State Fair competition is a big part of 4-H and FFA Projects. However, the exhibit is not an end in itself and does not illustrate all the learning that takes place before and after the project is complete; it displays a portion of what the young person is capable of doing and shows what they have accomplished and created. The TOTAL development of the young person is the most important. Creating, sharing, exhibiting and judging can help youth develop various life skills in positive and healthy ways. These projects help young people gain technical and soft skills as they move through each project, contributing to academic and vocational success.
Currently, Nebraska State Fair 4-H and FFA divisions use the Danish Award System for livestock and static exhibits. Utilizing the American System or a blend of the American and Danish Systems are being explored as options for livestock in 2026. We are seeking feedback on both ribbon systems as we value input from those involved in State Fair for 4-H and FFA.
Danish Ribbon Award System
The Danish System is a method to evaluate a participant’s project relative to the standards developed for that class or contest. This system is not used to evaluate participants against other participants or other items. The Danish system highlights areas of success and topics that may need improvement to encourage youth to challenge themselves, set goals and receive constructive criticism. The participant’s hard work is recognized as each participant learns to improve their skills. Each exhibit is given a ribbon which indicates how well it meets the ideal standards. There may be more than one ribbon of each color in each class.
The following ribbon colors are used:
Purple (Superior) A purple is awarded to those entries that have met and far exceed the average standards established for that particular class. The exhibit or workmanship is outstanding with minimal flaws.
Blue (Excellent) A blue is awarded to those entries that exceed the average standard. The exhibit and workmanship meet the standards of the purple ribbon but has a few flaws.
Red (Good) A red is awarded to those entries that meet or are slightly below the average standard established for that class. The exhibit and workmanship meet expectations but has multiple flaws.
White (Fair) White is awarded to those entries that do not meet average standard. The level of accomplishment is less than expected. Extremely poor workmanship or little thought is given to the entry.
American Ribbon Award System
The American Ribbon System is a method to evaluate an exhibitor’s project by recognizing comparative differences within a class or contest and rewarding those that are of higher quality or talent. Exhibitors can set goals and feel like they have the ability to achieve a higher level of achievement within a class, rather than being within a group that all gets rewarded the same reward within the set standard. Over time, comparative systems have morphed into rewarding mostly purple and blue ribbons rather than using the whole comparative system in livestock shows. The American Ribbon System recognizes more separation, promotes healthy competition, teaches youth to set goals, and rewards them for that effort.
Decisions can be made as to how many placings will be rewarded, often based on overall class size (1st-5th, 1st-10th, 1-15th, 1-20th, etc).
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