Twelve universities compete in annual event
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Faculty and staff at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture hosted the annual Weed Contest in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 5 and 6, sponsored by the Southern Weed Science Society.
More than 70 students from 12 land-grant universities tested their weed science knowledge across six competition categories: weed identification, herbicide identification, written calibration, team calibration, producer problem scenarios and a mystery event. This year’s mystery event required laying out a field research test trial.
The contest is attended by both undergraduate and graduate students, with awards given to the top three scoring teams and the top five scoring individuals. The University of Tennessee Weed Team, consisting of graduate students Hayden Love, Sally Reed, Gavin Sparks and Logan Smith, placed first in the team calibration event, with Sparks also placing fifth overall. The University of Arkansas was awarded first place and the “Broken Hoe” trophy.
“Each year, this event challenges our next generation of weed scientists with applying their knowledge in realistic, hands-on scenarios,” says Tom Mueller, weed science professor in the UT Department of Plant Sciences. “Participants also have the opportunity to network with professors and students from across the region, offering a holistic understanding of weed science beyond their individual institutions.”
The Weed Contest changes locations annually. Information about this year’s event can be found on the Southern Weed Science Society’s website at swss.ws/collegiate-weeds-contest.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.