From identifying crop problems to deciding how they should be managed, four teams of Nebraska youth put their scouting knowledge into action Aug. 6 during the 2026 Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), near Mead.
The annual Nebraska Extension competition turns crop scouting into a hands-on challenge, giving students the opportunity to work through real-world production scenarios, learn from specialists and explore where those skills could take them in agriculture.
Competition Results
- First place — Johnson County 4-H: Wesley Schmid, Josie McCoy, Sophia Schmid and Stetson Miller (Coach: Jon Schmid). The team received $500.
- Second place — Colfax County 4-H: Akryn Bell, Justin Eisenmann, Josh Eisenmann, Cody Jedlicka, and Daphne Jedlicka (Sponsors: Steve Nelson, Logan Nelson, Korbin Kudera and Justin Zoucha). The team received $250.
- Third place — Broken Bow FFA: David Goodner-Wilkie, Mason Govier, Rawlins Kleeb and Madden Kleeb (Advisor: Caleb tenBensel). The team received $100.
- Arlington FFA: Grant Monke, Brody Stork, Logan and Ethan Hilgenkamp (Sponsor: Kali Agler).
Building Skills and Career Connections
Results from the 2026 Youth Crop Scouting Program showed a strong connection between the competition and students' interest in agriculture. Seventy percent of participants reported learning about a new career through the program, and 100% said they were interested in an agriculture-related career.
Participants also reported improved knowledge and skills in:
- Accurately identifying pest species;
- Understanding economic thresholds for pest treatment;
- Understanding effective nonchemical control practices;
- Understanding crop scouting procedures; and
- Awareness of degree opportunities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Coaches and mentors also highlighted the program's role in connecting students with agricultural industries and career opportunities.
“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,” one coach said.
Next Stop: Regionals
Johnson County 4-H and Colfax County 4-H will represent Nebraska at the regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition on Saturday, Sept. 12. Hosted by Illinois Extension, the competition will bring together teams from Nebraska, Iowa, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota.
The 2026 Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition was sponsored by the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association and the Nebraska Corn Board in collaboration with Nebraska Extension.
For more information about the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, email Brandy VanDeWalle or visit the CropWatch Youth Crop Scouting Competition page.
