High school students across a good portion of Nebraska competed in the 2026 North Central Land Judging Contest on Wednesday at the Lower Loup Natural Resource District’s (LLNRD) Aagaard Farm near Ord.
Land judging teams from Ansley, Ord, Boone Central, Twin River, St. Edward, Arcadia, Broken Bow, and the Nebraska Ag Academy took part in the contest hosted by LLNRD and NRCS.
During land judging, students gain a better understanding of soil structure and land evaluation by teaching them how to recognize the physical features of the soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices necessary for proper stewardship.
In individual competition, Broken Bow’s Madden Kleeb placed first, followed by Bethany Preister and Kailyn Choat of Boone Central in second and third respectively. Miles Hulinsky of Ord placed fourth.
Winning teams from Ansley, Ord, and Boone Central all qualified for the state land judging contest that will take place near Beatrice on October 14. This area competition that happened on Wednesday is hosted every two years by LLNRD.
“We were fortunate to have a great day in terms of the weather this time around,” said Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels. “On top of that, all of the 107 students we had on site were well behaved, respectful, and focused on the event. I enjoyed seeing scenic Aagaard Farm abuzz with all of those energetic young people, and appreciate their teachers’ dedication in educating them.”
LLNRD wished congratulations to the winners and thanked all contestants as well as Lower Loup NRD and NRCS staff who made the day possible.
