South Johnston FFA receives its first-place award.

The University of Mount Olive’s Third Annual Precision Agriculture Contest successfully showcased the vital integration of technology, teamwork and agricultural science essential for training the next generation of agribusiness professionals. Designed for high school and college students across North Carolina, the competition provided hands-on experience in applying precision tools—including GPS mapping, variable-rate application planning, drone scouting, and soil-sensing technologies—to solve realistic problem scenarios. Teams were evaluated by a panel of university faculty, industry partners, and extension specialists based on their accuracy, data interpretation, decision-making capabilities, and the clarity of their technical recommendations.

North Iredell receives its second-place award.

Beyond technical skills, the contest emphasized critical professional competencies, including communication and ethics. Each team delivered a succinct technical briefing to a panel, which evaluated the clarity, justification of choices, and consideration of economic and environmental trade-offs. The event also incorporated career talks and vendor demonstrations, providing students with opportunities to network with employers, learn about emerging technologies, and explore degree and certification pathways within precision agriculture.

The winners of this contest included South Johnston FFA in first place, North Iredell FFA in second place, with Sam Cornett being the highest scoring individual in the state, and Southern Alamance FFA in third place. Congratulations to these members for these accomplishments. They will be seen on stage at the 98th North Carolina State FFA Convention.

Southern Alamance receives its third-place award.

The University of Mount Olive plans to feature the contest at the North Carolina State FFA Convention in June to reach a wide audience of student leaders, advisors, and industry guests. Highlighting the contest at the State FFA Convention shows the link between classroom instruction, competitive experience, and professional agricultural careers. It aims to motivate FFA chapters to incorporate precision topics into their research and increase student participation in future competitions. By fostering technical skill, decision-making, and effective communication, the University of Mount Olive’s Precision Agriculture Contest effectively positions North Carolina’s youth for leadership in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector.