K-State crops team wins regional contest

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University’s Agronomy Crops Team took first place at the 2024 Central Regional Crops Contest, held on October 12 at Kansas State’s Agronomy Farm in Manhattan.

Competing against teams from Iowa State University, Oklahoma State University, and Kansas State University, the K-State team demonstrated impressive skill and preparation, earning top honors.

The K-State team’s individual winners included Molly Kane, a senior in agronomy from Paola, who took first place; Lakin Giager, a sophomore in agronomy from Parsons, in second; and Carissa Sohm, a junior in agronomy from Rolla, in third.

Other team members included alternates Karlie Albright, Faith Winkelmann, Ella Pachta, Benton Kerr, and Peyton Merrick, all from diverse backgrounds in agronomy and agricultural education. The team is led by coach Rachel Cott, with support from agronomy academic coordinator Sarah Frye and junior agronomy student Quinten Bina.

Kansas State University has a long-standing legacy in crop judging, with the Crops Judging Team originating in the agronomy department in 1923.

This program offers students hands-on experience in plant and seed identification, grain quality assessment, and other critical agronomic skills. Students benefit from traveling to contests around the country, where they network with peers and encounter a variety of crop systems and agricultural practices.

Next, the K-State team will head to Kansas City, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois, to compete in the National Crops Contest from November 17-23. If successful, this will mark Kansas State’s 33rd national fall title in crop judging.

“Agronomy is incredibly proud of our students and faculty coaches who continue to garner regional and national accolades in crop judging. This latest accomplishment is a reflection of strong preparation by students and coaching by the faculty. "Congratulations to the entire Crops Team, the individual winners and the coaches,” said Raj Khosla, agronomy department head.

The team’s performance at the regional contest reflects Kansas State’s commitment to agricultural excellence, preparing students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the field.

Photo Credit:kansas-state-university