an educational event designed to help students learn about and evaluate the properties and uses of soils collected in the state. Students learn the differences in soils and their capabilities, treatments to obtain production, and methods to conserve and improve soil.

The event was sponsored by the Louisiana Association of FFA, Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Society, and Louisiana’s 44 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. NRCS soil scientists worked directly with FFA staff and Southern University professors and staff to conduct the event. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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