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Commentary: A return to in-person judging at fairs provides the best learning opportunities.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

July 16, 2021

1 Min Read
sample of hay with purple ribbon
TOO WET OR JUST RIGHT? When a sample of hay like the one with the purple ribbon is so dark green, the first impression is often that it was baled wet. Because I could feel and smell this hay when I judged it, I knew it was actually dry and baled properly. Tom J. Bechman

The phrase heard most often at county fairs this summer is: “I hope we never have to go back to virtual judging ever again.”

As a grandparent of 4-H’ers and an occasional judge of projects ranging from crops to photography, I agree. Here is an example from the 2021 Bartholomew County Fair that proves this point.

I judged their hay projects. I cringed when the last sample of hay was brought up for judging. It was so dark green and leafy that my first impression was that it was baled wet. Several times each summer, someone brings a very green, very high-moisture sample, hoping the judge will be impressed by the color and leafiness.

Just by looking, I thought this sample fit that category. And if I were judging from home on the computer, virtually, as I did a year ago, I would have no way of knowing any different. It would come down to a judgment call. If hay is too wet to store, it doesn’t get a favorable placing from me.

Guess what? This hay sample was dry, not wet! Since a veteran Extension ag educator from another county was present, judging other projects, I called him over for a second opinion, and he agreed. It was an excellent sample at a desirable moisture content with a pleasant odor — things you can’t tell from a picture.

Congratulations to Brady McNealy for exhibiting the hay. This was a transition year for Bartholomew County, Ind. Judges were live, but kids couldn’t be present. Let’s hope next year every fair is 100% live!

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

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