Polk County High School’s FFA junior and senior land judging teams completed a regional sweep, winning both fall competitions and advancing to the state contest in November.
The teams claimed first place at the Swain County Invitational on Sept. 24 and the Area 1 Contest in Haywood County on Oct. 24. Individual team members also earned top honors at both events.
Colton Jackson was the high-scoring junior at the Swain County event, while Drew Young earned the highest individual score at the Area 1 Contest. Chloe Emory was the high-scoring senior at both competitions.
The teams will compete at the state contest in Stanley County in November.
Junior team members include Colton Jackson, Daniel Griffin, Kenzie Wilson, Zayne McFalls and Drew Young. Senior team members include Simon Moore, Samantha Stephenson, Reeve Carroll, Hannah Kirby and Abigail Lewis.
The teams are coached by Chauncey Barber, agricultural education teacher, and Richard Smith, retired agricultural education teacher.
Land judging competitions test students’ abilities to evaluate soil characteristics, land capability and best management practices for agricultural and environmental purposes. The competitions require students to analyze soil profiles, assess land features and make recommendations for land use.
