Plant Science

(AGRONOMY & HORTICULTURE)

See General Rules for additional information.
All static exhibits must receive a purple at the county fair to advance to the State Fair.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION for Static Exhibits – Youth can request accommodation to be able to participate in static judging at the Nemaha County Fair. See the 4-H Special Accommodation Policy.

FIELD CROPS

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – FIELD CROPS

1. Grain or Plant Exhibits – Classes 001-005

• A completed Crop Production Worksheet (available at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hagronomy) must accompany grain and plant exhibits, or it will automatically be reduced by one ribbon placing. The worksheet must include the 4-H Member’s name and address, county, plant hybrid or variety, plant population, whether crop production was irrigated or dryland, and general information, including farm cropping history, soil type, and weather effects.
• The worksheet also must include an economic analysis of the project, listing individual expenses and income, on a per-acre basis. Other topics to discuss are the selection of variety or hybrid, impacts of tillage and conservation practices, inputs (fuel, fertilizer, irrigation, labor, pesticides, etc.), any observations made during the growing season, and what you learned from your crops project. The worksheet counts as 50% of the total when judged.
• Worksheet must be the original work of the individual 4-H member, or it will be lowered one ribbon placement.
• Attach the worksheet to the entry in a clear plastic cover such that it can be read without removing it from the cover. In addition to the worksheet, grain and plant exhibits will be judged on condition, appearance (i.e., disease and insect damage, grain fill), uniformity (size, shape, color, maturity), and quality of exhibit. Refer to Scoresheet SF264. Grain exhibits must be one gallon per sample. Grain exhibits harvested in the fall (e.g., corn or soybeans) may be from the previous year’s project and brought in an appropriately sized box/container for display. NEW: Place in a clear container so it can be viewed and displayed.
• Plant exhibits, with the exception of ears of corn, must be the result of the current year’s project.

»Corn - 10 ears or 3 stalks (cut at ground level with no roots or soil and bound together)

»Grain Sorghum - 4 stalks (cut at ground level and bound together)

»Soybeans - 6 stalks (cut at ground level and bound together)

»Small grains (oats, barley, wheat, triticale) - sheaf of heads 2 inches in diameter at top tied with stems about 24 inches long.

»Other crops (alfalfa, millet, etc.) - sheaf of stems 3 inches in diameter at top tied with stems cut at ground level or half-size small square bale.

2. Displays – Classes 006-010

• The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those who view the display.
• The display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs), no larger than 28 inches wide by 28 inches tall on plywood or poster board.
• The display should be neatly titled. Make sure to label the display with the 4-H member’s name, address, and county on the back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely.
• Consider creativity and neatness. Refer to Scoresheet SF259. Each display must have a one-page essay (minimum) explaining why the 4-H member chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include any references used.
• The essay should be in a clear plastic cover with the 4-H member’s name outside.
• If a display does not have an essay, it will automatically be lowered one ribbon placement.

Special Agronomy Project – Classes 011-013

• 4-H members experience a crop that is grown, was grown, or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska by growing it, researching traits of that crop, and determine viability of that crop in the part of the state they live.
• Each year, seeds will be mailed to extension offices or ag ed classrooms across the state, as ordered by that location. Offices will distribute to 4-H members on a first come – first serve basis. A different seed will be selected every year.
• 4-H members will grow seeds in their garden or pots. Written resource materials will be available for youth, in addition to virtual, live, or recorded videos/field trips.
• 4-H members will be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the county and/or state fair in the agronomy project area.

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 750 – FIELD CROPS
Division 750                Classes 001 – 013                   Pay Category H

WEED SCIENCE

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – WEED SCIENCE

1. At least 15 of the specimens must represent this year’s work (after the previous fair to the present day). For assistance in identifying plants, participants can use the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains Book.
2. Books - Classes 1-2:

• Plants must be mounted on sheets that are no larger than 14 inches wide by 14 inches high. A proper plant mount should include root as well as stem and leaf tissue. Plants should be glued rather than taped, and the mounts should be protected with a clear cover.
• Exhibits will be judged based on completeness of plant mount, accuracy of identification, label, neatness, and conformity to exhibit requirements. Refer to Scoresheet SF261.
• Each completed mount must have the following information (see example below) in the lower right corner of the mounting sheet: - Scientific name (in italic or underlined), with authority, - Common name, - County of collection, - Collection date, - Collector’s name, - Personal collection number, indicating the order that plants were collected in your personal collection, - Other information depending on class selected, i.e. noxious life form. This information should be typed or printed neatly.

