Texas Land Bank, Corsicana, donated a $500 scholarship to be awarded to the high-point Freestone County senior winner of the land judging career development event conducted by the Freestone County Soil and Water Conservation District No. 424.

The FY-08 land judging contest was held March 11. The Freestone County high-point senior winner, John McKinney of Teague, was presented the scholarship by Kasey McGraw, credit office president, Texas Land Bank, Corsicana. Luminant Power, Big Brown Mine set up and conducted the contest held annually for the area FFA students.

This contest requires contestants to correctly identify the texture, depth and permeability of the top and sub soils. They also have to determine the thickness of the original topsoil, the possibility of flooding, and the soil pH, which are all factors in determining the best use of land, be it farming, grazing, wildlife, or recreation. The slope of the surrounding area reveals many factors which are crucial to the capability of the land, including water erosion, surface runoff and soil permeability. Contestants must also decide the best management practices for the use of the land, such as improving the soil, mechanical treatment (control of brush, trees, gullies, etc.), or nutrient management.

On behalf of the Freestone County SWCD, chairman Donald Schill expresses thanks to McGraw with the Texas Land Bank for funding this scholarship to help McKinney as he proceeds with his education.