4-H & FFA Day Reflections

4-H and FFA are the most prominent youth agriculture programs in the United States and The Big E is proud to host programs for both organizations throughout the 17-day Fair.

4-H at The Big E

The 4-H programs are a huge part of The Big E’s agricultural showcase. Over 3,000 youth ages 12-18 participate annually at the Fair. The Big E offers the opportunity to display their work from the past year for all of New England to see. The Big E hosts Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat, Sheep, Dog and Horse programs. Youth who participate in the programs live on the grounds for three to four days to participate in competitions and other fun activities.

Massachusetts 4-H Fashion Review in the New England Center

The Big E also gives 4-H groups the opportunity to put on special events and present projects and demonstrations in the New England Center and on the Farm-A-Rama Stage. Saturday, Sept. 14, on 4-H & FFA Day, the New England Center hosted day-long Massachusetts 4-H exhibits, demos and stage shows. Some of the events included a fashion review and live mannequin modeling. 4-H activities from each state will continue to take place in the New England Center over the next couple days.

4-H at The Big E is a joint effort between Eastern States Exposition and the Cooperative Extension Systems of the New England States. Together these organizations motivate and recognize the achievements of 4-H members and educate the general public about the 4-H educational efforts.

FFA at The Big E

FFA helps students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.

The Eastern Regional FFA Program consists of 18 states. Over 900 FFA Students from Rhode Island to Michigan compete at The Big E. Events that the students participate in are Floral Arrangement, Under the Harvest Moon & Landscape Exhibits and Conservation Gardens. In addition to these exhibits, each day in Farm-A-Rama an FFA chapter will be making corsages for fairgoers.

Saturday, FFA members participated in a number of competitions including, Dairy Cattle, Horse, Forestry, Floriculture, Safe Tractor/Equipment and Poultry competitions.

2013 FFA Star Award Recipients

In the afternoon, the 2013 Eastern States Exposition FFA Star awards were presented. FFA competitors were evaluated on their achievements in agriculture, leadership skills and scholastic rank. FFA members recognized were, Scarlett Abell from Lebanon, Conn., Star Farmer; Chelsea Kegler from Mansfield, Conn., Star Agribusiness; Mary Hammock from Gretna, Virginia, Star Agricultural Placement and Whitney Bowman from Mount Jackson, Virginia, Star Agriscience.