Shown are members of three Wawasee FFA soil judging teams that are state-bound. In front, from left are Noah Hunsberger, Gabe Ihnen, Preston Miller, Wyatt Schafer, Jace Beer, Aidan Beer and Cohen Tom. In the middle row are Brad Clayton, coach; Anna Bowling; Katie Tom; Olivia Wake; Trevor Roberts; Jenna Beer; and Page Allen. In the back are Lola Crabtree, Maisie Schafer, Haley Maynus, John Reiff, Cavan Tom, AJ Evans, Jordyn Cabeen, Mariah Roberts, coach. Photos provided by Mariah Roberts.

News Release

SYRACUSE — After a long season of before school practices and attending workshops and invitationals, three of Wawasee FFA’s soil judging teams are state-bound.

This fall, 21 students committed to learning about the thing that helped build the United States — soil. Because of the productive soil and favorable climate, our ancestors were able to produce food well which allowed them to have time to think about improving life in other ways.

People in the U.S. today can only have jobs in other industries like the medical field, business, food service and more because farmers are able to grow food efficiently and it all starts with the soil. According to the American Farm Bureau, one U.S. farmer feeds 169 people.

Olivia Wake works on agriculture site recommendations for a soils site.

Students participating in soils judging learn about the physical properties of soil like texture, drainage, and slope of the area and analyze how those things influence what can be done with an area for agriculture production or home construction sites (dry basements and good/working septic systems!)

Last week at the Area X competition on Thursday, Sept. 26, Wawasee had three teams qualify for the state competition.

Qualifying Teams are:

Second overall — Wawasee Masters: Jace Beer, Haley Maynus, Preston Miller, and Wyatt Schafer.

Third overall — Wawasee Senior Team: Aidan Beer, Anna Bowling, Gabe Ihnen and John Reiff.
Serving as alternates for the senior team are Jordyn Cabeen and Cohen Tom

The top team, placing first overall, in the Junior Division are Jenna Beer, Trevor Roberts, Katie Tom and Olivia Wake.