MSU Extension Virtual Learning Showcase & Auctions

RULES

Entries will be evaluated based on picture(s) and/or videos. Videos should be no longer than 90 seconds. One photo of exhibitor and project is required and up to four additional photos or pdf of project are recommended. More information on how to take a good photo and video can be found at the MSU Extension Virtual Learning showcase and auction website. All videos must be uploaded to Youtube and link entered into the system. Youtube channel should be set to unlisted.

1. Youth Exhibitor: Must be seven (8) years of age, but not oven nineteen (19) years of age as of January 1 of the current year. Open to Michigan youth only.
2. A maximum of two (2) entries per class per exhibitor, except for entries in Apiary. Apiary entries will be limited to one (1) entry per class per exhibitor and two (2) entries per class per household. Exhibitor cannot enter the same item in more than one class.
3. Exhibits must be grown as a project of the exhibitor. Previously entered items and displays are ineligible.

Field Crops:

1. All grain and bean samples must be exhibited in a basket.

Unusual Specimens

1. All Entries for the following: Largest Pumpkin (any variety not entered in Giant Pumpkin Contest), Largest Sunflower Head, Tallest Sunflower (balled root), Largest Gourd, Oddest Shaped Gourd, Oddest Shaped Potato, Largest Cucumber must have a tag giving weight, length or height.

Herbs

1. All entries must be displayed in pots. Two (2) plants per pot. Immature plants may not be used.

Artistic Displays

1. Bushel Basket entries are: an interesting display of horticulture crops and products flowing out of a bushel basket container, arranged in an area approximately 30” x 30”. This exhibit may include such items as honey, flowers and other interesting farm products as well as fruits, vegetables and home canned items. Fruits and vegetables should be the principal produce and will be judged on quality and attractiveness.
2. Peck Basket entries are: an attractive display of fruits and vegetables; consisting of up to 10 different varieties in a peck basket. Flowers may be used for decoration only and are not included in the 10 different varieties.
3. Wheelbarrow Load of Farm Produce exhibits may include such items as honey, flowers and other interesting farm products as well as fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables should be the principal produce, and will be judged on quality and attractiveness.
4. Patio Pot of Vegetables exhibit in Patio Pot - minimum of 12 inches. This exhibit will have at least three (3) different specimens. Vegetables will be judged on quality and attractiveness.
5. Sculptured and/or painted pumpkin / gourd: Pumpkin / gourd may not be cut. Any material may be used. Exhibit will be judged on creativity and attractiveness.
6. Grapevine Wreaths: exhibit must be made and decorated by Exhibitor. Must be 2 feet in diameter and no larger than 3 feet in diameter. Made and decorated with any Michigan grown, natural products.
7. Artistic Design / Display of Seeds: minimum display size of 10” x 13” and maximum display size of 13” x 20”. Exhibit will be judged on creativity and attractiveness.

Maple Products

1. Maple – Sugar Cakes, Cream and Candy: Maple candy shall consist only of pure maple except that nuts may be added if mixed. Score Card: Color - 42%, Consistency - 42%, Appearance - 16%, Total 100%.
   1. Color. All samples are scored in order of best to poorest in color. One-quarter to one-half point is deducted from the score of each sample presenting less desirable color than the one preceding it.
   2. Consistency. Not Uniform…Not Smooth…Grainy…Separating
   3. Appearance. Package in Poor Condition…Stained…Soiled…Undesirable Commercial Package

Maple Syrup

EXPLANATION OF CUTS

• Color. Full score is given to the lightest colored sample. All samples are scored in order of color, light to dark. One-tenth to one-quarter point is deducted from the score of each sample darker than the one preceding it.
• Density. Two points is subtracted for every one-half degree below 66 degrees Brix. One point off is subtracted for every one-half degree above 66 degrees Brix.
• Clarity. Frothy…Nitre…Sediment.
• Appearance. Stained…Old…Dirty…Undesirable Commercial Package.

Educational Projects

Learning Objective: Exploring, investigating and experiencing with your knowledge and skills for a greater appreciation of the world around us.

Individual or Group Project

Competition is open to Youth not less than six (6) years of age by January 1, 2021 and not older than twenty (19) years of age by January 1, 2021. The exhibit may be made by an individual or a group. The exhibit area is 4 feet wide, 4 feet height and 2 feet deep. Models, charts and graphs may be used.

Scarecrow

Limit 2 per exhibitor. Scarecrows must be created in current year. All scarecrow exhibits must be between 4 feet and 5 feet tall and between 2 feet and 3 feet wide. Each entry must stand alone on its own base. Exhibits will be judged on creativity, uniqueness or originality, attractiveness and good use of materials.

Gourd Products

1. Two Gourd Products – things made out of gourds. Gourds may be different. Limited to any other living object. Maybe be painted or sculptured.
2. Birdhouse – made out of a dried gourd. Can be stained, varnished or painted. Must have a hook to hang.
3. Charm Strings of dried Gourds. 2’ to 3’ long. Any number of gourds can be used.