Ankeny, Iowa, USA
September 8, 2011

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.

Daren 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 even 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.

Randall Kuhlmann, adviser for Denison, said the contest was a great way to get students thinking about agronomy.

“The materials were well organized and the sponsors were outstanding,” Kuhlmann said. “It creates curiosity outside of the classroom and was an excellent opportunity for us.”
Jolene Riessen, OA-BCIG adviser, said the contest, workshops and other learning materials will prove valuable in the future.

“It helps build confidence with knowledge of weeds and insects for when they’re older and do decide to come back and farm.”

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.

Website: http://www.iasoybeans.com

Published: September 8, 2011