Page 6 - 2021 Soil Judging Newsletter

Region V Soil Judging Contest (continued)
In Crookston, the team had three practice days to study and learn about the Red River Valley soils. A new component was introduced to this competition called jumble judging! Jumble judging consisted of combining different schools together and working on a pit together, which were the last pits of the day during the practice days. The UMN team was paired up with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. This allowed the team to meet new people and learn new and different techniques on how to work on soil morphology during competition.
Excited to finally be out in the field, the team did not hold back their knowledge and skills and apply them in the real world. All the team’s preparation and hard work had paid off, placing first in overall judging and group judging; new members Cole Montgomery and Ben Newcomb placed second and third, respectively, in individual judging.
“Jumble Judging—a new activity designed to get
students collaborating with each other—was a pleasant surprise! It was fun to watch the students share knowledge, tips, and tricks.
—Hava Blair UMN Soil Judging Coach
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