Mount Vernon FFA ranks among Ohio’s best at state soils competition

Urban Soils Team finishes 10th and Rural Soils Team 20th statewide, capping a strong season of environmental science and land management success for the chapter.

Simon Ruprecht, left, Calleigh Armstrong, Phoebe Mussard, and Izzy Barron, representing the Mount Vernon FFA's Urban Soils team, placed 10th at the state event held Oct. 11 in Mount Gilead.

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Published October 26, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.

Mount Vernon FFA members wrapped up an impressive soils competition season at the State Soils Career Development Event held Saturday, Oct. 11, in Mount Gilead. The contest brought together over 350 individual participants and 100 teams from across Ohio to evaluate soil pits and apply their understanding of land use, soil management, and conservation practices.

Mount Vernon FFA’s Urban Soils Team placed 10th in the state, while the Rural Soils Team placed 20th among a competitive field of FFA chapters.

The Mount Vernon FFA Rural Soils team of Zack Busenburg, left, Madison Seng, Charlie Page, and Ryan Fletcher finished 20th in the state recently.

The State Soils CDE challenges students to assess soil depth, texture, structure, erosion, and drainage to determine how land can best be used for agricultural production or urban development. Participation in the event helps students strengthen their knowledge of environmental science and reinforces the importance of responsible land and water management.

This event concludes a strong season for Mount Vernon FFA, which saw both teams advance through county and district competition to earn their place at the state level.