By Meaghan Anderson and Robert Hartzler
The annual Iowa State University Extension and Outreach weed identification contest will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Friday Aug. 9, from 9-11:30 a.m. in front of the John Deere Agriculture Building.
Participants of all ages can test their knowledge of common weeds found in the state, by attempting to identify real weed samples, potted and on tabletop display. Contestants need to know commonly accepted names of weeds but do not need to know scientific names.
There are three divisions: Future Agronomists (youth under age 19), General and Professional. Following the contest, winners will be announced at the 3 p.m. awards ceremony inside the John Deere Agriculture Building. Weeds from the contest will also remain on display for the duration of the fair in the lower level of the John Deere building.