At the 2025 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting for Professional Improvement in Billings, Montana, Brandy VanDeWalle, an educator with Nebraska Extension, was nationally recognized for her outstanding work in youth programming. VanDeWalle received the national Search for Excellence in 4-H and Youth Programming award.
VanDeWalle has led the Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition for 11 years, designing and implementing a program that equips middle and high school students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to pursue careers in agriculture and pest management. The competition emphasizes Integrated Pest Management — focusing on reducing pesticide reliance through sustainable alternatives such as biological, mechanical, and cultural controls. The program aligns with the USDA’s 2024 Farm Labor Report, which highlights the ongoing demand for agricultural workers, particularly in crop production.
Over the past 11 years, the Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition has made a lasting impact on students and the state’s agricultural community. The program has engaged 276 youth participants in Nebraska, with an additional 187 involved in regional competitions. Collectively, participants and mentors have contributed nearly 1,500 direct hours and 10,000 indirect hours to IPM education — helping to build a skilled workforce ready to address pest management challenges and promote agricultural sustainability.
The competition promotes youth engagement and career development while strengthening connections between students and the agricultural industry. A 2024 long-term evaluation revealed that over 80% of participants gained valuable career insights, improved their pest identification skills, and expressed increased confidence in agricultural practices. Furthermore, 27 former participants reported a heightened interest in agricultural careers and enrolling in programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Feedback from coaches and mentors highlights the program’s lasting impact. One coach shared, “This has been a great learning opportunity for students. They’ve developed relationships with industries in our community that helped us succeed and develop real-world skills. Three students secured jobs through the relationships they built, and two obtained summer jobs.”
The NACAA’s Search for Excellence in 4-H & Youth Programming award honors members who have developed and delivered outstanding youth development programs through Extension and 4-H.
In addition to receiving this national honor, VanDeWalle was also a national finalist for her work on the Nebraska Special Agronomy Project newsletter and the North Central regional winner for a published photo.
