Agronomy

GENERAL RULES

Southern Plains Extension Unit County Fairs

ALL DEADLINES WILL BE ENFORCED.

      The shows and events of the Nuckolls & Thayer County Fairs will be under the direction of the designated Extension staff and superintendents. The Extension staff and superintendents will make all on-the-spot decisions necessary for the operation of the shows. In case of a complaint or a disagreement with the show, the exhibitor should discuss it with the Extension staff and the superintendent within one hour after the show.  If an agreement cannot be reached, then the exhibitor and/or the Extension staff and superintendent should request a grievance committee meeting. Grievance must be submitted in writing. The grievance committee will consist of two 4-H Council members, two Fairboard members and one neutral superintendent. The decision reached by this committee is final. 

Rules: 

1. Eligibility Requirements- Competition in the county 4-H Fair is open to youth who are enrolled in Nuckolls or Thayer County 4-H projects in which he/she is exhibiting. The youth must be 8 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year and under the age of 19 years of age on January 1 of the current calendar year. CloverKid members are 5-7 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year.

2.  Pre-Entry- Pre-entries are required for ALL fair exhibits.

PRE-ENTRY DEADLINES:

Nuckolls – Paper Entries Only – July 11^th - 4:00 PM

Thayer – Online Entries Only- July 17^{th –} Midnight 

        Absolutely NO late entries accepted!

*Subject to the 4-H Council policy committee.

3. Number of Entries Allowed.

    Nuckolls County ONLY- Unlimited entries per class numbermay be made per exhibitor with the exception of a limit of two entries per class in Horticulture. 

    Thayer County ONLY- Limit of two entries per class.

    See General Animal Rules for livestock entries.

4. Entry Tags- Exhibits other than livestock contest must have entry tags attached to the exhibit at the time of entry. Tags are printed through your local Extension office.

5. Exhibits Released-See fair schedule. All fair exhibits are expected to be at the fair during scheduled times. Premium and support/booster payments will be forfeited for early removal of show animals with the exception of animals released for the animal’s welfare by written approval from a veterinarian or for legitimate reason with written approval from the species’ superintendent and a representative of the 4-H council livestock committee. In case of emergencies, contact the office staff. The Extension staff is not responsible for items left at the fairgrounds after scheduled times.

6. Exhibit Space- Space will be assigned by the department superintendent(s). All possible care will be used to prevent loss or injury to articles or animals exhibited, but fair management will in no way be responsible should loss or injury occur. 

7. Disclaimer of Responsibility- All persons participating in the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fairs, either as exhibitors or as spectators, agree to make no claim against said Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair Association/Board, its officers, employees, volunteers, or any other exhibitors for any loss or damage to persons or property in connection with the activities of the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair and said participants agree to hold said Association and persons harmless from any such claims. Individuals will be held personally responsible for his or her actions and the Fair Association will not be accountable or responsible for any injury. Exhibitors are responsible for the health of their animals.

8. Ribbons & Premiums Awarded- All exhibits will be divided into groups according to merit. 

Purple…………… Excellent             Blue……………………...…Good

Red……………….Fair                     White………Needs Improvement          Rainbow……..Non-Competition

Equal exhibits will be given ribbons of the same color in each class. Only worthy exhibits will be awarded ribbons and/or premium money. Trophies/banners/medals will only be awarded to purple & blue-ribbon exhibits. NO red or white ribbon entries will earn trophies. Unused trophies will be recycled.  In case there are insufficient funds to pay premiums in full, they will be prorated and paid accordingly. 

9. State Fair Eligibility-An exhibitor must be a 4-H member enrolled in the county which she/he represents and must be 8 years old by January 1, with the exception of program specific age requirements for Shooting Sports and First Lego League. 

10. State Fair Exhibits- The Extension staff deliver many exhibits to the State Fair as a courtesy to exhibitors. However, exhibitors may be asked to arrange transportation of some articles that are large or heavy.

11.  State Fair Rules will apply when County Fair Rules are not adequate.  In case the general rules conflict with department rules, the department rules govern.                      

