By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska Lincoln Crops Judging team recently earned fourth place at a regional competition, showing strong performance among leading agricultural universities. The contest was held on February 14 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater during the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Crops Contest.
Four-year institutions competed in the event. Nebraska finished just a few points behind the third-place team. Other universities participating include Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Oklahoma State University, and West Texas A and M University.
Crops judging contests test students in four major areas of agronomy. Each competition includes four one-hour exams. Students complete crop and weed plant and seed identification, an agronomic math exam, a general agronomic knowledge test, and a laboratory practical exam. The lab practical focuses on real world problems that agronomists may face in professional careers.
These contests provide valuable learning experiences. Students build practical knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills. Many of the questions are modeled after professional certification exams, helping students prepare for careers in agriculture and crop science.
The team coach shared the impact of the competition experience. “This was the first competition for all but one of the students, and the team left motivated and more confident in their skills heading into our next competition at Iowa State University at the beginning of March,” Kuss said.
The crop’s judging team will compete in two regional contests this year, followed by a national competition at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, in April.
Participation in events like these strengthens classroom learning and prepares students for careers in agronomy, crop consulting, and agricultural research. Through competition and teamwork, students continue to develop skills that will support the future of agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education, General