Take on the 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
- 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.
State event
The 2026 state event will take place on July 28 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in St. Paul.
Two different tracks to participate in
Novice crop scouting
- A hands-on crop scouting exploration track for youth in grades 3-5.
- Learn more about crop scouting and test your skills in a non-competitive event.
- The cost to participate is free.
Crop scouting competition
- Teams of three to five 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 free.
Teams
Teams can be only 4-H or FFA, 4-H and FFA mixed, and/or multiple clubs or counties.
- Novice 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.
Contact the Minnesota 4-H plant science team at [email protected] to receive the crop scouting handbook. This 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 by June 15.
Contact
Contact the Minnesota 4-H plant science team at [email protected] to start a team, volunteer or find out more about crop scouting.
Reviewed in 2026