A team from the Pioneer Valley High School FFA proved to be the best at judging soils in a finials state competition Saturday, May 4th at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
The Soil and Land Evaluation team placed first high team, taking home a silver bowl for the Panthers. The state winner tabulations are determined from a combined score from both competitions at Fresno State University and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Panther soil team members include:
Sebastian Pinon – 1st high individual (Fresno State Finals)
Eldaine Estacio – 5th high individual (Cal Poly State Finals)
Luke Zaragoza – 5th high individual (Fresno State Finals)
Ramon Santos – 11th high individual (Fresno State Finals)

The Soil and Land Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) allows students to become aware of the value of soils in production agriculture, environment and society. They learn about what best management practices need to be applied to reduce the environmental impacts of erosion, and improve the fertility of our most precious natural resource. Students make recommendations as they take on the role of a soil evaluator and determine land capability class based upon a myriad of factors such as slope, drainage, permeability, erosion, and water holding capacity.

“I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work with a great team and a great coach this past season,’’ said FFA student Sebastian Pinon. “We are proud and humbled to represent our Pioneer Valley by earning the state championship title.’’

“These four individuals couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement from everyone on our campus—teachers, administrators, students, and fellow team members,’’ said Coach Tyler Dickinson. “We thank you for all of the unconditional support throughout this journey.”