Youth and Youth Activities

Youth & Youth Activities

Nebraska Extension Outreach for Ag Youth

Engaging Nebraska's youth in crop production.

youth crop scouting hero

Nebraska Extension offers a wide array of educational resources for young people interested in crop science and agriculture. On this page, you'll discover immersive activities, career exploration in plant sciences, and opportunities like 4-H and FFA projects. Youth can engage in hands-on learning through competitions, field days, and specialized agronomy projects. This page also features resources and teaching materials to support educators and parents in promoting agricultural careers.

Contact:

Brandy VanDeWalle

Extension Educator

(402) 759-3712
brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu
Faculty Bio

Articles
Brandy VanDeWalle mugshot
extension educator speaks to youth in field

Crop Production for Youth

Crop and Plant Science Facts

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

Soybean Management Guide

  • A practical course on optimizing soybean production.

Activities for Youth

youth during product application in field

Crop 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!

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innovative corn youth challenge calculations in field

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

An annual Nebraska Extension youth program that promotes innovative crop production, shares research to improve yields, and supports youth education in corn production and agronomic careers, pairing them with mentors like extension educators and industry professionals.

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youth scouting field

Youth Crop Scouting Competition

Offered annually, this competition helps students learn crop scouting and integrated pest management (IPM) for corn and soybeans, gain career-relevant skills, and explore advanced crop scouting technologies.

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Crop Projects

youth applying fertilizer

Nebraska 4-H & FFA Crop Projects

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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Special Agronomy Project

Nebraska Extension's Special Agronomy Project allows 4-H members to experience a crop that is grown, was grown, or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Each year, a new crop is chosen for youth to grow and study, with their project's growing season culminating in a presentation on their research at their local county fair and the Nebraska State Fair. 

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youth in tractor cab holding drone

Crop Project Resources

Ag youth can also choose their own interesting projects to conduct and enter in their local county or state fair. See these resources for help:

Agriculture in Education

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
Resources

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youth listen to lecture in classroom

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