The Taylor County 4-H Horticulture Team competing in the 2023 state fair contest. Sixteen practices were held this summer in preparation for the contest. The horticulture agent collaborated with the master gardeners in the collection of plant samples for the practice sessions. The youth that participated in the practices did not have to compete at the state fair. In addition to the nine youth who competed at the state fair there were two Cloverbuds and four 4-Hers who learned about judging produce and plant identification on the county level. The total number of youth participating in the program this year was fifteen. The most youth ever in this program. 

     There were six youth on the junior horticulture team. The junior team placed 3rd in the state. There were three teens on the senior team, the most Taylor County has ever had. The senior horticulture team placed 2nd in the state as reserve grand champion. Also, one of the teens placed 2nd in the state in highest individual score as reserve grand champion. The horticulture agent is very proud of these 4-Hers and Taylor County was recognized as one of three counties who competed in the contest who did very well this year by one of the judges.