The undergraduate team representing the University of Missouri took home first place at the 2026 North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS) Student Weed Contest. The competition took place July 30 in Gothenburg, Nebraska. 

The team consisted of four CAFNR students: 

• Austin Wilson, Junior, Plant Sciences 
• Ella Goldinger, Senior, Plant Sciences 
• Jacob Heitman, Senior, Plant Sciences 
• Katie Bernicky, Senior, Plant Sciences 

In addition to the team’s win, Wilson was recognized as the first-place undergraduate recipient. 

This year marked the first time an undergraduate team from Mizzou competed. The students faced off against undergraduate teams from other land-grant universities across the Midwest. 

The event gives students across the region opportunities to apply their knowledge, strengthen skills and build connections within the weed science community.