Youth from across Minnesota are invited to demonstrate their crop science skills at the 2025 Minnesota 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting Contest, scheduled for Monday, July 28, on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus.
Organized by Minnesota 4-H, the contest is open to both 4-H and FFA members and provides a unique, hands-on opportunity to explore real-world agricultural careers. Participants will strengthen their knowledge in crop diagnostics, pest and disease identification, soil science, plant pathology, and more. Teams will rotate through field-based stations that mirror scenarios encountered by professional crop scouts and agronomists.
Crop scouting connects youth directly to future career pathways in agriculture and natural resources. The contest allows young people to take classroom learning into the field in a fun, engaging, and competitive format.
Registration is open now through June 15. Teams may include members from 4-H, FFA, or both, and can consist of youth from a single club or a partnership between multiple programs.
To support youth who may not have access to local coaching resources, Minnesota 4-H will offer a virtual training series throughout the summer to help teams prepare for contest day.
As a lead-up to the contest, Minnesota 4-H is also hosting five 4-H Plant Science Summer Field Days across the state:
• July 9 – Lamberton
• July 9 – Rosemount
• July 16 – Waseca
• July 22 – Chaska
• August 11 – Angora
These field days are designed to introduce youth to the world of plant science and crop scouting. Participants will engage in interactive, hands-on activities that explore how crops grow, how to identify potential field issues, and how agriculture professionals manage healthy, productive crops. Whether participants are new to agriculture or already exploring plant science, these events offer an engaging and welcoming experience.
Each field day runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., includes lunch, and is free to attend. All 4-H and FFA youth and their families are welcome.
To register or learn more about the contest and field days, visit: extension.umn.edu/4-h-showcase-events/4-hffa-crop-scouting.
For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.–extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.