NDSU Extension sets dates for summer youth crop scout school
Youth interested in agriculture will have three hands-on opportunities this summer to explore the world of agronomy through the Junior Crop Scout School.
The one-day schools, organized by North Dakota State University Extension, are open to youth ages 12-18. The events will be held at three North Dakota locations: June 25 at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center in Carrington, July 2 at Norsemen Hall in Portland and Aug. 3 at the Hampden Cafe in Hampden.
Hosted by local NDSU Extension agents, Junior Crop Scout School is designed to build foundational skills in crop science, agronomy and agriculture-related careers. Participants will engage with real-world topics including crop growth stages, weed identification, crop stand evaluation, soil basics, insects, agronomic careers and more.
“This is an exciting chance for young people to get out in the field, literally, and experience what goes into growing crops and managing healthy fields,” says Traci Trostad, NDSU Extension agent in Nelson County and event co-coordinator.
Each school will begin with registration at 8:45 a.m. and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per participant and includes lunch and a crop scouting kit.
Registration is required. Youth and families are encouraged to register for the location that works best for them.
For the Carrington event, register at ndsu.ag/jrcrop26. For more information, contact Alicia Harstad at 701-845-8528 or alicia.harstad@ndsu.edu.
For the Portland event, register at ndsu.ag/jrcrop26port. For more information, contact Trostad at 701-247-2521 or traci.trostad@ndsu.edu.
For the Hampden event, register at ndsu.ag/jrcrop26ham. For more information, contact Lindsay Overmyer at 701-662-7027 or lindsay.overmyer@ndsu.edu.
Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made at least two weeks before the event.
The crop scout school is made possible with support from local NDSU Extension offices, sponsors and agricultural organizations.
NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 28, 2026
Source: Traci Trostad, 701-247-2521, traci.trostad@ndsu.edu
Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu