Student Competition Teams Provide Real-World Experience
NC State University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is home to several competitive student teams that provide hands-on learning experiences, networking opportunities, and career-building skills.
Through national and regional competitions, these teams showcase students’ knowledge and expertise in agronomy, turfgrass management, soil science, weed science, and horticulture.
Our department is proud to channel Friends of Crop and Soil Sciences gifts from NC State’s Day of Giving to our student competition teams. Here’s a closer look at our five outstanding teams that are genuinely passion inspired and donor fueled:
Agronomy Club
The Agronomy Club at NC State, established in 1914, is the oldest student club at the university. The club fosters student engagement in crop science through field trips, networking, and professional development. It currently has around 40 active members.
The club meets twice a month and focuses on professional development, networking, and involvement in agricultural events. Bob Patterson and Keith Edmisten are co-advisors. Speakers from various agricultural sectors and discussions about fundraising and community service activities are featured at meetings.
Lily Monks is the current club secretary.
“I’ve enjoyed being a member of the Agronomy Club for three years now and it has been a great experience. The networking, industry interaction, and learning experiences provided by the club have really elevated my education and fostered my growth as an individual and young professional.”
The Agronomy Club also participates in the annual SASES (Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences) meetings in spring and fall. Students compete in events such as crop judging, soil judging, and public speaking, gaining hands-on experience and industry exposure.
Turf Club
The NC State Turf Club provides a platform for students passionate about turfgrass science to deepen their expertise in golf course management, sports turf maintenance, and landscaping.
The team regularly competes in the annual Turf Bowl, hosted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). This rigorous competition tests students on turfgrass species identification, pest management, soil science, and turf maintenance strategies.
The Turf Club, advised by Assitant Professor Qiyu Zhou, also offers networking opportunities with industry leaders, helping students secure internships and careers in the field.
Ty High is the club president.
“I participate in the Turf Club because it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow students in my major who share similar interests. By collaborating and exchanging ideas, concepts, and advice, we enhance our collective learning experience. Additionally, the club’s events, featuring guest speakers, open doors to valuable industry insights and future career opportunities.”
Soil Judging Team
NC State’s Soil Judging Team, established in 1959-1960, has a long-standing tradition of excellence. The team first competed in 1961 with four members and one coach. Fun fact: Bob Patterson, one of the original team members, now serves as a professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.
The team’s students learn to evaluate soil profiles, land use potential, and classification while competing in regional, national and international soil judging competitions. Associate Professor Matt Ricker is the team advisor.
Participating in soil judging at NC State offers an invaluable opportunity to develop both personal and professional skills.
Sarah Bailey is a current team member.
“Being on NC State’s Soil Judging Team has been such an incredible experience. From my first semester to now, I cherish everything about it. I love learning about soil properties in class, practicing in soil pits regardless of the weather, and competing. The field experience gained in such a short time is invaluable and equips me with skills directly applicable to future careers in soil science or agriculture.”
Follow our 2025 Soil Judging Team on Instagram @ncsusoiljudging to stay updated as they travel to Wisconsin for this year’s national competition in April!
Weed Science Team
The NC State Weed Science Team consists of undergraduate and graduate students interested in crop and weed science. The team has been a competitive force since the Southern Weed Science Society’s first weed science contest in 1981.
Advised by Assistant Professor Charlie Cahoon, the group competes in two regional contests and the national “Weed Olympics,” which are held every four years. NC State’s team has placed in the top three six times.
NC State typically sends two to three teams per competition, with three to four students per team. The team hosted the 2024 NEWSS Weed Contest at the Lake Wheeler Field Lab.
Recent student achievements include:
- Eric Jones, Jose De Sanctis, and Colton Blankenship – 2nd place as a team in the 2023 NEWSS graduate contest
- Jose DeSanctis – 8th overall in the 2022 SWSS graduate contest
- Jacob Forehand – 2nd overall in the 2022 SWSS undergraduate contest
- Hunter Lee – 3rd overall in the 2022 SWSS undergraduate contest
Brock Dean is a current team member.
“As a discipline, weed science emphasizes equipping our students with technical expertise to serve their future stakeholders. The regional and national weed contests are a fun way to bolster our students’ applied knowledge, facilitate networking with future colleagues and potential employers, and prepare them for the real world.”
HortPack Team
Started in 1990, the HortPack Team is an interdisciplinary group jointly coached by Horticultural Sciences and Crop and Soil Sciences. It includes both two-year Agricultural Institute students and four-year undergraduates.
NC State sends a group to the annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), where students demonstrate their knowledge and skills in 31 categories, including plant identification, irrigation installation, business management and landscape installation. The team is co-advised by Emily Erickson and Jodi Songer Driedger.
The HortPack emphasizes real-world skill development and networking. Participation in the NCLC provides students invaluable exposure to industry practices and potential career pathways. The event’s expansive career fair connects students with leading companies, facilitating mentorship and job prospects.
Isaac Lewis is a former team member.
“HortPack is a beautiful blend of hands-on learning and industry experience. It combines classroom teaching with boots-on-the-ground learning, helping students grow deeper roots in their future careers.”
The team’s success is further amplified by the training and support from industry partners, whose contributions are instrumental in facilitating the team’s participation and growth.
The Future of Agriculture and Environmental Science
Team funding provides practice materials and covers student travel to sanctioned competitions. Without it, some students would be unable to travel to competitions or access the specialized training materials they need to succeed. Department funding ensures every student can gain career-building experiences that set them apart in the job market.
These student competition teams provide invaluable experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom. By engaging in hands-on competitions, students develop technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and professional networks that propel them into successful careers in agriculture, turf management, environmental science, and beyond.
NC State’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is proud to continue a legacy of career preparedness through these dynamic student organizations.
Department Head Jeff Mullahey admires the career impact student teams provide.
“By funding these teams, donors help train the next generation of industry professionals. Employers in agriculture, turf management, and environmental sciences actively seek out NC State competitors because they graduate with real-world experience that sets them apart.”
Want More Workforce Development?
Our teaching programs are built on expert academics, hands-on experiences and real-world skills that prepare students for viable careers.
Learn more about our student degree pathways, including deep dives into our agronomy, soil science and turfgrass programs. Then, join us for a guided email tour of our Crop & Soil Sciences Department.
Connecting students with fertile careers is just part of how we are growing the future.
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