What do the 4-H ribbon colors mean?
The Kentucky 4-H program awards ribbons based on the Danish System. This means that in each 4-H competition, 4-H’ers are graded based on set standards. All exhibits, presentations, etc. receive a ribbon based on where they fall on the standard scale. More than one color of a ribbon may be awarded in a category or area. In other words, several 4-H’ers may receive blue ribbons within the same category. The ribbon colors awarded are purple, blue, red and white. The blue, red and white ribbons do not designate first, second and third. They represent the level of achievement. • Blue ribbons are awarded to 4-H’ers who exhibit outstanding work in the area or presentation by mastering a skill, increasing their knowledge and/or showing pride in workmanship and quality based on their age level. • Red ribbons are awarded to 4-H’ers whose project or exhibition is not as polished as those of the blue level. The 4-H’er may have learned a skill but not yet mastered it completely. Information may not
