Three students from Western Illinois University's School of Agriculture showcased their expertise at the 2023 National Weed Science Contest (NWSC), held in Union City, TN, and hosted by Bayer Crop Science.
Senior Ag majors Stephanie Reiter and Clayton Walch, along with junior Ag major Jackson Rhoades, were selected to participate based on their learning from Associate Professor Mark Bernards' Agronomy, Crop Science, and Weed Control class, which included concepts featured in the contest.
Clayton Walch shared, "Our professor prepared us well for the contest by teaching us concepts that were part of the competition. We volunteered to enhance our education. I gained insights into identifying herbicide injury symptoms and learned how to address stand problems like a professional agronomist would."
The 2023 NWSC proved immensely valuable. It encompassed various challenges, including Weed Identification, Herbicide Mode of Action Injury Identification, Sprayer Calibration Math, and a trial that simulated a real-world farm visit to solve an agricultural problem.
Mark Bernards, noted the School of Ag's commitment to nurturing skill sets, stated, "Our students' participation in such regional and national competitions reflects our dedication to creating learning opportunities. These experiences not only boost their confidence but also enhance their marketability in the agricultural industry."
The NWSC is a collaborative effort by the Northeastern, North Central, Southern, and Western Weed Science Societies. It provides a platform for students from across the nation to develop practical skills in Weed Science, fostering interaction with peers, researchers, and industry professionals. The contest strives to ignite interest in Weed Science careers and elevate its significance.
Stephanie Reiter emphasized, "Participating in these contests is enriching. Networking with experienced individuals helps me understand the highs and lows of my desired field. These competitions expanded my knowledge of herbicide identification and weed species. As someone without an Ag background, I've come a long way in four years."
The WIU Ag students' participation in such competitions exemplifies their commitment to learning beyond classrooms, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels
Categories: Illinois, Education