Nearly 850 4-H and FFA students and over 250 coaches from 35 states gathered in Oklahoma for the 70th National Land and Range Judging Contest, May 4. After two days of practice at sites in the Oklahoma City area, the contest was held near El Reno, in conjunction with Redlands Community College.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its employees play a significant role annually in the success of the event, as does the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC).

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) was the primary host along with about 30 additional sponsors.

National championship trophies were awarded at the Canadian County Expo Center to team and individual winners in each category of competition: land judging, range judging and homesite evaluation. Each category included FFA and 4-H awards.

Vian FFA members competed in the National Homesite Evaluation contest this year consisting of 219 individuals and 56 teams representing more than 30 states. Vian FFA earned Reserve National Champion honors and team members were awarded trophies and medals as they were recognized on stage during the awards banquet on Thursday evening.

Vian also had two team members placing in the top 10 overall individually with Natalie Guthrie winning fourth and Kala Gibbins placing 10th.