3. Displays - Class 3:

• The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those who view the display. The display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs) no larger than 28 inches by 28 inches on plywood or poster board. The display should be neatly titled.
• Make sure to label the display with the 4-H member’s name, address, and county on the back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely. Refer to Scoresheet SF259.
• Each display must have a one-page essay explaining why the 4-H member chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include any references used.
• The essay should be in a clear plastic cover with the 4-H member’s name outside.
• Other information, depending on class selected, i.e., noxious, life form. This information should be typed or printed neatly.

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 751 – WEED SCIENCE
Division 751               Class 001–003                Pay Category H

RANGE MANAGEMENT

The purpose of this category is to help 4-H’ers identify and collect range plants. In addition, participants will learn the basics of range management and Nebraska’s range. Through the creation of range boards, 4-H’ers will become more proficient in the knowledge of Nebraska’s range.

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – RANGE MANAGEMENT

1. Each exhibit must be properly identified with the Unit and Class.
2. All plant displays and display covers must be the result of the current year’s work.
3. Plant identification and lists of appropriate plants in each category (grasses, forbs, shrubs, and grass-like plants) can be found in the Range Judging Handbook and Contest Guide (EC150, Revised July 2024), Common Grasses of Nebraska (EC170), and Common Forbs and Shrubs of Nebraska (EC118).
4. The purpose of these exhibits is to demonstrate to the public the benefits of the study and application of crop, weed, range, and soil sciences to solving problems in management, conservation, sustainability, and environmental protection.
5. For guidelines on specific projects, refer to the appropriate project manuals.
6. Books (Classes 1-6): For books, plants must be mounted on sheets that are no larger than 14 inches wide by 14 inches high. Plants should be glued rather than taped, and the mounts should be protected with a clear cover. A proper plant mount should include root, as well as stem and leaf tissue. Exhibits will be judged based on completeness of plant mount, accuracy of identification, labeling, neatness, and conformity to project requirements. Each completed mount must have the following information (see example below) in the lower right corner of the mounting sheet:
   Example Scientific name: Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash

• Common name: Little bluestem
• County of collection: Hall County
• Collection date: 6 August 2016
• Collector’s name: Joe Smith
• Personal collection number, indicating the order that plants were collected in your personal collection,
• Other information, depending on class selected, i.e., value and importance, life span, growth season, origin, major types of range plants.
• This information should be typed or printed neatly.

7. Displays (Class 7): The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those who view the display. The display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs) no larger than 28 inches by 28 inches on plywood or poster board. The display should be neatly titled. Make sure to label the display with the exhibitor’s name, address, and county on the back side.
8. Boards (Classes 8-9, 910): Boards should be no larger than 30 inches wide by 36 inches tall. Boards should be adequately labeled.

DEPARTMENT D - DIVISION 330 - RANGE MANAGEMENT
Division 330              Classes 001-009, 901                Pay Category H

HORTICULTURE
(FLORICULTURE, HOUSEPLANTS, VEGETABLES, HERBS, & FRUITS)

The purpose of Horticulture is to encourage participants to start and maintain vegetable gardens. In addition, 4-H members can participate in planting, growing, and caring for flowers. There is also a special gardening project in this category that 4-H members can participate in.

FLORICULTURE, EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS & HOUSEPLANTS

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – FLORICULTURE & HOUSEPLANTS

Floriculture – Classes 001-046

• Classes 1-23: Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parentheses.

