Wyoming FFA Agronomy Contest

General Information for the FFA Agronomy Contest

The annual agronomy contest is one of the state Career Development Events held in cooperation with the University of Wyoming. It is sponsored by the Department of Plant Sciences and the Department of Ecological Science and Management, and the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.

For more detailed information on any phase of the agronomy contest, vocational agricultural instructors should contact:

Contact Information:

Wendy Karol Cecil
Research Associate, Plant Sciences
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University 
Agriculture Bldg 4031
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2243
Email: wcecil@uwyo.edu

GENERAL RULES

1. The agronomy team will consist of four members.
2. The agronomy contest will consist of eight blocks which will be divided into four sections
   (300 points/ section).
   

   Section A

   • Written test (100 questions)
     300 points

   Section B

   • Entomology
     150 points
   • Commercial Grain Grading (two problems)
     150 points

   Section C

   • Forages (Judging and Identification)

     Judging Grass and Alfalfa Bale Flakes (1 class of each)

     100 points

     Identification of forages (15 plant mounts, 4 points/specimen)

     60 points

   • Weed and Seed Identification

     Weed plant mounts, with color photos from Weeds of the West Book, 15 specimens, 4 points/specimen

     60 points

     Crop and Weed Seed Identification: seeds from designated (X) FFA Mounts and Seeds List (Page ___), 20 specimens, 4 points/specimen

     80 points

   Section D

   • Soils and Land Judging
     300 points

   TOTAL

   1200 points

1. The agronomy team may have a maximum of four members. For scoring, the top three scores in any individual class will be counted towards the team score. Teams fielding less than three members are at a disadvantage, however, individual participants from those schools are not.
2. The agronomy contest will consist of four blocks, which will be divided into four sections.
3. Each section will be allotted 45 minutes. Contestants will be notified at the halfway point and when 5 minutes remain.
4. Four samples shall constitute a judging class.
5. All classes shall be numbered 1,2,3,4, from left to right.
6. Forage classes will be placed on factors which can be determined by exterior examination. No contestant will be allowed to separate the bale flake and so destroy the general appearance and leafiness of the sample.
7. A list of plants, seeds, and insects which may be included in the identification sections is attached, and constitutes a portion of the rules and regulations, including the correct spelling.
8. The list of materials from which selections may be made for the grading problems follows and is a part of the rules and regulations.
9. Each of the four team members will be assigned to a different judging section and move accordingly.
10. No communication with other contestants, other members of the team, coach, or anyone else except the person(s) in charge will be permitted while the contest is underway.
11. It is required that each contestant have a writing board, magnifying glass, and pencil when entering the contest area. No rules or regulations may be used by the contestant.
12. Official Grain Standards of the United States Handbook will be provided. Guide to Wyoming Fertilizer Recommendations will be provided.
13. Infraction of rules shall be followed by dismissal or point reduction.
14. Correct spelling will be required in the identification list. One (1) point will be taken off for each misspelled word. Spelling must be as is listed on the official plant and seed identification list.
15. All foreign materials added to the grass and alfalfa sheaves should be easily recognized by the contestants.