The annual ISU Extension & Outreach Iowa State Fair Weed Identification Contest will be held on Friday, August 9, from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. in front of the John Deere Agriculture Building. With three divisions {Future Agronomists (youth), General, and Professional}, it is sure to be fun for the entire family! Winners will be announced at the 3:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony inside the John Deere Agricultural Building.
The top 5 winners in each division will walk away with a cash prize and a coveted Iowa State Fair ribbon, enough to entice anyone looking for a fun challenge! Future Agronomists identify 20 common Iowa weeds, those in the general division identify 30 weeds, and professionals identify 30, plus 5 extra challenging Iowa weeds.
Come see how your weed ID skills stand up against some of the most knowledgeable weed experts in our great state!
2018 Champions
Future Agronomists William Crow
General Casey Engen
Professional Karen Stiles (2017 General Champion)
Not sure you’re ready for the big day? You’ve got plenty of time to improve your skills! Use the ID resources below to study up and sweep your division!
Weed Identification Field Guide – 2ndEdition, $5-$10
U of Missouri Weed ID Guide
Michigan State University Turf Weeds
U of Illinois Weed Identification page
iNaturalist app available for Apple and Android devices or at iNaturalist.org
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...