Home Environment
Project Description
The home environment project area is about the physical environment of the home. You could learn about decorating, arranging furniture for ease of use and aesthetics, or how to furnish a space to make a cozy outdoor space.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Finished or refinished item, or reupholstered furniture with before and after photos.
● Repaired, restored, remodeled or upcycled item for the home.
● An article remade or reclaimed for the home with a link to the past, including history of use.
● Description, diagrams/photos, samples and cost of a redecorating or remodeling plan showing before and after.
● Item creation for the home - for appeal or for practical use.
● Home organization and functionality (i.e. make a spice rack).
● Environmentally friendly home improvements; assess energy efficiency.
Requirements
● Members exhibiting in this project should be prepared to discuss how their exhibit applies to the home, how and where it is used or displayed, and all details of how it was made or selected.
○ They should know about the subject matter of the specific exhibit, the materials used, how and why it was done, costs involved, and alternatives considered
● A photograph and details showing its place in the home environment must accompany exhibits that are items for the home.
● Pictures and wall hangings that are exhibited should be finished.
● Purchased kits are allowed to be used.
Horse
Horse Related
Requirements
○ This exhibit area is for youth who exhibit a horse; horseless horse is for youth who do not exhibit a horse.
○ Exhibits may be a model, poster, scrapbook, essay, and/or article. The exhibit should show or explain something the 4-H member has made, done, or learned in the project.
○ Exhibits are conference judged with the exhibitor present.
Horseless Horse (includes skills class)
Requirements
○ This exhibit is for youth who do not exhibit a horse; horse related is for youth who exhibit a horse.
○ Exhibits may be a model, poster, scrapbook, essay, and/or article. The exhibit should show or explain something the 4-H member has made, done, or learned in the project.
○ Exhibits are conference judged with the exhibitor present.
Requirements
○ Youth will complete a level in the horseless horse booklet (z.umn.edu/horseless) prior to the show. The booklet will include answering knowledge questions and learning hands-on skills. An example of a knowledge question would be to list 4 breeds of horses and describe their uses. An example of a skill to demonstrate would describe and demonstrate how to properly back a horse on the halter 4 steps.
○ The booklet must be signed prior to the show by a horseless horse volunteer, mentor or 4-H Extension staff attesting to that the youth has completed the booklet, can complete the skills and is prepared for the judging experience.
○ Youth can only test and exhibit one level per year.
○ They will use a mentor's horse in the ring. The horse will be used to aid in answering the judges questions and demonstrating skills.
○ Youth will demonstrate and interview one-on-one with the judge, one exhibitor at a time.
○ The judging will be a combination of demonstrating these skills and answering interview questions from the judge. The judge will select a number of skills and knowledge based questions related to the booklet (not all of them).
Horticulture
Project Description
The horticulture project area emphasizes hands-on learning in the growth and care of plants, including annuals, biennials, perennials, houseplants, and ornamental plants. Exhibits should demonstrate sound horticultural practices, plant health, and youth learning.
Flower Gardening
Exhibit Suggestions
○ When exhibiting cut flowers, we suggest:
■ three stems of one variety of annual flowers, or
■ one stem of a hardy perennial, or
■ one stem of summer flowering bulbs, or
■ one blossom of a tea rose, or
■ one stem of a hardy shrub rose.
○ Flower bouquet or arrangement on any theme.
○ Display of dried flowers with a card explaining the drying method.
○ My Flower Garden - exhibit on poster board, not to exceed 22 x 28". Include a plan of the garden drawn to scale, the correct variety name and pictures (or photographs) of the flowers grown. Be prepared to discuss the process from soil preparation to blooming.
○ Educational exhibit showing the principles of propagation or reproduction, nutrition, culture and physiology (how a plant lives and grows).
○ A display using a 4-H project kit showing how plants or vegetables absorb color and change their leaf color.
○ Check out this video to learn more https://z.umn.edu/DC4hflowergardeningV
Requirements
○ Label each container according to kind or variety.
○ Live plant material will be accepted if it can be maintained in a fresh condition with ease.
Indoor and Outdoor Gardening
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Two or more varieties of house plants with common and botanical names.
○ Terrarium or dish garden: consider the terrarium material of general terrarium plants of native and woodland plants of Minnesota.
