The Taylor County 4–H Club had their first Horticulture Judging Team this year. The purpose of forming this team was to utilize another method to increase horticulture interest within the youth of Taylor County, by providing them a fun, educational experience. The horticulture agent worked alongside with the 4-H agent to design, coordinate, and conduct practice session for the horticulture contestants. A total of 5 junior contestants and 1 senior contestant participated in 2 practices each month leading up to the contest, beginning at the last day of school. There was several practice contests held. Some meetings consisted of going to a local nursery and grocery store to assist with specimen identification. The junior team (4 of the 5 members) competed in the state contest, and was awarded 3 red ribbons and one white ribbon. The senior contestant competed as an individual and received a red ribbon also. 

After the contest we had one more practice as a review of the contest, and discussed what had been learned. The knowledge gained from this first year will be applied to next year’s practices to provide better preparation for the contest. The youth who are participating in this contest are learning useful information, which they can utilize through out their life. They will be able to identify and judge the finest fruits and vegetables to use when cooking. Also they will have the ability to identify suitable house plants and landscape plants to place within and without their future home. The contestants showed interest in competing next year. Overall, for the first year of Taylor County being represented at the state fair, the 4-Hers showed dedication coming to practice during the summer, and studying the material. Taylor County Extension Office is very proud of the Junior and Senior horticulture contestants, and cannot wait to see them learn next year as well.