Range Judging
Land and Range Judging Contests/Nebraska Envirothon:
The Middle Republican NRD cosponsors all FFA land and range judging
contests held within its boundaries and the Nebraska Envirothon.
Range and pastures account for 52 percent of
the land in the state of Nebraska. Range judging contests are an
effective tool for teaching students about Nebraska’s rangelands
and grasslands, and the benefits of good range management. Range
judging contests are for everyone - youth, adults, beginners, professionals
- whether from rural or urban areas. All that is required is a desire
to learn more about rangeland and its management.
To perform well, contestants must be able to
identify range plants by name and know their growth habits, livestock
forage value, and other characteristics. An understanding of the
range plant community, range condition, and range sites is also
important. Contestants should know the concepts of proper range
use, wildlife habitat management, and how to manage rangeland resources.
Contestants compete individually, in teams, or
both. Teams are made up of three or four individuals. There are
divisions for Junior Youth (freshmen and sophomores), Senior Youth
(juniors and seniors), Adult, and Professional
There are six Range Judging Areas in Nebraska.
The Middle Republican NRD makes up Area 3 in the south central portion
of the state. The NRDs partner with the Natural Resources Conservation
Service and University of Nebraska-Extension to organize and hold
the contests. The NRDs handle the contest organization and scoring
and NRCS plans and operates the field portion of the contest.
The State Range Judging Committee oversees range
judging in the state. Members of the committee approve all rules
and regulations and select the host counties for all contests. The
committee meets on an annually, the evening before the state contest.
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