Ottawa Valley Seed Growers
Guest Column
The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association (OVSGA) has been in the seed, crop and forage judging business for 95 years. Assessing and comparing samples to determine superior exhibits is what the show has been based on since the first annual show in 1927.
In order to keep competition strong and judging skills sharp for those in the agricultural community, OVSGA has partnered with like-minded organizations and individuals to host a seed and crop judging workshop, April 2, 2022 at the Carp Agricultural Hall at the Carp Fairgrounds.
The goal of this workshop is to offer an opportunity to gain insight, expertise and background to judge seeds, crops, feed and forages. Not only will participants learn judging techniques and skills, but they will also learn how those in the agricultural community might become champion exhibitors.
Over the course of the training day, experienced judges will share the latest resources on field crop and seed judging, offer interpretation of materials and lead discussion of scorecards and their importance. All participants will have the opportunity to practice placing samples of cereals, soybeans, hay, shelled corn and corn cobs, as well as sheaves of grain. “Learning by doing” will be encouraged through discussion and interpretation of results. Judging tips for assessing standing crops, potatoes, eggs and maple syrup will also be featured.
“This is a great opportunity to develop judging skills and contribute to the ongoing and future success of seed and crop classes at local fairs and competitions” says Jean Sullivan, OVSGA director on the planning committee. Jean is working together with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) with hopes to certify the training for fairs and agricultural societies of OAAS who use the official judges list when looking for resources to judge at their events.
Special guest of the day, Kim Turnbull, a Cayuga Ontario farmer with a passion for judging, will set the stage with a presentation of the opening session. Kim has established himself as an experienced judge, with an admirable profile in SeCan, 4-H and the Royal Winter Fair, and is always excited to share his passion.
You are never too young … or too old to learn! 4-H members, seed show exhibitors, fair board volunteers, industry representatives, experienced judges and fellow farmers are all welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided and registration with OVSGA is required before March 25.
For more information visit ottawafarmshow.com.
