The University of North Carolina at Pembroke hosted the 70th Annual North Carolina FFA Association State Land Judging Career Development Event on November 16th, 2024. Each year the Land Judging CDE rotates throughout the state of North Carolina and this year Robeson County was selected in the coastal plains region. This event is sponsored by the Soil Science Society of North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is the first college to ever host this state competition.
The Lumber River Federation led the Opening Ceremony and assisted with the Career Development Event.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke recently developed an Agriscience program in the 2019-2020 school year. The program was developed to prepare students to enter the agricultural industry. The agricultural program at UNCP aims to promote sustainable practices, inform students of the variety of agricultural careers, research and appreciate local North Carolina farms, and create new interests for students in different agricultural fields.
Some of the agricultural majors that the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers include: Introduction to Animal Science, Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture, Soils and Hydrology, Plant Cropping and Weed Management, and Pest Management. For more information on a future in agriculture at UNCP please visit: https://www.uncp.edu/departments/agricultural-science
The State Land Judging Event Career Development Event encourages students to analyze land characteristics such as soil type, erosion, and drainage to determine the best possible use. Students are able to comprehend why sois respond differently to management practices and how soil properties affect crop growth and urban uses.
North Carolina State FFA Advisor, Mr. Bledsoe at the Land Judging Event.
“It was great for NC FFA members to experience a university campus and the opportunities available to them after graduation. We are grateful to UNC Pembroke for all they did to host and make our 70th annual North Carolina FFA Land Judging Event a tremendous success!” Mr. Bledsoe, the North Carolina FFA Advisor says.
The top three teams in the Senior and Junior Division will be recognized during the North Carolina FFA State Convention in Raleigh, NC on June 24-26, 2025. The top five teams in the Senior Division will be advancing to National Land Judging in Oklahoma in Spring 2025. These teams include Lumberton FFA, West Brunswick FFA, West Columbus FFA, North Iredell FFA, and Polk County FFA. This event is one of 43 different career development events offered to North Carolina FFA members on the state level.
