By Laurie Zitterkopf
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
July 24 – All people residing in Scotts Bluff County are encouraged to enter and exhibit their horticultural and agricultural products at the County Fair. The attractive display creates interest and demonstrates the quality and productivity of the region. Sugar Beets, 2024 Special Agronomy Project, are just one of our field crops that can be displayed at the fair. With how early the fair is, our local beets are not yet mature, bring them. Join the 4-Her’s in displaying our local sugar beets.
July 25 – Sugar Beets, 2024 Special Agronomy Project, are just one of our field crops that can be displayed at the Scotts Bluff County Fair. Special Agronomy Project – Youth experience a crop that is grown, was grown, or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. The beets will be judged as true to type and what level of maturity the crop is at fair time. Western Sugar has been assisting 4-Her’s with this year’s Sugar Beets, 2024 Special Agronomy Project.
July 26 – Sugar Beets, 2024 Special Agronomy Project, to display at the County and State Fair. The color representative of the cultivar, the beets will not be mature but bring them as they are! Preparation – Dig roots to avoid mechanical damage. The taproot must be intact, while side roots should be carefully removed. Wash carefully, but do not scrub, can be zip-tied or tied with a string at the leaves. Exhibit – two specimens 4-Hers and Open Class three specimens.
July 27 – Sugar Beets, 2024 Special Agronomy Project, 4-H display is two specimens, tops zip tied or tied with a string around the top. 4-hers will also need supporting documentation (half to 1 page in length) that should include the following: Economic Analysis and/or research that supports the feasibility of this crop in Nebraska or how the crop has evolved over time and other topics. This summary counts as 50 percent of the total when judged.
July 28 – Where does sugar come from? Have you ever thought about where sugar comes from? If you think it comes from the grocery store, you’re right, but before it’s on the grocery shelves. It’s in plants, that are grown on farms throughout our county and surrounding area. 2024 Special Agronomy Project: Sugar Beets are a root crop. Western Sugar is helping with the 4-H display. Farmers, please join us in displaying our local crops.