The Linn SWCD is the proud sponsor of the Upper Willamette District FFA Soil Judging Contest

Results from the 2011 Contest:

Photos courtesy of Albany Democrat Herald

 Individual

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1st Place: Andrew Miles, Scio

2nd Place: Tyler Roufner, Scio

3rd Place: Zane Leabo, Santiam Christian

Novice

1st Place: Mikaylai Manzi, Santiam Christian

2nd Place: Mckenzie Allen, Santiam

3rd Place: Rose Kiel, Santiam

Team

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1st Place: Scio

2nd Place: Santiam Christian

3rd Place: Santiam

On October 5, 2011 Linn Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) sponsored the Upper Willamette District FFA Soils Contest
south of Crawfordsville at Pearl Ridge owned by Cascade Timber Consulting. Approximately 139 students from four southern
and mid Willamette Valley High Schools competed this year. Weather conditions were looking for being less than ideal, but as luck
had it our four year run of semi-dry conditions had continued this year as conditions proved to be quite favorable
for students and staff.
"Interest has been growing every year and I was happy to see so many kids competing this year," said Kevin Seifert, watershed technician
for Linn SWCD, who added, "I feel the students had a good time and learning experience."
I would also like to thank Brenda Baird and fellow soil scientists from NRCS for their soil expertise in judging the pits. A special
thanks to Liz VanLeeuwen, our Chair Person, for help giving out the plaques and helping at the soil pits. Also thanks to Dave Furtwangler
who helped arrange the use of the property and access to the pits. And special thanks to Cascade Timber Consulting of Sweet Home who so
graciously allowed the contest to be held on their property. I would also like to thank area farms for donation of supplies.
A big "thank you" as well, to all the others who came, for their time and effort in making this a great event for the kids. Without all
the volunteers, it would be hard to have this quality of a contest for the students to experience.
We look forward to next year and encourage area farmers and landowners to be involved; we are always looking for new sites and soil types
to look at. If you would like to be a volunteer at the annual Upper Willamette District FFA Soils Contest next year, please contact us.