By Andi Anderson
On July 25, youth from across Iowa gathered at the Field Extension Education Lab in Boone to participate in the 2024 Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition. The event, aimed at students in grades 7-12, brought together ten teams eager to test their integrated pest management (IPM) skills through various tasks and challenges.
Hosted by the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program and Iowa 4-H Youth Development, the competition provided a unique opportunity for youth to learn directly from Iowa State faculty, staff, agronomists, and crop-related professionals.
In preparation for the event, the teams spent months honing their skills, all competing for cash prizes and a chance to advance to the Regional Crop Scouting Competition on September 14 at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.
The competition featured eight field stations, each focusing on different aspects of corn and soybean management. Participants were tested on their knowledge of insects, weeds, diseases, abiotic injury, pesticide use, sprayer calibration, cover crops, growth stages, and crop morphology.
A new station on general scouting was added this year to assess their familiarity with modern scouting tools and technologies, including apps and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Maya Hayslett, crop science youth education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, has organized the event for six years. She emphasized the importance of this hands-on learning experience in fostering a deep understanding of IPM among participants.
“This hands-on learning opportunity potentially fosters a lifetime of understanding about the concepts and importance of IPM in youth, thus improving quality of life by increasing economic returns and reducing the unintended environmental impacts of agriculture,” Hayslett said.
The event was well-received by the participants, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain practical insights. One youth noted, “I enjoyed getting to work and interact with industry professionals and gain insight into how they identify and solve problems.”
The top-performing teams in the competition were the Clayton County Tar Spotters, who took first place, followed by Clayton County Leafhoppers in second, and Clayton County Mosaic Virus in third.
These teams, along with North Butler from Butler County, were awarded cash prizes for their achievements, with the top two teams advancing to the regional competition.
The success of the competition was made possible through the support of sponsors, including Corteva Agriscience, Iowa 4-H Foundation, Bayer, United Soybean Board, Syngenta, Iowa Independent Crop Consultants Association, Iowa Certified Crop Advisors, and Environmental Tillage Systems.
Through teamwork and hands-on learning, the Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition continues to equip the next generation of farmers and agronomists with essential crop production and land stewardship skills.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Education, General