In May 2026, the proud state of South Dakota made its mark on the national stage as it sent an impressive delegation of 84 youths to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in El Reno, Oklahoma. This remarkable participation underscores the state’s unyielding commitment to nurturing future leaders in agriculture through comprehensive education and hands-on experience. The event witnessed participation from 34 states, with Texas being the only contender to match South Dakota’s numbers, fielding 72 participants.
South Dakota’s success in national competitions is attributed to the tireless dedication of its educators, mentors, and volunteers, who devote countless hours to prepare their students for these pivotal events. Sandy Smart, interim SDSU Extension director, highlights the impact of these mentors: “I think what’s neat is that there’s a group of educators wanting to expose kids to these contests. They have a passion for it.”
These contests, held annually, cater to both 4-H and FFA youth, focusing on critical skills such as range plant identification and land management for the range contest, along with soil types and site uses for the soil contest. The youth are required to identify 130 plants, including grasses, legumes, forbs, and trees/woody plants, a task that is both challenging and rewarding. Students must also memorize each plant’s characteristics to excel at the national level.
The driving force behind Wessington Springs’s participation is Brady Duxbury, an esteemed agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, who once competed in the same contest. Duxbury applauds his mentor, Craig Shryock, whose passion for range science inspired him to pursue a career in agricultural education. Duxbury now coaches the next generation of competitors, imbuing them with the same enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that once guided him.
The road to the National Land and Range Judging Contest begins at the state level, where students must first qualify before advancing to the national stage. This rigorous process ensures that only the most dedicated and well-prepared individuals represent South Dakota. With the support of 14 agricultural teachers/FFA advisors, four mentors from SDSU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and several diligent parent chaperones, these young individuals embark on their educational journey with confidence and expertise.
Sandy Smart, SDSU Extension
Participation in such contests offers invaluable experience for the youth, as they interact with real-world professionals in the field of range and soil science. As Tim Tanner, SDSU Extension State 4-H Program Director, notes, “Though content knowledge is important, time on task experiences are irreplaceable. This is why ag sector employers look upon 4-H alumni so favorably.” Indeed, about 40% of 4-H youth engage in at least one agriculture-related project, equipping them with the tools necessary for successful careers in the agricultural sector.
These contests not only provide practical experiences but also expose students to broader cultural and historical contexts. During their trip to Oklahoma, participants had the opportunity to visit significant sites such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial, expanding their perspective beyond the confines of their home state. “I didn’t experience anything like what Oklahoma City was unless I went on a school trip,” said Duxbury. “It’s so awesome to give kids the opportunity to gain perspective that they never could have gotten at home.”
The engagement and participation of South Dakota youth in rangeland and soil contests continue to grow, signifying a promising future for these programs. Educators and mentors, like Smart and Duxbury, are the backbone of these initiatives, fostering relationships and trust that propel students to greater heights. As Smart eloquently puts it, “It comes back to relationships. Whether you’re talking about business or extension, that’s the foundation – it’s about relationships and trust.”
South Dakota’s dedication to developing agricultural prowess is evident not only in its participation numbers but also in the quality of education and mentorship provided to its youth. As the state looks towards the future, it is clear that the seeds of success are being sown with care and diligence, ensuring that South Dakota remains a leader in agricultural education and innovation.