SD FFA Foundation

Rapid City (October 2026) – The South Dakota FFA Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of five $100 scholarships for students placing first in one of the five South Dakota Regional Land Evaluation Competitions this fall. 2026 scholarship recipients are Karlee Block, Kadoka; Jace Edgar, Redfield; Emerri Gottlob, McCook Central; Kadee Frankfurth, Willow Lake; and Landan Mack, Tri-Valley.

The scholarships are designed to encourage and reward students’ accomplishments in the field of land and soil management. Scholarships are made possible by a contribution to the SD FFA Foundation from the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.

“We’re proud to sponsor scholarships for the winners of the South Dakota Regional Land Evaluation Competitions,” SDSHC Chairman Brian Johnson said. “The Coalition is committed to helping the next generation of land stewards learn the skills necessary to understand and improve our soil so whether cropland or grassland, the landscape is capable of producing food, fiber, or fuel for generations to come.”

The South Dakota FFA Land Judging contest, hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, South Dakota State University Extension, South Dakota conservation districts and the U.S. Forest Service, is designed to emphasize the importance of soils and their limitations. Students evaluate soil texture, depth, past erosion, slope, and stoniness, estimate permeability and surface runoff, list the limiting properties, and determine the land capability class. They interpret their measurements to implement intelligent land management practices for both agricultural and urban uses. Many of the properties important for agricultural uses are also relevant for urban/rural uses, such as building, sewage systems, and lagoons. Students gain knowledge that will make them better agriculturalists, homeowners, and construction workers.

The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is proud to support agricultural education and the FFA’s mission to make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation and South Dakota’s FFA programs, visit www.sdffafoundation.org.

 

Emerri Gottlob, McCook Central	Landan Mack, Tri-Valley Central	Karlee Block, Kadoka
Kadee Frankfurth, Willow Lake	Jace Edgar, Redfield