By Andi Anderson
Twelve teams of Iowa students in grades 7 through 12 gathered in Boone on July 27 to participate in the 2026 Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition.
Organized by the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program and Iowa 4-H Youth Development, the event offered young participants an opportunity to test their agricultural knowledge through practical field exercises.
The competition took place at the Field Extension Education Laboratory and focused on important crop production and integrated pest management (IPM) concepts.
Teams spent months preparing for the event, competing for cash prizes and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the Regional Crop Scouting Competition on September 12 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
During the competition, Iowa State University faculty, staff, and industry professionals served as judges at eight field stations. Students completed hands-on activities and answered questions related to corn and soybean production. Topics included insect identification, weed management, crop diseases, abiotic injury, pesticide use, sprayer calibration, cover crops, crop growth stages, and modern scouting technology.
The event was designed to expand students’ understanding of pest management and crop production while exposing them to career opportunities within agriculture. Participants gained valuable experience in identifying agricultural challenges and learning how effective management practices can improve farm productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
Reflecting on the experience, a participant from the Kelley Green Agronomy Team of Mitchell County said, “It’s a super fun experience, and you learn a lot. It’s great to connect with different people in the community and the agronomy field, especially if that’s something you’re interested in as a future career.”
Another participant shared a similar view, saying, “I think it is very educational and a lot of fun. At each station, the judges and leaders are eager to ask questions, see what you know and teach you something new.”
The Clayton County GDUs earned first-place honors in the competition and will represent Iowa at the regional event. The Clayton County Crop Doctors finished second, while Washington County Team #1 secured third place. The Clayton County Tarspotters placed fourth. The top four teams received cash awards, and the top two Clayton County teams advanced to regional competition.
The successful Clayton County teams were guided by coaches Joe and Suzanne Shirbroun, Karlee and Cole Deitchler, Cassidy Penrod, and Robert Shilling.
Highlighting the impact of the program, Maya Hayslett, Crop Science Youth Education Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and Coordinator of the Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition, said, “We are in our 16th year now, and I love seeing participants come back year after year. I’ve even seen former competitors return as team coaches. This is a group of people who love learning, and it is a joy to watch them grow.”
The event was supported by numerous agricultural organizations and industry sponsors, helping provide awards, meals, and educational opportunities for participating youth. Through hands-on learning and friendly competition, the program continues to encourage the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, General