Some of the 2009 Student Participants

The Seneca Trail Resource Conservation and Development Council hosted the 4th Annual NYS Grassland Evaluation Contest.

The 2009 Contest was held on October 1, 2009 at the USDA Plant Material Center in Big Flats, NY. Seven teams from Penn Yan Academy and Bellville-Henderson Central Schools participated. Congratulation go out to Penn Yan Academy for their first place finish with Elizabeth Martens as the high score individual for the second year in a row.

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"

Al Ormond, Council President and High Score Individual, 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

For a Grassland Evaluation Study Guide, click here.

For the Contest schedule, click here.