By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is now accepting registrations for the 2025 Crop Scout School, scheduled for May 22 at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm in Crawfordsville, Iowa.
This program is ideal for both beginners and experienced crop scouts looking to improve their field skills. The one-day course runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. The $150 fee includes printed and digital resources, lunch, and refreshments.
Advance registration is required, and the course is limited to 60 participants. Registration closes on May 16.
The training offers a mix of expert-led classroom sessions and hands-on practice. Topics include:
- Scouting tips and tricks with Virgil Schmitt
- Corn and soybean staging by Logan McCrea and Rebecca Vittetoe
- Disease identification with Alison Robertson
- Weed ID by Wesley Everman
- Insect pest ID with Erin Hodgson
- Crop challenges like nutrient deficiency and herbicide injury
A practical field session will allow attendees to perform stand assessments and diagnose herbicide damage with guidance from field experts.
- Participants also receive several valuable publications, such as:
- Soybean and Corn Diseases booklet
- Field Crop Insects guide
- Corn and Soybean Field Guide
- Digital Weed Identification Guide (2nd Edition)
These resources provide essential scouting knowledge, with detailed images, diagrams, and updated pest and weed management strategies.
Field agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe said, “This school offers great value to those wanting to become better scouts or growers.”
This event is a great opportunity to build skills, ask questions, and gain confidence in field scouting—helping improve crop production decisions throughout the growing season.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education