By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Youth Crop Scouting Competition is a one day educational event designed to help high school students build practical knowledge of crop production and field management.
The competition gives youth the opportunity to apply classroom learning directly in agricultural fields, strengthening their understanding of farming systems and crop health.
Knowing how to scout crop fields is an essential farming skill. Crop scouting helps farmers monitor plant growth, identify pests and diseases, observe weeds, and evaluate field conditions.
Early identification of problems allows farmers to make timely decisions that protect crop yields, reduce losses, and improve profitability. This competition teaches students why careful field observation matters in modern agriculture.
Teams of two to five students from grades nine through twelve participate under the guidance of an adult coach.
The event will take place at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign South Farm, where teams rotate through ten outdoor learning stations. At each station, students will complete hands-on activities that test practical agronomic skills used by farmers and crop advisors.
Students will identify weeds, insects, and crop diseases, determine corn and soybean growth stages, recognize environmental stress on plants, and learn about pesticide application and integrated pest management.
These activities reflect real situations farmers face during the growing season. Teams are evaluated by judges including university faculty, graduate students, specialists, and Extension educators.
The competition encourages teamwork, problem solving, and confidence in field-based decision making.
Cash prizes are awarded to the top four scoring teams. The two highest ranking teams earn the honor of representing Illinois at the regional crop scouting competition. In 2026, Illinois will host the regional event, allowing qualifying teams to compete locally.
Registration is open to schools and youth groups across the state. The program promotes student interest in agriculture careers, supports agricultural education, and helps prepare the next generation of skilled farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska
Categories: Illinois, Education