Blue Ribbon Mindset: Virginia 4-H Students Already Hard at Work Ahead of State Fair Stock Shows

Students in 4-H share how prior planning helps set themselves up for success in state fair showing season.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA (RFD News) — Winter may be unpredictable, but for 4-H students, it’s the time to start preparing for fair season. In Rockingham County, students are already getting to work, raising and caring for livestock as they look ahead to the August fair.

4-H Extension Agent Ashley Craun says many students begin planning months in advance, showing a high level of preparation for their projects.

“You wouldn’t think the kids would be heavily involved in their projects already,” Craun said. “They are starting to look at their future projects or purchasing them right now.”

Craun says she is most encouraged by the dedication she sees and looks forward to helping students take the next steps, whether that is continuing in agriculture or pursuing higher education.

“I’m really excited to follow them and be a part of that journey as we start looking at colleges and the programs that they want to do,” she said. “Whether it might be going to college for a judging scholarship or it might be a dairy science career.”

4-H students across the country will compete at fairs from June through September.

Related Stories
The 4-H Nature Explorers Camp embodies the spirit of learning, leadership, and community!
Meet the kids behind the Summer Market Lamb Show in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and hear why they would rather spend their Saturdays showing lambs than doing anything else!
FarmHER Katharine Girone is a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and the 2018 #RootedInAg contest winner.
Kate Johnson didn’t set out to become an expert on all things cheese—but today, this FarmHER is the owner/founder of The Art of Cheese School where she teaches chefs at every level.
farmher shannon latham in with a class of children infront of a school bus 12277608-g.png
Shannon Latham
See how FarmHER Shannon Latham grew a kids 4H project into a thriving seasonal pumpkin patch in rural Iowa.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.
How do you define Texas? It starts with wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful, enchanted land full of amazing people and places. Then there are the cities and towns—big and small—each with its own culture and way of life. When you add these things together, you have an incredible mix of personalities that make Texas what it is today.
Tom McComas became involved with toy trains by accident and with reluctance. But his passion led to the creation of “I Love Toy Trains,” which quickly became TM’s best-selling title and one of the bestselling children’s video series in the U.S.
The internationally-known “King of Polka,” 18-time Grammy award winner for “Best Polka Album,” and bandleader of arguably the most popular polka band in America—Jimmy Sturr—is taking to the stage for another slate of shows made for his fans and polka lovers across the country.
Filmed in front of a live audience at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” features an eclectic array of popular artists from genres of folk, blues, country, jazz, new-age, and rock.