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4-H clover 4-H/FFA crop scouting

boy looking at soybean plant

Take on a challenge and form a 4-H or FFA crop scouting team! By being on a 4-H/FFA crop scouting team, you will learn skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving and predicting outcomes. All of these skills are what your future employers are looking for!

What is crop scouting?

Crop scouting is a way to inspect crops for potential outcomes and risks. Scouts are people who make systematic observations and predict crop production while considering factors such as weather, inputs like pesticides and herbicides, and risks such as disease and pests.

To learn more about what a crop scouting competition looks like, view the below video.

 

Teams

Teams can be only 4-H or FFA, 4-H and FFA mixed, and/or multiple clubs or counties.

  • Junior division - Individuals in grades 3-5. 
  • Intermediate team - A team of 3-5 youth in grades 6-8. 
  • Senior team - A team of 3-5 youth in grade 9 and above.

Volunteer coaches

Adult volunteer coaches are also a requirement of a team. They can be farmers, teachers, crop consultants, Extension educators, agriculture managers, agronomists, seed dealers, entomologists or anyone who would like to help direct a team of youth in the competition. Review the crop scouting adult coach volunteer position description

This crop scouting handbook provides information to support a 4-H crop scouting team. 

How to register

Register to participate in crop scouting on a team or individually by completing the online form.

Registration opens on May 1 and closes on July 1. However, to receive resources, teams must be registered by June 20.

State event

The 2024 state event will take place on July 26 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. 

There will be two different tracks for the day:

  • Junior crop scout - A hands-on crop scouting exploration track for youth in grades 3-5, a hands-on crop scouting exploration track.
    • Learn more about crop scouting and test your skills in a non-competitive event.
    • The cost to participate is $10 per person.
  • Crop scouting competition - Teams of 3-5 members from 4-H or FFA in grades 6 and above will compete.
    • The top team/individual will have an opportunity to go on to the national crop scouting contest.  
    • The cost to participate is $10/individual or $25/team. 

Contact us to start a team, volunteer or find out more.

Reviewed in 2024

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