January 19, 2012

UNL Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board have teamed up to offer the first Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 and older as of Jan. 1, 2012) or FFA members (in-school members), will guide youth through all aspects of corn production, as well as provide information on agricultural careers related to corn production. Youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if they increased their yield.

Economics and sustainability of the practice also will be considered. Yields, cropping history, and production information will be collected in the Corn Yield Challenge management summary.

Youth will work with an adult mentor throughout the process. Mentors can be UNL Extension faculty, ag teachers, or other qualified agronomy professionals.

Cash prizes and plaques will be given to the first, second, and third place teams. First place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. A data completion and innovation award also will be given.

Entries

To participate, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 1 to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva. More information and registration forms are available in the CropWatch Youth section under Activities at 2012 Innovative Youth Corn Challenge. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at bvandewalle2@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.

Brandy VanDeWalle
Extension Educator in Fillmore County
Aaron Nygren
Extension Educator in Colfax County