Putnam 4-H'ers fare well at Indiana State Fair

Kady McKean, a 10-year Putnam County 4-H member, carries on a conversation with Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann during the State Fair. McKean was one of many Indiana 4-H youth who applied to be a paid exhibit hall worker and worked at the Indiana State Fair. "The experience and opportunity to meet people in this role is extraordinary," she said.

One example of the many fun occasions in being a 4-H Youth Educator is when a parent calls and reports the success of a 4-H'er at the Indiana State Fair (ISF).

One such case was Kaelynn Abner who earned Best in Breed, Grand Champion Long Haired Cat, Best in Show, Reserve Champion Showmanship and Reserve Grand Champion Showmanship with her cat. The cat was also Grand Champion at the local Putnam County Fair.

Kaelynn and her family were pleasantly surprised and elated with the outcome.

Animal projects have been the focus of this year's Putnam County success at the ISF.

Jaxon Parmley earned Grand Champion Gilt, and Champion Junior and Senior Duroc. Lindsey Hood earned Reserve Champion Senior Duroc Gilt, and Jacob Berry earned Reserve Champion Junior Duroc Gilt.

The fact that the Grand Champion Gilt was second in its class at the county fair and the strong showing of numerous Putnam 4-H swine members at the ISF exhibit the strength of the local Putnam 4-H swine project and show.

Also it has been reported that Jessica Hays earned Reserve Champion Senior Recorded Grade and Champion Best Three Does while Emma Hiigel earned Champion Lamancha milker and Reserve Champion Junior Nubian in goats.

While the opportunity to learn while doing in the project is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program.

The State Fair has listed all exhibit hall projects while most animal project results are not posted as Friday, Aug. 22. For a complete run down of posted results, go to www.extension/purdue.edu/putnam and select "Quick Links" where one can find a link to search the ISF results. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur.

Overall, Putnam County 4-H'ers were the recipients of 27 merit ribbons, which are given sparingly to those who are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. This is down from last year's extraordinary year when 45 merit ribbons were awarded to Putnam 4-H'ers.

There were 93 blue ribbons up from last year's 81, only 16 red ribbons down from last year's 31 red ribbons.

There were more than 200 Putnam projects entered at this year's ISF. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-Hers at ISF has averaged 30 per year while the median was 28. During the same time period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-Her's at ISF had both an average and median of 123.

Putnam County 4-H'er Michayla Sanders (right) was named first alternate in the Formal Wear category of the Indiana State Fair Fashion Revue.

Another 2014 highlight was the State Fair Fashion Revue. This is an activity where project members in consumer clothing or sewing projects may participate.

Adriana Clifford (separates), Grace Harris (free choice), Philisha Sanders (suit or coat) and Michayla Sanders (formal wear) were in the top 15 in their respective categories. Michayla Sanders was not only in the top 15 in the formal category but was also selected as the first alternate to the winner of that division.

All 4-H'ers are to be reminded that the due date for "My Record of Achievement" was Aug. 22 to be assured consideration for 2014 awards to be awarded at the Sunday, Nov. 2, 4-H Member Awards and Volunteer Recognition Program which will occur at 2 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Forms received after the due date will still be accepted and may based on the number submitted and degree of lateness be processed in time for the awards program. Completion of "My Record of Achievement" is also required for those who will be applying for 4-H scholarships from both the state and county level.

Please call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader, who will be willing to help. This form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website in an editable format and may also be found in the "Quick Links" area.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events

Aug. 25 -- Fair Board meeting, Fairgrounds, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 -- Labor Day, county offices closed.

Sept. 2 -- 4-H Council Meeting, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 -- Robotics Encounter registration due.

Sept. 22 -- Putnam County Fair and 4-H Club Association annual meeting, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 -- Extension Board meeting, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 -- Robotics Encounter, Scottsburg.

Oct. 29 -- Extension annual meeting, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.