Team members Samuel Northrop (left), Parker Northrop, Kyle Harper and Graham Holson
with FFA Advisor Dan Henderson.
THURMOND FFA SOIL JUDGING TEAM HEADED TO NATIONAL FINALS
COLUMBIA, SC…The Thurmond Technology Center FFA Soil Judging and Land Treatment Team was awarded an expense-paid trip to the National Land and Range Judging Finals scheduled in Oklahoma, May 2-3, 2007, as one of the two top teams in the state competition held in Anderson County recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization. “Soil Judging is among the most difficult and competitive of all career development events conducted by the SC FFA Association each year,” Parris said.
Team members Samuel Northrop, Parker Northrop, Kyle Harper and Graham Holson were coached by Dan Henderson, an Agricultural Science Teacher and FFA Advisor at Thurmond Technology Center. Kyle Harper was awarded an additional expense-paid trip to attend the 2007 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the high individual scorer in the state competition.
Agricultural Science students who compete in the State FFA Soil Judging Finals must match their skills in determining the adaptability of land for various purposes and uses such as farming and home site development. The competition emphasizes principles essential for a career in environmental science, agri-business, real estate marketing, homebuilding and natural resource conservation.
The state competition is co-sponsored by Duke Energy, Progress Energy, SCANA Inc., the SC Association of Conservation Districts and the SC Conservation Districts Foundation. The event is planned and conducted by soil scientists with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Carolina Soils and Wetlands, LLC , and agricultural education administrative staff with Clemson University.
The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.