The Liberty County 4-H teams took second place in their divisions at the State 4-H Land Judging Contest on Aug. 17 at the UGA Southwest Georgia Experiment and Research Education Center in Plains.  
During the contest,  4-H members evaluated four soil stations, two that represent north Georgia soils and two that represent south Georgia soils. At each station, they determined the soil’s texture, topsoil thickness, effective depth, erosion, permeability, drainage and slope of the land.  Based on that information, the 4-Hers then made vegetative, mechanical and fertilizer recommendations.  
“4-H is all about educational, hands-on activities,” said Kasey Bozeman, county 4-H agent and team coach. “We get dirty, have fun and learn how important the land and soil is to our existence.”  
The Junior Team (fourth- through eighth-graders) placed second at the overall contest.  Team members were Jonathan Adams, Janell Bacon, Gwendolyn Bugg, Destiny LeCounte, Aja Matos, Seraphina Morrison and Sophia Rodriguez, who was the second-highest junior scorer.  
The Senior Team (ninth- through 12th-grade students) also earned second place. Team members were Nathanial Cochran, Simone DeBrossard, Ciara Goodmanson, Eryn James, Jordyn James, Terradonte James and Bobbie McDonald.  Jordyn James was the third-highest scorer in the senior competition.   
Adult volunteers Cinday Goodmanson and Sandy Santana-Sanchez along with Bozeman accompanied 4-Hers on the trip.  Special thanks to Dr. Glen Harris, UGA soil science specialist, and Ms. Mary H. Kiley of the Farm Credit Association of Georgia for their sponsorship of the contest.  
To learn more about the 4-H programming in Liberty County, call 876-2133 or