Illinois youth participated in the Crop Scouting Competition at the University of Illinois Crop Sciences Research & Education Center in Savoy. The competition tested students' knowledge of weeds, insects, diseases, corn and soybean growth stages, abiotic injury, pesticide application, and integrated pest management.
The top two teams, Wesclin FFA and Pontiac FFA, advanced to represent Illinois at the 2023 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition in Nebraska. Every team received a cash prize and the top two teams received sponsorship for their trip to Nebraska.
The teams shared that they enjoyed the competition and learned a lot. They also said that they enjoyed working together as a team and that they would encourage other youth to try new things like crop scouting.
Competition coordinator Talon Becker said that the Crop Scouting Competition is a great opportunity for youth to learn about agriculture and gain hands-on experience. He also said that the competition is a networking opportunity for youth to meet with agricultural professionals and researchers.
The Wesclin FFA crops team said that their favorite and most challenging stations of the day were the insects, weed identification, and the drones at the pesticide stations. They said that they decided to attend the competition because they had a great time last year and wanted to get a team together again this year.
The Wesclin FFA advisor and coach Taylor Zurliene said that the competition helps the team get more than they do from studying pictures in the classroom. She said that the competition gives the team actual field experience and a lot more hands-on learning.
The youth said that they enjoyed working together as a team and that they would encourage other youth to try new things like crop scouting. They said that they are excited to represent Illinois at the regional competition and hope to inspire other youth to get involved in agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Illinois, Education