○ Educational exhibit showing plant propagation, plant history, forcing bulbs, the life cycle of a flowering plant, etc.
Requirements
○ Fairy garden:
■ Must include at least two types of live plants.
■ Gardens can be in an indoor container or outdoor display, with clear labeling of plant species.
■ Exhibits may include a brief written description (maximum 100 words) explaining the theme or story of the garden.
■ Plants should be grown in the exhibit container for at least one month before the fair.
○ Potted plants:
■ Flowering plants should be in bloom.
■ Foliage plants should be in vigorous condition.
■ Plants should be grown in the exhibited container for at least one month prior to the fair.
○ Plants In hanging containers:
■ The container for the plant should not be more than 10" in depth or diameter.
■ Maximum total length of hanger and plant should not exceed 4'.
■ Evaluation will include appropriateness of plant for a hanging container, condition, arrangement, hanger to container to plant relationship, and plants being well established.
○ Terrariums:
■ The terrarium may not exceed 24" in any dimension.
■ Terrarium should be planted four to six weeks ahead of exhibiting.
■ Members must be able to identify all plant materials in their terrariums and know why they were selected for use (quality, container and design).
Landscape Design
Exhibit Suggestions
○ A 3D model of a landscaping design (24x36 inches).
○ A binder detailing the exhibit with photos, design, budget, key explaining certain pieces in the design, etc..
○ A colored design of the layout with colors. Adding explanation of why certain colored plants and what they add to the design.
○ Using a computer and designing landscaping, garden areas or new treeline development.
○ A display about turf management of golf courses vs baseball fields and why certain types of grasses are used.
○ Types of turf grasses for home use.
○ Creating a landscape project for a nursing home, hospital or other places with people in care. Using plants or bird feeders for patient comfort.
○ Discussion options of either annual or perennial plants used.
○ Pollinator gardens.
Requirements
○ Include a design (paper or 3D model).
○ Itemization of supplies, plants, trees, grasses, rocks, bricks, pavers, gates/fences, structures, and other materials used in the design.
○ A budget.
○ If multi-year, describe the yearly benchmarks.
○ Identify software or computer programs used.
○ Mentions elements of landscape design such as: balance, focalization, simplicity, rhythm and line, proportion, and unity.
Industrial Technology
Note: when registering in FairEntry, it is important you use grade completed. Please contact 4-H staff if your project is an oversized exhibit.
Project Description
Use tools to build an exhibit of your choice and develop skills in shop, metal work and woodworking.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Metal work is the creation of metal structures by cutting, bending and assembling processes. It is a value-added process involving the creation of machines, parts, and structures from various raw materials. Could also include a display on properties, uses, or processing of metals.
○ Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood (or wood substitute/alternative product), and could include cabinet making (cabinetry and furniture), wood carving, joinery, carpentry, woodturning or other wood manipulation techniques. Could also include a display on properties, uses, or processing of wood or wood alternatives.
○ It is encouraged that youth provide a binder or supporting documentation about the work on the project - pictures of the process, statement of materials purchased or tools utilized etc.
Landscape Design
See “Horticulture” section, page 29-31
Mechanical Science
Project Description
Includes (but not limited to) automotive, implement, heavy equipment, recreation vehicle, small engine, tractor, electric, type of projects. Includes past projects of electric, small engines and tractor/auto/marine. .
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Diagram of wiring in your home/garden/farm showing switch locations, fuse boxes, wire size, capacities, fuse sizes, total bulk wattage, appliance wattage, number of circuits and type of wiring installation.
○ Working electrical items constructed for home, yard or farm.
○ Electronic item built from kit, plan or own design with an explanation of what it is and how it is used.
○ Display ideas include: careers in electrical field, electrical experiment (may or may not have worked), educational display used in teaching others, etc.
○ A device constructed by a member utilizing a powersource.
Requirements
○ A wiring diagram or schematic must accompany all electric and electronic exhibits.
Small Engines
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Small engine that has been reconditioned or repaired.
○ A device constructed by a member utilizing a small engine.
○ Display on the parts of an engine, etc.
○ Engine that has been reconditioned or repaired.
○ If bringing an engine as a project, consider including a binder or display outlining your project process from research to project completion.
○ Explore careers in this project area and explain why they interest you.
