Youth from six states tested their Integrated Pest Management skills and knowledge during the Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition on Sept. 13. Iowa State University hosted the competition at Wyffels Hybrids in Ames. Teams from Iowa, Nebraska, Indiana, Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois competed at the event.
The top two winning teams from the state crop scouting competitions are invited to the regional competition, where they take their learning further.
The regional competition builds on skills gained at the state level by engaging youth in advanced scouting challenges that deepen their knowledge, strengthen their problem-solving abilities and allow them to apply crop science concepts in a real-world context within a team environment. The goal of these competitions is to educate youth on the basics of Integrated Pest Management, so these future farmers and decision makers understand the importance of IPM for increasing economic returns and being good stewards of the land…