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| Land judging and homesite evaluation programs educate youths about soil properties, and in West Virginia, these practices are often used when constructing buildings and homes or for farming and agricultural purposes. But it’s more than evaluating soil textures, composition, permeability, erosion characteristics and the slope of the land — for many youths, it’s a basis in the sciences and learning to be good stewards of the earth explained the team coach and Monroe County WVU Extension Service agent, Brian Wickline. “The point of the contest is for youths to comprehend the dynamics of the soil in front of them and give recommendations on how to manage it,” Wickline said. “Not only does it teach sound soil conservation practices and proper land management decisions, but for some, it can turn in to a lifelong interest.” He added that the youths’ dedication is evident by learning about something that not a lot of peers take interest in. The team buckled down to prepare for the competition in January and ramped up practice to four hours a week. They also spent a week in Oklahoma practicing on-site to acclimate to the wide variety of soils they’d be asked to judge. Jody Carpenter, Barbour County WVU Extension agent, said "This contest is very practical; the kids learn about soil properties and their relationships to agriculture and homesite construction. You wouldn't want to construct a basement if your soil texture and structure aren't conducive for it." The program is taught to students enrolled in vocational agriculture programs in high schools and to 4-H members in conservation camps. Contests are held around the state to test the knowledge of students, and winners are eligible to compete in the National Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma City each May. Wickline said the impact of the youth agriculture program is significant, as he’s had a number of former 4-H’ers go on to pursue agricultural science degrees from higher education institutions with hopes of making a career out of it. “So much of what we interact with on a daily basis is derived from the soil, but we don’t always pay enough attention to it,” Wickline added. “Several of our kids have become soil scientists, agriculturalists and some civil engineers. But even if they don’t, this program helps them develop an appreciation for the soil that will always benefit them.” "West Virginia 4-H teams have always done well at the national contest, it is really awesome to have our kids be among the best in the nation," Carpenter shared. From 1959 to 2022 (61 years), WV FFA and 4-H teams have won over 40 national championships. This includes the WVU Extension Barbour County 4-H Land Judging Team, who took home the 2022 National Land Judging 4-H Team Title. In addition, our 4-H'ers racked up other 2022 awards: Individual Homesite 4-H Champion Harley Knotts; Individual Land Judging 4-H Champion Jaxon Carpenter; and Individual Land Judging 4-H Reserve Champion Harley Knotts! Our goal is to raise $50,000 to establish an endowment to be used each year to support two teams to travel to Oklahoma annually. Help create the momentum by joining in our kick-of campaign! From June 1- June 30th we have a goal to raise $6,000 to send a team to Oklahoma. With your gift today, you are supporting a coach, chaperones, and students go the 4-H National Land Judging Competition. Here is how you can make a difference:
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