Youth and Youth Activities

2024 competition participants

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.
2023 competition participants speak to educator

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

Man examines corn plants with three youths in field
Members of Colfax County 4-H Team #1 diligently inspect a corn field during the 2024 Youth Crop Scouting Competition. (Photos courtesy Brandy VanDeWalle)

Colfax County Claims Top Honors at 2024 Youth Crop Scouting Competition

September 11, 2024
Snagging both first and third place in this year's competition, the 4-H'ers of Colfax County are once again proving their reputation as agronomy aficionados. 

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Attendees of the 2023 Agronomy Youth Field Day participate in an activity on the NCTA campus. The field day is free for youth ages 9-18 and parents/adults are welcome to attend. (Nebraska Extension photo)

Ag Tech Focus of Agronomy Youth Field Day July 9 in Curtis

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Nebraska Extension Educator Nathan Mueller chats with participants during the 2023 Youth Crop Scouting Competition. (CropWatch file photo)

Registration Open for 2024 Youth Crop Scouting Competition

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The top three teams of the 2024 crop scouting competition will receive cash prizes, and the top two teams will advance onto regionals.

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Nebraska Extension Educator John Thomas (right) discusses a tractor's engine with a student before the driving exam. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

2024 Tractor Safety Days Scheduled for May, June Across Nebraska

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This annual event provides the training and testing necessary for Nebraska youth who require certification to perform duties on a farm, including a Hands-on Safety Day, and tractor and equipment safety training. 

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Tammy Mittelstet on RFD-TV

Mittelstet Talks Nebraska Ag Education with RFD-TV

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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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