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HEALDSBURG FUTURE FARMERS COUNTRY FAIR

2010

VINE PRUNING CONTEST

ENTRY AND RULES

The Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair is open to members of the Alexander Valley, Healdsburg, Gateway, Warm Springs and Westside 4-H Clubs and members of the Healdsburg Future Farmers of America Chapter who reside in Healdsburg, Geyserville, or Windsor High School District, including those members residing on Shiloh Road, are eligible to enter.

The HFFCF Vine Pruning Contest will take place on Saturday February 6, 2010, please meet promptly at 8:45 am at the Healdsburg Swim Center (Swimming Pool at High School).  There will be classes for FFA, 4-H Senior, and 4-H Junior.  All contestants will be judged together and scores will be separated out in the above classes.  Awards will be given in the form of ribbons and cash prizes ($100 for first place in each class, additional $50 for overall winner). An Overall Vine Pruning Champion winner will be announced for the individual having the highest score, regardless of class, in the contest.  Awards will be presented beginning at 4pm on Saturday before the Fair Awards Ceremony.

The contest will consist of a written multiple-choice test on Vine Pruning.  This test will be administered before vines are pruned and will take approximately 15 minutes.  Contestants will have a total potential score of 100 points for the written Pruning Test. Contestants will be given material to review for the pruning test at the Vine Pruning Workshop.

 Each contestant will then have to prune a set of Cane Pruned vines and a set of Spur Pruned vines (each vine pruning set will be made up of two vines).  Each contestant will have 10-15 minutes to prune the two vines in front of a judge.  The judge will then ask questions of each contestant regarding their pruning decisions after each set.  Contestants will have a total potential score of 100 points per class.

Each contestant will be responsible for bringing his or her own pruning equipment and safety glasses.  If a contestant is unable to supply there own pruning equipment please contact the number below and we can arrange to bring equipment.  Notes will not be allowed while taking the pruning test and no talking between the contestants will be permitted.  Each contestant will be required to be in dress uniform. 

To ensure that adequate training is provided we will hold a half-day Vine Pruning workshop on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 2PM to 5PM, meet at the Healdsburg Swim Center (Swimming Pool at High School) at 1:45. Contestants attending the workshop will be given 10 additional bonus points toward their final score.

Each 4-H club and the FFA will be required to organize and assist individuals from their clubs that want to participate, and leaders are encouraged to attend the Vine Pruning Workshop.  All contestants will be responsible for their own transportation for the workshop and the Vine Pruning Contest. After we meet at Rec Park we will then drive to the vineyard where we will be pruning.

Each contestant must complete the Registration Form and have it returned and postmarked February 1, 2010. Any questions call 707 975 3152 or email john.azevedo@kjmail.com or glenn_proctor@yahoo.com.

Download Vine Pruning Entry Form HERE