Tractor/Auto/Marine
Exhibit Suggestions
○ An exhibit focusing on any mechanical science area such as automotive, implement, heavy machinery, or marine.
○ A poster, video, display or notebook representing your project learning.
○ Restored, reconditioned, rebuilt tractor/auto/marine.
○ Exhibits may represent learning about tractor safety, history, use, purchasing. decision, establishing a custom business with your field or lawn tractor, or material prepared to train others.
○ If bringing a vehicle, tractor, machine or implement as a project, consider including a binder or display outlining your project process from research to project completion.
○ Explore careers in this project area and explain why they interest you.
Requirements (Includes small engines)
○ Check space requirements for large exhibits with staff. Large exhibits may be displayed outdoors.
○ Fuel must be removed from exhibits for display. No explosive materials are allowed.
○ Motorized exhibits must adhere to safe building and operating design.
○ Check space and transportation requirements for large exhibits with your local Extension educator. Large exhibits may be displayed outdoors.
Project Description
To include; entomology, environmental science, forest resources, geology and water resources projects.
Entomology
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned with the study of insects and how they play a big part in our earth's ecosystem and food supply.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Projects can include but is not limited to life history displays (e.g. insect life cycle, honey production process, etc), scientific investigation (e.g. insect habitats or effects of environment factors on insects), insects in current events (e.g. pollinators, butterfly tagging, invasive species, protected or declining species), insects in our ecosystem (food source, roles in food production, behaviors, health or disease, etc.)
○ Live projects (e.g. bee or ant colony.)
○ Utilize the scientific method to learn about insects. Remember to introduce the subject, describing the process (materials and method), predicting an outcome, stating the results, and discussing any conclusions. Get involved and share what you learned through citizen science projects.
○ Collections- cases can be purchased through a variety of vendors or homemade.
■ Specialty insect collection can include but is not limited to a collection of a single order (e.g. Coleoptera or Lepidoptera), a collection of immature insects, a collection of insects from a particular habitat (e.g. aquatic, forest, or prairie) or a collection of economic pests of a specific crop (e.g. insects attacking corn).
■ General collection- starter collection should have 10-20 insects, goal is to get to 50 species of adult insects representing at least 8 orders. Each year add or replace insects. A full 50 species case would be approximately 19" x 16.5" x 3" to 24" x 18" x 3".
Requirements
○ The exhibit must demonstrate specific knowledge of insects. Displays or booklets on entomology topics should include references and sources. Pictures, drawings, charts, tables, or other figures may be used to support understanding.
○ Live exhibits (e.g. bee or ant colony) will be accepted if the project can be selfsustaining for up to 14 days without special care. A written report or journal should accompany the exhibit. Pictures, drawings, charts, tables, or other figures may be used.
○ Collection shall be contained in one see through enclosed case. Arrange so that the case may be displayed in a horizontal position. Place the exhibit label on the lower right corner of the top.
■ Specimens must be collected by the exhibitor. Purchased insects are not acceptable.
■ Specimens must be properly pinned with insect pins. Small insects may need to be placed on cardboard points.
■ Specimens must be properly labeled.
● The location, date, and collector must be included on the labels. County and state (and country, when applicable) are minimum
location information that should be included. It is valuable to include the nearest town or township where the specimen was collected, the type of habitat it was collected from (e.g. on elm tree; on lake shore; indoors.), and the common name of the insect.
● All labels should be visible so they can be read. Use a permanent ink marker, pencil or print labels from a computer.
○ Check out this video to learn more https://z.umn.edu/DC4hentomologybeesV
Environmental Science
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about the relationships and interactions of plants, animals, humans, and their ecosystems through the specific challenges they face and/or solutions they offer.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, erosion, etc., describing the causes and their sources, its effect on people and other living things, and potential solutions. This could include news clippings and other media about an environmental issue that you care about.
○ Phenology journal used to keep track of environmental changes throughout a season.
○ Showcase your participation in an event such as a BioBlitz or naturalist program, or other citizen science project to collect data and/or raise awareness.
○ Complete a community map or assessment, to observe environmental needs and community assets.
○ Vlog detailing hiking, camping, paddling, backyard, and other explorations/adventures.
○ A display or journal of Minnesota plants, insects, animals, birds or fish. Include pictures or drawings and information on habits, foods, and shelter needs.
