Youth and Youth Activities

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Engaging Youth in Crop Production

Crop and Plant Science Facts

  • Dig into some interesting facts about Nebraska crops.
  • Learn how crops grow and factors that affect them.

Activities

Learn the science behind crops issues and how crop science relates to careers, through fun activities!

  • Be savvy on crop growth, diseases, insects and weeds.
  • Just have some fun and test your knowledge with interactive games.
  • Learn about exciting career opportunities related to crop and plant science. The University of Nebraska offers great majors for anyone interested in anything plants. Check it out!

4-H and FFA Crop Projects

2021 Special Agronomy Projects

New Opportunity: 2024 Special Agronomy Project - Sugarbeets

Check out all the opportunities to learn through hands-on projects and workshops on:

  • plant sciences,
  • crop production,
  • range management,
  • entomology,
  • Crop Science Investigation - integrated pest management.
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Pick some of your own interesting projects and enter your project in your local county or state fair!

youth working on crop project

Encourage youth to think more about agricultural careers with the help of educational resources for:

  • 4-H Leaders
  • Ag Teachers
  • Extension Personnel
  • Interested Parents/ Mentors

Discover Entomology Brochure

For more information on degree programs in agronomy or other plant science related careers:

Related Articles

Tammy Mittelstet on RFD-TV

Mittelstet Talks Nebraska Ag Education with RFD-TV

November 17, 2023
In this RFD-TV segment, Tammy Mittelstet, CASNR statewide education and careers pathways coordinator, discusses the educational programs offered across the state to prepare K-12 students for ag-related careers.

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Colfax County #2 team listens to educator in field
Colfax County #2 team members participate in a discussion during the 2023 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition. After winning first place in the state competition, the team placed second in regionals.

Future Agronomists at Work

September 29, 2023
All Nebraska youth who participated in the 2023 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition earned accolades for exhibiting their knowledge and skills in nine separate crop scouting exercises throughout the contest. 

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Competition participants in group photo
Eight teams comprised of Nebraska youth competed in this year's Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition.

Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition Results

August 17, 2023
Following their third place victory in 2022, the Colfax County 4-H #2 team claimed first place honors in this year's competition, securing the opportunity to compete at regionals in September.

Read more

Competition flyer

10th Annual Youth Crop Scouting Competition Registration Open

May 4, 2023
The Aug. 2 competition will feature events on crop staging, patterns of crop injury, disease, insect and weed seedling identification, pesticide safety, nutrient disorders and herbicide injury.

Read more

Kids in tractor
For safety training, Nebraska teens will have two locations to choose from — North Platte and Grand Island — and eight locations where they can take the final tractor driving test to receive certification. See testing sites and registration information below.

2023 Tractor Safety Training for Teens Kicks Off in May

March 29, 2023
Two training locations and eight testing sites will be available to Nebraska teens seeking tractor and equipment safety certification.

Read more