Have you every wondered where we find all of the judges who provide evaluation during the fairs? Do you have an interest in helping youth to improve their skills in a particular 4-H project area or an interest in evaluating open class exhibits during the fair?

If your answer is yes, or even maybe – we have an opportunity for you! A Judges’ Training will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Western Kansas Ag Research Center in Hays. We will have experienced judges who will provide evaluation training in each of the following areas: Style Revue, Photography, Clothing Construction, Fiber Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Horticulture and Crops, Visual Arts, Woodworking, Wildlife, Shooting Sports, and STEM. 

In addition to knowledge of age-appropriate parameters for projects, having an ability to provide kind but constructive criticism is so important. We want youth to have positive and corrective feedback so that their spark for learning more about the project, and themselves, is encouraged! 

There is a small fee of $10 to cover lunch and materials which lets you select three areas to learn. We do need your registration by the end of Feb. 20 so that we can accurately provide lunch and supplies. 

For more information, be sure to check out the flyer on the K-State Research and Extension-Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page or by accessing the Cottonwood Connection February 2024 newsletter on the website at cottonwood.k-state.edu. You can also contact Tamara Robertson at tarobertson@ksu.edu or myself!

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@ksu.eduor call 620-793-1910.