Events and Activities : Weed Identification Contest Returns to the Iowa State Fair

Fairgoers can put their Iowa weed knowledge to the test, win a ribbon and prizes

The annual Iowa State Fair Weed Identification Contest will return on Friday, Aug. 8, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in front of the John Deere Agriculture Building. This contest is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU Department of Agronomy.

Participants of all ages can test their knowledge of common Iowa weeds by attempting to identify real weed samples, potted on a tabletop display. The contest requires contestants to understand commonly accepted names of weeds, but they do not need to know scientific names.

"We have a great variety of species planted this year, including common lawn and garden species that are easy for kids to identify and rarer weed species that are more difficult to identify," said Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist and contest organizer. "We invite all weed identification enthusiasts to see how their ID skills stack up against the best."

This fun opportunity is open to all who would like to participate, with three distinguishing levels: future agronomists (youth under age 19), general participants and professionals. Future agronomists will identify 20 common weeds in Iowa. Those at the general level will identify 30 weeds, while professionals will identify all 30, plus five additional challenging weeds found in Iowa.

Following the contest, winners will be announced at 3 p.m. during the awards ceremony held in the John Deere Agriculture Building. The top five winners in each division will walk away with a cash prize and a coveted Iowa State Fair ribbon. Weeds from the contest will also remain on display for the duration of the fair in the lower level of the same building.

"We encourage the whole family to compete and see who is the best at weed identification," shared Anderson.

For more information about the contest, contact Meaghan Anderson at mjanders@iastate.edu.

Want to prepare for the contest? Review the Weed ID resources below: