The Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is pleased to present the 10th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Iowa Youth. Middle school and high school students (those completing grades 7-12) from Iowa are invited to compete and showcase crop scouting abilities in corn and soybean. The competition will be a one day event focusing on outdoor learning. Sponsors have included Iowa 4-H Youth Development, Corteva, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Independent Crop Consultants Association, ScoutPro, Iowa Certified Crop Advisors, and Environmental Tillage Systems.
Date: July 30th, 2020
Location: Field Extension Education Laboratory at 1928 240 St., Boone, IA.*
Time: Registration begins at 8am. Competition starts at 8:30am and will end by 2:30pm.
Meals: Lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided.
*We expect to be able to hold an in-person competition. If state guidelines do not allow in-person meetings by July 30, we will provide a platform to participate in an interactive distance competition.
Purpose: To provide students an opportunity to learn crop scouting and principles of IPM for corn and soybean and to obtain knowledge and skills helpful in future careers related to agricultural and environmental sciences.
Prizes: $500 for 1st, $300 for 2nd, $150 for 3rd, $50 for 4th.
Team Leaders: Each 2-5 person team is to be led and accompanied by an adult team leader. Teams should work with their leader to train on a regular basis before the competition. Past team leaders have been FFA or agriculture teachers, seed dealers, coop employees, and others. No more than 3 teams per sponsoring organization (company, school, club).
Preparation: A 14-part set of IPM presentations and ISU Field Guides are available to help prepare for the competition. Presentations can be found at
https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/curriculum. Corn, Soybean, and Weed ID Field Guides can be purchased at
https://store.extension.iastate.edu. Teams will be expected to know the basics of IPM and scouting corn and soybean fields as outlined in these and other resources. Potential topics include identification and information regarding diseases, insects, weeds, disorders, herbicide injury, growth stages, and plant parts. Also, degree day computation and sprayer calibration and sprayer issues will be covered (see Teejet catalogue, pages 140-151
http://www.teejet.com/SprayLitApp/LitDisp.asp?Act=ViewLink&pagename=teejet_literature_catalogs-bulletins&URL=catalogs/C51A/cat51a_us.pdf). Along with field stations, there will be a written test on crop scouting material.
Please complete this form for each team. Parent/Guardian permission forms for youth participants will be sent after the registration is received. Registration must be done by July 1, 2020.
NEW THIS YEAR: Interested youth can sign up to receive a study materials package. Please provide a name and address for each youth (see form below) that wishes to receive one. THIS IS OPTIONAL. You do not need to provide an address to participate in the competition.
