Posted: January 21, 2021
The 2021 4-H Potato Contest was held virtually in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Read on to learn about how 4-H members participated.
PA 4-H Youth participating in the 2020 4-H Potato Contest
The 2021 4-H Potato Contest was held virtually this year in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Fifty-two 4-H members participated in this virtual 4-H event, which was unique. To accommodate our switch to a virtual platform, the structure of the contest was adjusted and included several new areas of knowledge.
The contest is comprised of two divisions; basic and honors. Those who competed in the honors division are winners from previous years. The competitors in the basic division tested their skills in three sections. The first section was a "plate" grading station, with 2 sets of plates. Five potatoes were put on each of four plates, then each plate was evaluated on uniformity of size and shape and lack of defects. The plates were then ranked in order. The second section was identification of common defects of potatoes. And, the final section included four components: Grading to US No 1 standards, parts of a potato plant, varieties of potatoes, and potato production.
Three of the components listed above were new and unique to this contest. For most participants in the past, practice sessions were held by Extension volunteers or staff to educate and train youth on the relevant concepts. However, due to safety restrictions, many participants prepared individually this year using a variety of resources.
This contest teaches and enhances life skills such as decision making, defending your answer, quickness, and observation. These skills are used for judging potatoes and are also used for judging livestock and other items in 4-H. Enhancing the use of these skills helps prepare 4-H members for future careers and activities.
In the Honor's Division, First place was awarded to Rebecca VanBlargan from Northampton County. All from Montgomery County, Grace Derstein placed second, Colin Yeh placed third, Emily Yeh placed fourth, and Tayler Garges placed fifth.
Recognizing the top ten Seniors (ages 13-19), Carrie Spangler from Lehigh County placed first. Congratulations to the remaining seniors: Elizabeth Bruner from Indiana County, Joel Seibert from Lebanon County, Isabella Muller from Montgomery, Abigail Bruner from Indiana, Marisa Berger from Lehigh, Jonas Geiger from Lehigh, Rory Raffery from Bucks, Sami Jo Hayman from Somerset, and Allison Emauel from Lehigh.
Recognizing the top ten Juniors (ages 8-12), Matthew Longebach from Northampton County placed first. Congratulations to the remaining juniors: John Emauel from Lehigh, John Bruner from Indiana, Samuel Yeh from Montgomery, Sadie Berger from Lehigh, Owen Seibert from Lebanon, Emily Barker from Indiana, Rebecca Hoover from Montgomery, Talia Fogel from Lehigh, and Emily Laudenslager from Lehigh.
The Cloverbuds included Addison Watt and Alex Weisner from Lehigh County, Abby Schwab of Montgomery County, Abigail Longenbach from Northampton and Brooklyn Larson from Potter County.
All counties in Pennsylvania are encouraged to form a potato judging team for next year! Training materials are available, and groups are welcome to come for a trial run if they wish! Horticulture Educators, Master Gardeners, local gardeners, and potato producers are all good resources for volunteer leaders! Contact Kelly Weisner at kmb26@psu.edu if you would like more information. Even if the 4-H members only learn a little bit about potatoes, they are developing important life skills and having a great time!
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