Iowa Soybean Association and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Help Sponsor ISU Crop Scouting Competition

On Aug. 19, the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach held its first-ever Iowa Crop Scouting Competition. High school students from around the state participated in the event, which coupled real-world scouting experience based on integrated pest management principles with community service. The new program is an effort to build awareness of Iowa agriculture through hands-on learning and teamwork.

Darren Mueller, ISU Extension plant pathologist, said the first crop scouting competition was a learning opportunity for all involved.

“The students who participated were a talented group of individuals, and will be a great addition to Iowa’s
ag business in the coming years,” Mueller said. “Getting the students excited about Integrated Pest Management and making sound decisions at an early age sets a great base for their education.”

The day’s events consisted of a written exam, followed by 10 stations where students had to do real-world scouting. 

Teams of four students and one individual took part of the competition. The team from Denison Community School – Calvin Snitker, Tim Riessen, Ryan Reimers and Malachi Schroeder – received first place. The second place team, from Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove (OA-BCIG) Community School, included Cory Riessen, Lee Riessen, Jordan Rohlk and Eli Linman. 

The contest was funded by a grant from the North Central Integrated Pest Management Center, with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and the Iowa Soybean Association providing curriculum and competition materials.