What Really Wins a Blue Ribbon? Behind the Scenes at the Tennessee State Fair

The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?

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
The USDA is working with 14 different states, including Georgia, to develop and implement block grants to address the unique disaster recovery needs for each state.
The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
FarmHER Christina Woerner McInnis is revolutionizing soil health in Alabama with SoilKit, a cutting-edge tool.
China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
Farm legal and taxation expert Roger McEowen explains the IRS’s shift to electronic payments and disbursements, and what it means for upcoming tax filings.
Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
Let’s meet an inspiring young farmer leading the Tennessee FFA this year, but now has his sights set on the National stage.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Follow Aumann Auctions coast to coast on a road trip adventure! Each episode of “Old Iron Adventures” highlights the challenges of hosting an auction. Plus, get behind-the-scenes looks, history lessons & meet a cast of very interesting characters along the way!
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.
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.
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.
Richard “Red” Skelton, reigned as the virtual King of TV Variety Show Comedy throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Airing for a total of of 20 seasons, from 1951 through 1971, Red’s hilarious facial contortions and colorful cast of boneheaded personas – including indept Sheriff Deadeye, inebriated boxer Cauliflower McPugg, hillbilly Clem Kadiddlehopper, and hobo Freddie the Freeloader – kept a whole generation of Americans in stitches during the earliest decades of television. Memorable guest stars included John Wayne, Phyllis Diller, Mickey Rooney, Audrey Meadows, Michael Landon, and many more.