12. Interview Judging- Clothing Judging- See interview information involving Clothing and Fashion included with the Clothing & Fashion show rules. Static Exhibit-Interview judging is encouraged but not required for all other static exhibits. 4-Hers can interview once per project for a total of 5 interviews. Sign up for interview judging will occur at exhibit check in, in each of the project areas. Interviews will be scheduled according to the project and class. If the 4-Her can’t make a certain time, we will try to work with them, but we cannot guarantee that they will get to interview with all the projects they want.   

13. Exhibits entered by 4-H members with special needs will be marked for the judge’s information only. Families will provide this information.

14. Identification- In addition to entry tag, a label with the exhibitor’s name, item’s department, division, and class should be attached to each separate piece of the exhibit.

15. Scoresheets- Scoresheets used for classes in divisions are listed by the corresponding division or class. PLEASE NOTE: County Fair scoresheets are denoted with CF numbers whereas State Fair scoresheets are denoted with SF numbers. Many county classes will use state fair scoresheets. For example: Heritage scoresheets begin with letters SF therefore will be found on the scoresheet website listed above. If any entire division uses the same scoresheet, the scoresheet number will be listed under the division title.

16.* Classes- All classes with a star (*) after the class number are not eligible for state fair competition.

Plant or Grain Exhibits- Scoresheet: SF264

Display Exhibits- Scoresheet: SF259

Premium Code: STATIC ITEMS

Rules: Grain or Plant Exhibits (Classes 1-5)

1. A completed Crop Production Worksheet available at https://go.unl.edu/cropworksheet must accompany grain and plant exhibits or it will automatically be deducted one ribbon placing. The worksheet must include the exhibitors 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. 
2. 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. 
3. The worksheet must be the original work of the individual exhibitor or be lowered on ribbon placing. 
4. 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. Place it in a clear container so it can be viewed and displayed. Place in a clear container so it can e viewed and displayed.
5. Plant exhibits, except for 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 tie with stems about 24” 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.

Dept G  Division 750

Grain or Plant Exhibit Classes

1      Corn- includes yellow, white, pop, waxy, or any other type.

2      Soybeans

3      Oats

4      Wheat

5      Any other crops- includes grain sorghum, alfalfa, millets, barley, rye, triticale, amaranth, dry beans, sugar beet, mung bean, canola, forage sorghum, safflower, etc.

Display Exhibits - Scoresheet: SF259

Rules:

1. The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those that view the display.

2. This display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs) no larger than 28” wide by 28” tall on plywood or poster board.

3.  The display should be neatly titled. Make sure to label the display with exhibitor’s name, address, and county on the back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely.

4.  Consider creativity and neatness. Refer to scoresheet SF259.  Each display must have a one-page essay (minimum) explaining why the exhibitor chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include any references used.

5.  The essay should be in a clear plastic cover with the exhibitor’s name on the outside. If a display does not have an essay, it will automatically be lowered one ribbon placing.

Dept G  Division 750

Display Classes

6    Crop Production Display- The purpose of this class is to allow original and creative exhibits that contain educational information about crop production aspects, such as crop scouting, alternative crops, pest management, etc. 

7    Crop Technology Display- Display information about aspects of technology used in crop production, such as genetic engineering, crop breeding, GPS, yield mapping, computers, etc. 

8    Crop End Use Display- Display information about the final product or end uses for a crop, such as food, feed, fuel, or other products. (i.e. corn can be processed into livestock feed, ethanol, plastics, etc. or soybeans can be processed into biodiesel, pet bedding, crayons, oil, etc.). This should not be about the process of crop production but instead focus on an end product(s).

9    Water or Soil Display- Display information about water or soils, such as how soils are being used for crop production, range, conservation, wildlife, or wetland use, or ways to protect or conserve water and soil resources.

10  Career Interview Display- The purpose of this class is to allow youth to investigate a career in agronomy. Youth should interview 1 person that works with crops about such topics as, what parts of their job do they enjoy or dislike, why did they choose that career, what was their education, etc. Include a picture of the person interviewed. 

