Giving their presentation to the Grant Soil & Water Conservation District, from left are Dustin Hooker, Emmy Allsup, Harper Allsup, Jaspar Allsup, FFA Advisor Stacy Watkins, and Grant SWCD Chairman, Armando Aguilera (Courtesy Photo)
Cliff FFA Pasture and Range Team presents National Highlights of their trip and contest to Oklahoma to the Grant Soil & Water Conservation District's June meeting.
Four Cliff High School FFA members competed in the New Mexico State FFA 2026 spring contests. The four member team studied and worked together to judge in the Range Contest. Range Judging includes: identifying plants, their growth habits, and value for livestock; managing and preserving range land.
They placed 2nd in the State Competition which moved them on to the National Contest, May 5 – May 7, 2026 in El Reno, Oklahoma.
The National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma is the premier event for high school FFA and 4-H students to compete in pasture and range judging, along with land and homesite judging. It has been held annually since 1952 and draws over 700–1,000 participants from across the U.S. Students evaluate land for farming, range management, and home development, applying skills in soil science, plant identification, and conservation. This contest is a key opportunity for FFA students to: Showcase skills in environmental and range management, gain hands-on experience in conservation and agriculture and network with peers and professionals in the field pasture and range judging focus.
Members highlighted their experiences by mentioning the drastic difference in climate, wildlife, and rangeland. The national contest involved a quick study to prepare for these differences. They were asked to consider the site for quail, both brooding and habitat, and determine if it's good for cattle as well. They had only 3 weeks to prepare for the National Contest, but placed highest of all New Mexico teams and placed 22 in the nation. They all are eligible to compete again next year. Their FFA Advisor is Stacy Watkins, their coaches were Del Hooker and Carlie Gatlin.
