By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota State University Weed Science teams took part in the North Central Weed Science Society and Western Society of Weed Science Joint Student Weed Contest, gaining practical experience in weed management and related farm skills.
The graduate team earned second place in the Western Society of Weed Science category at the contest, which was hosted by Bayer on July 29-30, 2026. The event brought together students who tested their knowledge through several activities connected to crop production and weed control.
SDSU sent both a graduate team and an undergraduate team to the competition. It was the first time the university had prepared for and participated in the contest. Before the event, students spent months preparing for the different challenges.
Their preparation included weed identification, unknown herbicide identification, farmer problem-solving and recommendations, sprayer calibration, and math problems related to herbicide use and sprayer calibration.
Sachin Dhanda, assistant professor of weed ecology and coach of the SDSU teams, said the contest gave students valuable experience beyond regular classroom learning.
“It challenges them to apply their knowledge to practical weed management problems, strengthen their problem-solving skills and build confidence that will benefit them throughout their careers,” said Dhanda, a faculty member in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.
The contest also gave students a chance to meet university faculty, researchers, industry professionals, and students from other universities. These connections helped make the event useful for learning and professional development.
Prajwal R. Shashishekhar, a graduate team member from Karnataka, India, studies research related to genetics and plant breeding. He said he appreciated Dhanda and his teammates for helping make the experience possible.
“Participating in the weed contest was more than a competition — it broadened my perspective as an aspiring researcher and connected my background in genetics and plant breeding with practical weed science,” Shashishekhar said. “The experience strengthened my understanding of weed management and herbicide response and their importance to sustainable crop production.”
Ashish Chaudhary, another graduate team member from Lumbini, Nepal, also viewed the contest as an important learning experience. He said the competition allowed the students to test their knowledge outside the classroom.
“While I'm proud of our second-place finish, the contest was a real reality check,” Chaudhary said. “It helped me realize how much more I need to learn across every part of weed science.”
The SDSU teams also received support from university and industry partners while preparing for the event. Dhanda thanked Fritz Koppatschek from ABG Ag Services for organizing a practice session. He also recognized Karen Sanguinet, Klingbeil Endowed Department Head of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science; SDSU Extension Weed Specialist Eric Jones; and SDSU Extension Weed Ecology Field Specialist Graig Reicks for their support.
“I look forward to seeing our students continue to learn, grow and represent SDSU in future competitions,” Dhanda said.
The graduate team included Ashish Chaudhary, Hunter Mitchell, Muskan Jakhar, and Prajwal R. Shashishekhar. Chaudhary was a Ph.D. student in biological sciences from Lumbini, Nepal. Mitchell was an M.S. student in plant science from Watertown. Jakhar was an M.S. student in plant science from Haryana, India. Shashishekhar was a Ph.D. student in biological sciences from Karnataka, India.
The undergraduate team included Brooke Koppatschek, Evan Olson, Richard Meyer, and Samson Flakus. Koppatschek, a senior studying agricultural business from Toronto. Olson, a senior studying agronomy from Forbes, North Dakota. Meyer, a senior studying precision agriculture from White. Flakus, a senior studying agronomy from Aberdeen.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education