SPECIAL AGRONOMY PROJECT

Scoresheet:  SF259

Premium Code: STATIC ITEMS

Rules:

1. Youth 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.
2. 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 youth on a first-come first-serve basis. A different seed will be selected every year. Youth will grow seeds in their garden or pots. Written resources materials will be available for youth, in addition to virtual, live, or recorded videos/field trips.
3. Youth will be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the county and/or state fair in the agronomy project area.
4. The crop of the year for 2026 is Popcorn.

Dept G  Division 750

Classes

11. Special Agronomy Project- Educational Exhibit- Educational exhibit based on what was learned from the project.  Present information on not larger than 28” wide by 28” tall on plywood or poster board. The 4-H member’s name, age and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover. Refer to Scoresheet SF259. Each display must have a ½ page essay (minimum) explaining why the exhibitor chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include any references used.
12. Special Agronomy Project- Video Presentation- 4-H exhibitor designs a multimedia presentation related to the crop. This could include narration of the growing process, presenting facts about the crop or any other innovative multimedia practices. The presentation should be at least 2 minutes in length and no more than 5 minutes in length, appropriate graphics, sound and either a video clip, animation, or voice over and/or original video clip. Presentations are to be uploaded to a video streaming application and the 4-H member must provide a hard copy QR code for viewing. 4-H members are encouraged to test their codes or link on several devices to check for appropriate permissions for public viewing
13. Special Agronomy Project- Freshly Harvested Crop- Plant exhibits must be the result of the current year’s project. Depending on the type of crop selected for the current year:

• 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 tie with stems about 24" long.
• Other crops (alfalfa, millet, etc.) - sheaf of stems 3 inches in diameter at top tied with stems cut at ground level.

Supporting documentation (½ to 1-page in length) should include the following: 

• Economic Analysis and/or research that supports feasibility of this crop in Nebraska or how the crop has evolved over time. 
• Other topics to discuss are past/current commercial production of this crop. This includes: 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 about this crop and what you learned from your crops project. This ½ to 1-page summary counts as 50% of the total when judged. 
• In addition to the summary, 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.

WEED SCIENCE

Premium Code: STATIC ITEMSBOOKS- Classes 1-2- Scoresheet: SF261

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

Guidelines: Plants must be mounted on sheets that are no larger than 14” wide by 14” high. A proper plant mount should include roots 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. 

Each completed mount must have the following information (see example below) in the lower right corner of the mounting sheet: 

1. Scientific name (in italic or underlined), with authority,

2. Common name,

3. County of collection, 

4. Collection date,

5. Collector’s name, 

6.  Personal Collection number, indicating order that plants were collected in your personal collection,

7.  Other information depending on class selected, i.e., noxious, life form. This information should be typed or printed neatly. 

Dept G Division 751

Classes

1    Weed Identification Book- A collection of a minimum of 15 plant mounts including at least two of the following prohibited noxious weeds (Canada thistle, musk thistle, plumeless thistle, saltcedar, leafy spurge, purple loosestrife, diffuse knapweed, spotted knapweed, Japanese knotweed, bohemian knotweed, giant knotweed, sericea lespedeza or phragmites), and at least three weeds that are a problem primarily in lawns.

2    Life Span Book- A collection of 7 perennials, 1 biennial, and 7 annual weeds.

WEED DISPLAY- Scoresheet: SF259

Guidelines: 

1. The purpose of the display is to tell an educational story to those that view the display. The display is a visual representation (pictures, charts, graphs) as a poster on 28” x 28” plywood or poster board. The display should be neatly titled. 

2. Make sure to label the display with the exhibitor’s name, address, and county on back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely. 

3. Each display must have a one-page essay explaining why the exhibitor chose the area of display and what they learned from their project. Include any references used. 

4. The essay should be in a clear plastic cover with the exhibitor's name on the outside.

Dept G Division 751

Class

1. Weed Display- The purpose of this class is to allow original and creative exhibits that contain educational information about weeds, such as interesting information about a weed species, the effects of weed control, herbicide resistant weeds, what makes a weed a weed, or uses for weeds.