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The Seneca Trail Resource Conservation and Development Council is proud to announce the 4th Annual NYS Grassland Evaluation Contest. The 2009 Contest has been tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2009 at the USDA Plant Material Center in Big Flats, NY. Team registrations are due by September 10, 2009. |
This contest is designed for a team of 3 or 4 high school students to test their knowledge about agricultural topics. The contest is open to FFA and 4-H students who go into a sample grassland field and use their skills and knowledge to evaluate available forage resources; make decisions on herd management balanced against resource condition; evaluate site conditions for wildlife needs; and understand the life cycle and nutrient needs of specific grass species. All of these skills are needed in managing grassland resources for a modern dairy, beef or sheep operation. The Grassland Evaluation Contest has provided more that $3,500 in scholarships to students continuing their further education and provides an opportunity for teams to travel to compete in the Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest in Missouri. One recent scholarship winner wrote "The entire contest was a great opportunity. Now I can walk out into a field and name off most of the grasses and forbs that cover it. I can go for a walk with my family and explain to them what plants are poisonous and the difference between mustard and yellow rocket. Thank you so much for sponsoring the NYS Grassland Evaluation Contest" |
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Karen Hoffman and Elizabeth Martens |
For additional information, please contact JoAnn Kurtis, RC&D Coordinator at (716) 699-2375 x5 or by e-mail at joann.kurtis@ny.usda.gov To download Contest Rules and a registration form for the 2009 Contest, click here. For a Grassland Evaluation Study Guide, click here. |
To prepare for the 2009 contest, click on the links below
Grassland Condition training materials (.pdf)
Wildlife Habitat training material (.pdf)
Plant Identification training material (.pdf)
Here is a good web site for information and pictures of weeds:
http://www.ppws.vt.edu/weedindex.htm
Here is a good website for information and identification drawings about grasses:
http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/cangrass/content.htm
Forage grasses and legumes information and pictures:
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/forageid.htm
Trees and shrubs information and pictures:
http://www.forestryimages.org/treesplants.cf
For information on the following Grassland Birds and Mammals: American kestrel, Bobwhite Quail, Eastern Cottontail, Eastern Bluebird, Field and Grassland Birds, Pasture and Grassland Birds, Ring-necked Pheasant