An actual pasture is evaluated on the basis of characteristics of the soil exposed and observations of landscape conditions- slope, gullies, etc. Team members make pasture management recommendations using information provided on a "pasture condition sheet" and by observing landscape and vegetative features. The range evaluation portion of the competition requires members to record the degree of utilization, kind of site, range condition and the predominant decreaser, increaser, and invader plant species while also recommending range management practices.

Top 5 teams are certified for national competition held in the Oklahoma City area in early May.