Have you ever wondered what State Fair judges look for in a blue ribbon winner? The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) judges these contests, often before the fair gates open. UTIA reporter Charles Denney offers a behind-the-scenes look at how achievements are awarded in each category so that you can snag a coveted blue ribbon next summer.
If you’re interested in entering some categories at next year’s Tennessee State Fair, contact the extension in your county.
Related Stories
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
Pull out the popcorn! We’ve rounded up the 10 best cowboy movies of all time.
Treat succession like any major crop — plan early, document clearly, and calibrate cash flow so the next generation can succeed.
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.