By Alyssa Holcomb

Monticello FFA Reporter 2019-20

On July 22 and 23, members from the Monticello FFA Chapter competed in two different soils judging contests in attempt to qualify for the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma next May. Monday, July 22 FFA members participated in the Green County Soils Judging Contest northwest of Monroe at Carrousel Farms, in preparation for the Wisconsin State FFA contest held the following day. At this event, the Monticello team consisting of Sarah Brokopp, Harley Disch, Natalie and I placed third with a score of 891 points out of a possible 1,200. Natalie was recognized with a plaque as she ranked second place individually with a score of 321 out of 400 points. Hannah Clark also competed individually at this event and did well by earning 277 points in her first contest. Special thanks go to the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department for hosting the contest and the Monroe Moose Lodge for providing lunch after. 

At the conclusion of this event, Natalie, Harley and I, then travelled to Watertown, Wisconsin to compete in the Wisconsin State FFA Soils Judging Contest. This event coincided with the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days held in Jefferson County. The state event was conducted on July 23 and resulted in a strong finish as the FFA members qualified for nationals with a fourth-place finish by earning 948 points. Natalie was again recognized with a first-place individual plaque by earning 368 points at this contest. Special thanks go to the Watertown FFA Chapter for hosting this contest and congratulations to the qualifying competitors from Monticello. 

Good luck in Oklahoma next May!