Panhandle students participate in 2014 Area I Range Judging contest

ALLIANCE – About 60 Panhandle high school students traveled outside of Alliance to display their knowledge of range management at the Area I Range Judging contest.

The top scoring team was from Sidney High. It was comprised of Colton Onstott, Logan Uhlir, Tanner Neinhauser and Skyler Arent. It was coached by Pat Welch.

The overall individual winner of the contest and senior division was Keith Everitt from Creek Valley High School.

The top finisher in the junior division was Pierce Leef from Creek Valley High School. Creek Valley also took home the top team honors (Josh Schievelbein, Pierce Leef and Allie Blackwelder).

Area Range Judging contests allow students to enhance their range management skills. They are judged on their knowledge of topics such as plant identification, plant classification, soil types, range land conditions and grazing management.

David Wolf, information/education coordinator for the North Platte NRD, enjoys the interaction with students

"I really like working with the students. I think it benefits them to see careers that get to be outside and work in nature."

The participants are split between two divisions. The senior division consists of high school juniors and seniors, and the junior division consists of high school freshman and sophomores. The students compete for both individual and team awards. Adults are also allowed to compete in the contest in a separate adult division.

Participating schools included Sidney, Creek Valley, Scottsbluff, Gordon/Rushville, Bridgeport, Banner County, Kimball, Bridgeport and Chadron.

The contest was sponsored by the Society of Range Management with volunteers from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, UNL Extension, Nebraska Game and Parks, Pheasants Forever, the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District, South Platte Natural Resources District and the North Platte Natural Resources District.