By Andi Anderson
Iowa youth demonstrated exceptional agricultural knowledge and teamwork at the 2026 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition, earning top honors among participants from six Midwestern states.
The event was held on September 12 at the University of Illinois Crop Sciences Research and Education Center in Champaign and brought together some of the region’s most skilled youth crop scouts.
The competition featured teams from Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Illinois. Participants qualified for the regional event by placing among the top teams in their respective state crop scouting contests. The regional competition provided a challenging environment where students applied crop science knowledge to real-world agricultural situations.
Iowa teams stood out for their impressive performances. The Crop Doctors of Clayton County captured first place overall. Team members Owen Walz, Garrett Burns, Caleb Zuercher, and Henry Reimer worked together under the guidance of coach Bob Schilling to secure the championship title.
Another Iowa team, the GDUs, also achieved success by tying for second place. The team included Cora Keehner, Brooke Donlon, Haylee Hillers, and Tyler Hoeger and was coached by Joe Shirbroun. They shared second place with teams from Minnesota’s Dakota, Rice, and Polk counties, as well as Illinois’ Richland County. The team from Nebraska’s Colfax County earned third place.
Throughout the competition, participants completed a variety of hands-on activities and answered technical questions related to crop production. The tasks focused on pest identification, pest management, crop disorders, crop staging, and responsible pesticide use. These activities challenged students to think critically and apply classroom knowledge in practical situations.
The event was designed to strengthen understanding of integrated pest management, crop growth, and agricultural sustainability. Participants gained valuable experience in identifying crop issues and developing solutions that support both environmental stewardship and farm profitability. The competition also introduced students to career opportunities available within the agricultural industry.
Maya Hayslett, Iowa State University youth crop science education specialist and Iowa program organizer, said, "The regional competition is a chance for youth to interact with peers and professionals from other states. In addition to learning about agriculture in another state, they have the opportunity to network with youth and professionals from multiple states."
Beyond technical knowledge, the competition encouraged the development of teamwork, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. Post-event evaluations showed that participants appreciated the opportunity to learn new concepts while building connections with students from other states.
One participant from Kentucky highlighted the educational value of the event, stating, "We actually learned from our mistakes and are taking home information that we can apply to our farms!"
Coaches also recognized the positive impact of the program. A Minnesota coach shared, "Being able to follow the teams and see them work through challenges together."
Support for Iowa teams’ participation was provided by Farm Credit Services of America and the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The continued success of Iowa youth at the regional competition highlights the importance of agricultural education programs in preparing future leaders for careers in farming, crop science, and agribusiness. Through hands-on experiences and real-world challenges, participants gain valuable skills that will benefit both their communities and the agricultural industry for years to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle