Iowa Teams Place First and Second at the 2025 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition
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.
“The regional competition is a chance for youth to see the larger picture of crop production and pest management by working with faculty and staff from other state institutions,” said Maya Hayslett, Iowa State University youth crop science education specialist and Iowa program organizer. “They can discuss the differences in environmental conditions and how that impacts crop production and pest management in different states, including learning about new crops not grown as much in their home state.”
The competition requires youth to answer questions and complete tasks on pest identification, pest management, crop disorders, crop staging and responsible pesticide use. The goal of this competition is to both test and increase students’ knowledge in the areas of IPM, crop growth and pest identification, as well as demonstrate the many careers available in agriculture.
Since the competition is for the top teams from each state, the questions in each category are more advanced for the regional competition than the state competition. Judges were impressed with the knowledge of teams from all the participating states. Youth appreciated interacting with knowledgeable judges, noting they asked engaging and challenging questions, encouraged deeper thinking, expanded their knowledge of crops and provided valuable feedback.
Feedback from youth and their team leaders on post-contest surveys demonstrates that the Regional Crop Scouting Competition builds on agronomic skills and fosters essential skills that prepare students for future academic success and careers in agriculture.
One coach commented that the regional competition pushes students out of their comfort zone and exposes them to industry practices. Youth said they enjoyed meeting new people from other states and learning new things.
“These youth participants are our future leaders in agriculture and are actively seeking ways to learn and innovate,” Hayslett said.
The Iowa teams placed first and second in the regional competition this year. The Crop Doctors from Clayton County, led by Bob Schilling, received first place with team members Luke Wessel, Tyler Hoeger, Haylee Hillers and Brooke Donlon.
The Tar Spotters, led by Joe Shirbroun, received second place with team members Henry Reimer, Cora Keehner, Gavin Holst and Carter Hillers. The Minnesota team from Dakota, Rice and Polk counties received third place with team members Nick Bayer, Ben Cappistran, Lucas Deplazes, Jonnie Zweber and Molly Albers, led by David Albers.
Funding to support Iowa teams’ participation in the regional competition and to host teams from five other states was provided by Corteva Agriscience, Wyffels Hybrids, Farm Credit Services of America, the Iowa 4-H Foundation, Bayer Crop Science and Syngenta.
To learn more about the Iowa Youth Crop Scouting Competition, visit the IPM website. For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
