Do you enjoy being outside? Learning new things about crops? Are you considering a career involving crops, insects, diseases, soils, water or more? Do you want to help figure out how to feed the world’s growing population sustainably?

Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board are offering the sixth Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 and older as of January 1) or FFA members (in-school members), guides participants through all aspects of corn production and explores agricultural careers related to corn production.

As a team (two or more participants), youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal and determine whether 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. 

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. Sustainability, crop scouting, and “extra mile” awards also will be given, each worth $150.     

To participate in 2017, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 15 to the Fillmore County Extension Office, 1340 G St.,Geneva, NE 68361. Forms can be downloaded here or at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge.

For more information, contact one of these Nebraska Extension educators:

• Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu,
• Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or
• Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu