RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee is once again soliciting hay decorators for its annual competition.
The Hay Bale Decorating Contest is open to anyone, and applications will be accepted from Sept. 1 through Nov. 1.
The contest is open to youth organizations such as FFA and 4-H, civic organizations, farm equipment dealers, feed stores, county Farm Bureaus and others.
Round or square hay bales can be used to depict animals, structures or farmscapes. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Best Promotional Display (for promoting Farm Bureau); Most Creative; Best Agricultural Theme; and Best Agribusiness, FFA, 4-H or School Display. Winners will receive a trophy Dec. 3 at the VFBF Annual Convention in Norfolk.
During the application period, participants are asked to photograph their decorated hay bale displays and submit their photos with an application, available from county Farm Bureau offices and at bit.ly/2KpR83Y.
Past entries have included a lion proclaiming “Farming is King,” a cow encouraging people to drink “Mooooore Milk!” and a barn and sheep and a sign noting “Ewe Belong in Fluvanna.”
Displays have been placed near schools, outside banks, at county Farm Bureau offices and in competitors’ yards.
Contact Angela Haskovec, VFBF special programs staff, at 804-290-1031.
–Virginia Farm Bureau