County Farm Bureaus, FFA chapters, 4-H clubs and agribusinesses in Virginia created a variety of displays with hay bales to compete in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest.
Now in its sixth year, the competition is a fun and fanciful way for communities to showcase their love for agriculture. It was sponsored by the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee and ran from Sept. 1 through Nov. 1. County Farm Bureaus were encouraged to solicit entries from local businesses and organizations such as farmers markets and agricultural school groups.
“It was exciting to receive so many entries this year, considering the pandemic,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. “Young groups took advantage of an activity they could do while social distancing and still have fun. The hay bale displays ranged from celebrating community spirit by honoring our first responders to promoting agriculture and their organizations.”
This year’s contest drew 40 entries. Winners each received a $100 cash award and were announced on the VFBF Women’s Program Facebook page.
The winners are:
Best agribusiness, FFA or 4-H display: Wade’s Orchard in Patrick County;
Best promotional display for agriculture business or commodity: Louisa County 4-H Livestock Club;
Best agriculture-themed display: Three Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District in Essex County
Most creative display: Botetourt County 4-H Livestock Club;
Best promotional display for community spirit: Fluvanna County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