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – FLORICULTURE & HOUSEPLANTS

• Classes 30-46: Cut Flower Perennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parentheses.
• The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If a potted container has several cultivars or varieties, identify each individually within the pot. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or office personnel.
• For Floriculture, punch a hole in the top center of the entry tag, and use a rubber band to securely attach the entry tag to containers.
• Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of stems will be dropped one ribbon placing. In classes 23, 45 & 46, do not duplicate entries from the already listed classes, or the entry will be dropped one ribbon placing. For example, 4-H members with two cultivars or varieties of marigolds can only enter the marigold class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other class. A perennial is defined as a plant of which the crown overwinters. An annual is a plant that grows from seed each season, whether self-seeded or planted by the gardener. A biennial is a plant that germinates, grows, and overwinters as a crown, blooms the following year, and dies. Foliage will be considered when the exhibit is judged.
• All 3 or 5 stems of cut flowers should be the same cultivar and color; do not mix cultivars and colors. Containers will not be judged; however, they should be CLEAR GLASS CONTAINERS that won’t tip over (No plastic containers at State Fair) and of adequate size to display blooms. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placement. NO SCREW ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold flowers in place, it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from the State Fair.

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES – FLORICULTURE & HOUSEPLANTS

1. Houseplants - Classes 060-066

• Container-Grown Houseplants: The choice of container and soil quality will be considered in judging. Each houseplant must be identified by listing the names on the entry tag or on a card attached to the container. Identify each plant individually if more than one cultivar or variety. Houseplants should be grown in the display container for a minimum of six weeks. Plants grown as houseplants must be used. NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” and NebGuide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” include a listing of common houseplants. Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e., petunias, geraniums, impatiens) will be disqualified and will not be judged.
• Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member.
• Any container plant (flowering or foliage potted houseplants, dish gardens, fairy or miniature gardens, desert gardens, or terrariums) shall be in containers no larger than 12 inches (use inside opening measurement) in any dimension of length or width. No combination of pots may be used. All potted plants are to be in a one-pot container. Any container-grown plant in Classes 60-66 that does not follow these guidelines will be dropped one ribbon placement.
• Classes 60-65 exhibitors must have and provide a saucer to catch drainage water. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer.

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 770 – FLORICULTURE, EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS & HOUSEPLANTS
Division 770                Classes 001-046, 050-053, 060-066, 966-969                     Pay Category H

CUT FLOWERS - PERENNIALS - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parentheses. (SF106)

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

HOUSE PLANTS

BEAUTIFUL BUCKET

Youth may enter this class as a community service activity and do not have to be enrolled in a Floriculture project. The purpose of the exhibit is to beautify the fairgrounds for the fair.

ARRANGEMENTS

VEGETABLES, HERBS, FRUITS & EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

GENERAL INFORMATION & EXHIBITING RULES - VEGETABLES, HERBS & FRUITS & EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

1. The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will lower the entry a ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or office personnel. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of vegetables will be lowered one ribbon placing. In classes 252, 255, 268, 269, 285, and 286, do not duplicate entries with the classes listed by using other cultivars or varieties, or the entry will be lowered one ribbon placing. For example: 4-H member with two cultivars or varieties of red tomatoes can only enter the red tomatoes class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other vegetable class. Score Sheet SF108.
2. Vegetable (Classes 201-256), please note the number to exhibit listed below. Class, Vegetable, Numbers to exhibit.
3. Herbs (Classes 60-69) Herbs will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. Those grown mainly for their seed, such as dill and caraway, should be exhibited on a plate. Those grown for their leaves, such as basil, parsley, etc., should be exhibited in a CLEAR GLASS CONTAINER of water (no plastic containers at State Fair). Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placement. NO SCREW ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold herb leaves in place, it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from the State Fair. Potted herb plants will be disqualified and will not be judged. Score Sheet SF108.
4. Fruits (Classes 280-286) Fruits will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. Fruit will be judged for the stage of maturity normal for that season and growing location. Emphasis will be placed on how well fruit approaches market quality. Score Sheet SF108.

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 773 - VEGETABLES, HERBS, FRUITS & EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS
Division 773              Classes 201–256, 260-269, 280-286, 290-294, 961                  Pay Category HSF)

HERBS (SF108)

FRUITS (SF108)

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

DEPARTMENT G - DIVISION 775 – SPECIAL GARDENING PROJECT
Division 775            Classes 001-002, 901-902                 Pay Category H

The Special Garden Project changes annually. More information may be found at the 4-H Special Garden Project.

Science, Engineering & Technology (STEM)