Missouri 4-H, MU Extension were hosts of first Crop Scouting Day July 19 at Bradford Research Farm

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Twenty-seven 4-H youths and volunteers learned about common Missouri crops, insects, diseases and weeds, as well as pesticide usage and safety at the first Missouri 4-H Crop Scouting Day, July 19 at the University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm near Columbia.

Missouri 4-H and MU Extension hosted the event. Demonstrations included weed electrocution and pesticide spill cleanup. Competitions tested individuals and teams on their knowledge of various crop-related topics.

Results of the various competitions were as follows:

• Top individuals, intermediate (ages 11-13) first, Landon Kendrick, Audrain County; second, Levi Lucas, Atchison County; and third, Selby Hulse, Marion County.
• Top individuals, senior (ages 14-18) were: first, Grant Oaks, Sullivan County; second, Ryan Lucas, Atchison County; third, Clara Wallace, Ralls County.
• Top intermediate team: Selby Hulse, Kaden Oaks and Khloe Wallace.
• Top senior team: Grant Oaks, Ryan Lucas, Clara Wallace and Ryan Head. The senior team will compete this fall at a regional contest hosted by Purdue University.

As a result of attending the event, 79% of participants reported greater knowledge of pesticide usage and safety; 85% reported greater knowledge of weed identification; 79% reported greater knowledge of soybean staging and morphology; 73% reported greater knowledge of insect identification; 90% reported greater knowledge of disease identification; and 94% reported greater knowledge of corn staging and morphology.

Additionally, 89% shared that because of their involvement in 4-H, they are educated consumers of agricultural products, are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others and are advocates for the agriculture industry. Nearly 95% are seeking to learn more about agriculture.

Special thanks to the Missouri 4-H Foundation, MU Extension, MU Integrated Pest Management, MU Plant Sciences and Technology, and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council for their support with the State 4-H Crop Scouting Day.

Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, D.V.M.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.