NRCS Soil Scientist Andy Oxford, Pierre, demonstrating the technique of soil texturing.

2012 Rangeland and Soils Days The 2012 Rangeland and Soils Days were held in Philip, SD on June 19 and 20. The 64 contestants participated in a practice day on Tuesday, June 19, at the South Dakota State University Cottonwood Research Station where they learned what to look for when judging a rangeland site or a soil pit. They were able to ask questions and have a better idea of what to expect at the contest the next day. In the evening, the students gave presentations or had displays on various range related topics that were also judged. On Wednesday morning, June 20, the contestants partook in the rangeland and soil contest. The afternoon was filled with lunch and awards were given, as follows: New Rangers Top Hand (8-10 years old): Danika Gordon Wrangler Top Hand (11-13 years old): Bridger Gordon Scout Top Hand (14-18 years old): Ben Stangle Go-Getter FFA Team (14-18 years old): Newell FFA Go-Getter 4-H Team (14-18 years old): Butte County 4-H Go-Getter Top Hand (14-18 years old): Alisha Sheeler Soils Division Top Hand: Bailie Beer

An adult program was also offered. On Tuesday, adults who participated in the program had the opportunity to watch demonstrations and listen to presentations. A few topics that were covered were: heterogeneity/patch grazing research, rangeland monitoring procedures, and they were able to explore rumen fistulated cattle through a demonstration. Students from Gettysburg and Lemon took part in and competed in the South Dakota Soils Days Schooling and Land Judging Contest at Philip, SD on June 19-20. The students judge the land’s best use for agricultural production and for its suitability as a homesite. Based on the soil properties of texture, depth, slope, permeability, stoniness, potential runoff, and amount of erosion, determinations are made for the best management and treatment practices to grow a crop and control soil erosion. Homesite evaluations consider the suitability for a building placement. Factors such as drainage, high water table, flood hazard, shrink-swell potential of the soil, slope, depth to bedrock, and soil suitability for plant growth all affect the limitation ratings made for the following four homesite uses: (1) foundations for buildings, (2) lawns and landscaping, (3) septic system absorption field, and (4) sewage lagoon.

The Potter County 4-H team took first place, and the Perkins County team placed second. Bailie Beer, from Perkins County, was the top individual judger, winning a silver belt buckle.

Thanks to Nathan Jones, Lance Howe, Andy Oxford, Kent Cooley, Jim Westerman, and Katrina Wilke for the great job of putting the schooling and contest together. Thanks to the NRCS and Conservation District personnel of Haakon and Jackson County Conservation Districts for assistance in making the contest run smoothly. A special thanks to Bart Ramsey for allowing the practice sites to be put on his land and to Cliff Poss for allowing the contest to be held on his land.

Rangeland and Soils Days provides a chance for individuals to learn more about a couple of South Dakota’s most important resources. For those who attended the Rangeland Days, they took home more knowledge on plant identification and determining if the habitat was suitable for grouse or cattle. Those who participated in the Soils Days learned how to determine the depth of soil, identify restricting layers, and determine the land class, which allowed them to choose the correct crop to plant and whether the site would be suitable for a home site. The Rangeland and Soils Days were hosted by the Haakon County Conservation District, Jackson Country Conservation District, SDSU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.