Horticulture

DEPARTMENTS

Please Note Horticulture Departments are as follows:

HO-OPEN - Any exhibitor who 18+ years old

HT-TEEN - Any exhibitor between the ages of 12-17 years old

HK-KIDS - Any exhibitor up to age 11

HORTICULTURE DIVISIONS

• Division A - Apples
• Division B - Peaches
• Division C - Nectarines
• Division D - Pears
• Division E - Plums
• Division F - Grapes
• Division G - Utah Grown Nuts
• Division H - Berries
• Division J - Miscellaneous Other Fruit
• Division L - Commercial Fruit (Department HO Only)
• Division M - Honey

1. Name of the variety for each item exhibited must be included on the entry tag. Entry Tags will be provided by the department supervisor.
2. All items must be identified at the time of entry.
3. Only one entry per class may be entered by the exhibitor.
4. Entries in this department are limited to residents of Utah and all products must have been grown within the state by the exhibitor during the current year. The only exception to this will be special events or divisions and sanctioned competitions.
5. Commercially manufactured products are not eligible for competition in this department, except where specified.
6. All entries become property of the Utah State Fair to be used as it deems fit. All Horticulture and Agriculture entries will be disposed of by the Utah State Fair after the last day of the fair. The only exceptions will be if arrangements are made with the Competitive Arts Manager prior to the opening of the fair.
7. All plate entries must contain four specimens each of the large fruits, such as apples, pears and peaches; specimens such as plums, crabapples, etc. must contain 6 entries; and five bunches of American type grapes or three bunches of European type grapes.

1. Exhibits will be Judged on their own merits. Premiums will be awarded according to the quality of the exhibits. Judges' decisions are final.
2. Best of Show will be awarded per division if Judges deem worthy. There must be at least 3 placings in the division in order to award a Best of Show.
3. Exhibitors receiving Best of Show awards and premiums are also eligible for first place monies on the same entry.
4. Ribbons and prize money may be picked up on Sept. 16th, or they will be mailed.

Winners will not forfeit placing premium with Best of Show or Grand Award. There needs to be at least 3 placings in the division in order to award a Best of Show.

Horticulture Best of Show Premium $15, a Rosette and an Award.

Horticulture Grand Prize Premium $25, a Rosette and an Award

1. Supervisors of departments will not be allowed to enter exhibits in the divisions/classes over which they have supervision.
2. After judging, all perishable items will be treated with chemicals to preserve the quality and prolong their exhibit life.

1. The Judges are instructed not to award premiums unless the entries are deemed worthy of merit. If any entry is not worthy of the first premium, the Judges may award second and third or no premium, according to their judgment.
2. Supervisors, Horticulture staff and Judges may enter items for display only.
3. Premiums will be paid as indicated, unless specified otherwise.
4. If an item is entered into the wrong class the Judges may move it to the correct class for judging.
5. Judges' decisions are final.
6. All judging will be closed to the public.

Exhibits must be from this year’s crop. It is important that fruit specimens be handled carefully by the exhibitor and the judge to prevent bruising and damage. Fruit should not be polished but washed and wiped free of dust or residue before judging. Use these criteria when judging:

FRUIT SCORING EACH CATEGORY UP TO 20%

• Condition: Condition of fruit is most important. Exhibits should not be misshapen or damaged by insects, disease, or mechanical handling. Fruit should be clean, but not polished.

• Uniformity: All fruit should be of a similar size, color, shape, and maturity. Stems should be intact. There should be no leaves or foliage attached to the fruit.

• Color: All fruit should be free of blemishes and have a good color, typical of the variety.

• Size: The best size is medium – not too large or too small.

• Trueness to Variety: The fruit should be true to the variety in size and color.

Both commercial and home garden fruits should avoid extremes in size—neither extra large nor extra small are desired. A strategic choice of a size slightly above the average crop often results in the highest quality. Consistency is key; all specimens should exhibit the same maturity, color, size, and shape, unless otherwise specified in the exhibit class description. Examine each specimen for blemishes, ensuring freedom from insect damage, bruises, cuts, wind-induced injuries, or any other causes. Select mature specimens, avoiding over-mature ones, perhaps leaning slightly towards the green side for optimal presentation.

The primary objective of the commercial fruit classes is to promote enhanced packing practices for Utah fruit destined for the market. Consequently, the assessment will focus on the utilization of commercial packages and packs. These fruit packs will be categorized into box and basket classes. All entries that are properly packed will be evaluated based on their adherence to commercial packing standards. This is open only to Department HO.