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Putnam 4-H’ers succeed at Indiana State Fair
While the opportunity to learn while doing in 4-H project work is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement through exhibition is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program.
The Indiana State Fair (ISF) and the Purdue Extension state staff have listed unofficial results for most projects. Search online using the keywords “Purdue Extension 4-H” and you will find a link as a green box to view the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur, especially for animal projects.
Overall, Putnam County 4-H’ers were the recipients of 34 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those who are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 28.
This year there were 123 blue ribbons compared to last year’s 144 blue ribbons awarded, and 17 red ribbons compared to last year’s 30 red ribbons awarded. There were 141 Putnam exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s ISF, compared to 179 last year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-H’ers contributed at least 200 ISF exhibits and activities in 2020. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-H’ers at ISF have averaged 31 per year, while the median was 28 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-H’ers at ISF averaged 146 with a median of 139.
The 2020 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include sweepstakes winners Gayle Baugh in Entomology and Elizabeth Dobson with her Rabbit Illustrated Talk.
The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many counties go for years without sweepstakes winners. Putnam County has had sweepstakes winners for four consecutive years, with two sweepstakes winners in a single year during three of the last four years. With 92 counties, usually three age divisions, sweepstakes winners may top a group of more than 200 individuals.
The ISF Fashion Revue is an activity where project members in consumer clothing or sewing may participate. Both Gayle Baugh and Boston Clark were in the top-12 group out of 42 participants.
In animal projects, both Cat and Dog were canceled due to COVID-19. Livestock results will be forthcoming as shows have been spread out over about four weekends to help with social distancing. Colby Sinclair won Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Beef and Seth Ariens placed first in more than one class in the dairy show.
All 4-H’ers are to be reminded that the due date for My Record of Achievement is Sept. 4 to be assured consideration for 2020 awards. It will be determined later the format of the awards program that is typically the first Sunday in November. Forms received after the due date will still be accepted and may be based on the number submitted and degree of lateness to 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, but contact the office if you can’t find it.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.
Upcoming Events:
Aug. 25 – Purdue Extension Master Gardener course begins; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – Junior Leader manual due to Extension office
Sept. 4 – My Record of Achievement due to Extension office