Fairs… festivals… and special events. Judging of exhibits is often included as a way to add excitement and anticipation. In order for these activities to take place in a meaningful way, however, knowledgeable people willing to participate as judges must be identified. Judging should be a recognition of quality work on the part of those who enter exhibits. Remember, each exhibitor thinks his or her exhibit worthy of a prize.
Judging requires basic rules and standards from the sponsor, as well as concentration and practice on the part of the judges. The purpose of this guide is to provide what we believe to be best practices when judging home preserved foods as part of a state, county, or local agricultural fair. We strongly recommend that fair superintendents follow these best practices when organizing their competition. It is essential that the judges be well informed about the activity they are critiquing and that they know the standards required for prize-winning quality. Applying uniform standards is the only way to defend placing decisions, give reasons for your placements, and avoid the pitfalls of personal bias.
The Judging Home Preserved Foods at the Fair guide is now available for download! Updated and revised in October 2025 by a group of Extension professionals as a part of the Food Safety Extension Network.