FIELD CROPS (DEPARTMENT G)
Each 4-H/FFA exhibitor may enter up to 3 different items in each class.
Purple $2 Blue $1.50 Red $1
The purpose of these exhibits is to demonstrate to the public the benefits from the study and application of crop, weed, range and soil sciences to solving problems in management, conservation, sustainability, and environmental protection. For guidelines on specific projects, refer to appropriate project manuals.
FIELD CROPS - DIVISION 750
Grain or Plant Exhibits
- A completed Crop Production Worksheet (available at https://go.unl.edu/cropworksheet) must accompany grain and plant exhibits or it will be automatically be lowered 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 placing.
- 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 appropriate sized box/container for display. NEW: Place in a clear container so it can be viewed and displayed.
- Plant exhibits, with the exception 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.
Class:
1. *CORN (includes yellow, white, pop, waxy, or any other type)
2. *SOYBEANS
3. *OATS
4. *WHEAT
5. *ANY OTHER CROP (includes grain sorghum, alfalfa, millets, barley, rye, triticale, amaranth, dry beans, sugar beet, mung bean, canola, forage sorghum, safflower, etc.)
Displays
- 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) 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 display with 4-H member’s name, address, and county on back side. Explain pictures and graphs clearly and concisely.
- Consider creativity and neatness. 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 be automatically be lowered one ribbon placing.
Class:
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 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 4-H members to investigate a career in agronomy. 4-H member should interview one 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.
901. TALLEST STALK OF CORN. (No state fair)