Olympia High School

The Olympia FFA Chapter Land-Use team placed 2nd at the Section 9 FFA Land-Use CDE on September 28^th.  Cole Kindred was the high individual on the team and placed 3^rd overall.  Other team members included Adam Swartzendruber - 4th, Tarah Hilt - 5th, Isabelle Forrest, Brantson Komnick, Brooke Rogers, Paige Finchum, Aime Witham, Kyler Simpson, Carter Lynch, Cheyenne Hanlin, Brandon Wood and Trinity Weeks.  The contest was hosted by Precision Planting near Pontiac on their 300 acre research farm.  FFA members evaluated soil for different characteristics such as soil color, drainage, permeability, texture, structure, and depth.  Students also calculated slope and determined how the soil should best be used for agricultural purposes as well as in selecting a home site.  Senior, Cole Kindred said, “I wanted to compete this year because I thought I could do well since we were able to attend a practice competition at the Farm Progress Show.  The most challenging part was determining drainage at each site.”  Senior, Adam Swartzendruber stated, “It was a lot of fun.  We were able to judge four soil pits and evaluating the differences between soil horizons was the most challenging.  I also enjoyed speaking with the Precision Planting farm manager.  He told us about different internships and what all they do at their research farm.”  The Land-Use team will compete in the state competition on October 12, 2021.