The first weed contest was held at the Eli Lilly Research Farm at Albany, GA, in late May 1980. From the original idea of David Teem of FL, a contest evolved that was sanctioned by the Southern Weed Science Society in 1981. In August 1981, the first North Central Collegiate Weed Science Contest was held at the Agri-Growth Research Farm, Hollandale, MN. An undergraduate division was established in 1982. The Northeast Collegiate Weed Science Contest began in 1983 at the Wye Research Center in Queenstown, MD, with both graduate and undergraduate formats. The North Central contest annually has the most participants followed by the Southern and Northeast contests. Representatives from 39 universities have competed in at least one contest. The three contests follow a similar format that includes four events: plant and seed identification of weed species, identification of herbicides from plant symptoms, calibration of herbicide application equipment, and crop/weed problems and recommendations. Preparation by universities has varied from minimal to establishing a class to prepare students for the contest. Regardless of the level of preparation, the weed contests have developed into one of the most anticipated and worthwhile experiences for students and university and industry personnel.