The 75th Annual National Land & Range Judging Contest is set to transform the El Reno area into a hub of excitement and excellence as over 1,000 of the nation’s brightest 4-H and FFA students converge from more than 37 states. From May 5th through May 7th, high school students will not only compete for top honors but also connect with sponsors and leaders in conservation, soil science, and sustainability. This landmark event offers a front-row seat to the next generation of environmental leaders in action.
While the main competition will be held on May 7th, practices are scheduled for May 5th and May 6th. All media are invited to attend, cover, and experience the event firsthand.
National Land and Range Judging Contest
What: The nation’s top 4-H and FFA students will put their expertise to the test by evaluating land for farming, range management, and home development. These real-world challenges showcase skills that directly connect to future careers in environmental management, natural resource conservation, agriculture, and construction. Expect action-packed demonstrations, dynamic teamwork, and inspiring stories of youth leadership.
Who: An anticipated 1000 4-H and FFA students and over 200 coaches from 37+ states will attend the National Land and Range Judging Contest. The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is the primary host with sponsorship from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and 30+ additional sponsors.
When: Canadian County Expo Center & Event Center | May 7th, 2026 (Practices scheduled for May 5-6)
Where: The official contest site remains a secret until contest day, so no one has an unfair advantage. Each year, a different farm, ranch, company, organization, or agency hosts the contest site on its land near the Oklahoma City metro area. While practice site locations are known in advance, the national competition site is revealed the morning of May 7. Media are invited to join the caravan departing from the Expo Center (CCEC) (3001 Jensen Rd E., El Reno, OK, 73036) to the competition site. An awards ceremony is scheduled for the evening of May 7th at the CCEC arena.
