Nebraska Extension strives to recruit the next generation of agronomy professionals by annually conducting the Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. On Aug. 3, 2022 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, teams were able to talk with extension staff and scout actual plots at the center. This competition is a great experience for those wanting to work in many different fields of agriculture. It provides a fun competitive environment where teams can receive hands-on learning about all aspects of crop scouting. 

Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Kornhusker Kids team, coached by Chris Schiller. Team members were James Rolf, Logan Consbruck, Isaac Wooldrik, Levi Schiller and Ian Schiller.

Second place and $250 went to Colfax County 4-H Team #1, coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Josh Eisennman, Mic Sayers, Rylan Nelson, and Hayden Bailey.

Third place with a $100 cash award was Colfax County 4-H #2 team, also coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Callen Jedlicka, Cody Jedlicka, Daphne Jedlicka and Justin Eisennman. 

Also participating were two teams from Johnson County 4-H, coached by Jon Schmid. Team members from Johnson County #1 included Wesley Schmid, Sophia Schmid, Bo McCoy and Elliot Werner. Johnson Co. #2 team consisted of Levi Othmer and Cameron Werner. Arlington FFA members Aaron Fuchs, Braden Monke and Ethan Hilgenkamp also participated, coached by Kali Agler. 

An in-person regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Missouri teams at the Beck Agricultural Center near West Lafayette, Indiana on Thursday, Sept. 15, hosted by Purdue Extension. Participants from Kornhusker Kids 4-H and Colfax County #1 are eligible to compete, representing the state of Nebraska.

For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, contact Brandy VanDeWalle or go to the CropWatch Youth hub.