○ Collection of wildflowers growing near where you live or a place you visit..
○ Experiments related to local environmental engineering and/or technology applications: such as urban design, pocket prairies, roadside management, ecofriendly buildings, etc.
○ Pros and cons regarding a specific piece of environmental policy and/or management.
○ Choose one living thing in the forest, field or stream and make a display to describe its ecosystem and/or the flow of energy throughout the ecosystem.
○ Investigate an invasive, threatened, or extinct species in your area. Where do invasive species come from and is it considered invasive in its native area? What threatens them and what can be done about it? Why do species go extinct and as that happened in the area where you live?
Requirements
○ Follow local or state policies for collecting, removing and/or transporting plants and other organisms.
Forest Resources
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about the importance of trees and forests and find ways to help with conservation.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Identify the parts of a tree and what they do with a poster or collection of leaves, seeds, needles, etc.
○ Show tree growth; annual ring cross-sections; make a seed collection.
○ Prepare a report with drawings about your favorite tree include name of tree, drawings or pictures of tree, facts and uses of the tree, and other appropriate information.
○ Show layers of the forest; renewable versus non-renewable resources; forestry careers; leaf and twig identification; taxonomic keys; nutrient road maps.
○ Forest ecosystem health such as succession; tree and forest measurements; fire's effect on the forest; how trees grow; forest types; harvesting methods; pathology of the forest, invasive species, human impacts on the forest.
○ Photographic display or report on forest products or industries, including maple syrup production; wood products; Christmas trees or others (recreation, wildlife, etc.).
○ Woodland management such as policies created by the U.S. Forest Service or specialized design including shelterbelts/windbreaks and urban forestry.
○ Human health benefits from trees, and what role trees play in global ecology.
○ Organize or attend a mass tree planting calculating amount of carbon being offset.
○ Explore the history of forestry through the lens of indigenous practices or the effects of treaties. How have these relationships impacted people and landscapes?
Requirements
○ Follow local or state policies for collecting, removing and/or transporting plants and other organisms.
○ Specimens should be mounted on cardboard or other sturdy material.
Geology
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about geologic earth structures or features and materials used to make everyday objects.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Display of rocks, minerals, gemstones, a rock plate; can be displayed in an egg carton for younger youth, or in a display case as youth progresses in the project; include in the display, labels of specimen name and location collected.
○ Rocks, minerals, or fossils from within Minnesota or on a definite theme such as metamorphism, weathering, quartz minerals, ores, or a theme of your own choosing.
○ Polished rock specimen; include an unpolished specimen of each rock type for comparison.
○ The "science how's and why’s" dealing with the principles of geology and natural earth sciences.
○ Explain the three main rock types (Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary) include examples of each.
○ Model of a geologic earth structure or feature such as volcano, mountain range, plate tectonics, earthquake, cave, glacier.
○ Timeline of geological time scale.
Water Resources
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about how to protect wetlands and water quality, and how we
depend on our state's wetlands.
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Demonstrate water’s unique chemical/physical properties, such as how heat and salt affect water density or how a wetland ecosystem changes throughout the seasons.
○ How water is necessary for life, such as a display on water/wetland ecosystem services like filtration or nutrient cycles from plants.
○ How water connects earth systems like a poster displaying your local water cycle or watershed.
○ Research your local water body’s thermoclines or nutrient cycles.
○ How water is used by people, such as:
■ A record tracking your family’s water footprint at home, or
■ A model showing stormwater runoff, or
■ A map showcasing water accessibility or insecurity in a specific region of the world
○ Water/wetland resource management measures like erosion control practices, and terraces, or a map of local, regional, state, or global water bodies and water quality.
Requirements
○ Follow local or state policies for collecting, removing and/or transporting plants and other organisms.
Needle Arts
Project Description
Make it yourself! Use your creativity and skill in knitting, crocheting, embroidery or counted cross stitch to make a unique sweater, scarf or other creations.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Any item made by the member using the techniques of knitting, crocheting, embroidery and crewel, counted cross stitch, needlepoint, hardanger, weaving, appliqué, latchhook, tatting, hand embellishments, felting, hand embroidery.
● Consumer product analysis: comparison and evaluation of materials, supplies, or accessories used for a needle arts technique.
● Poster or display showing how needlework product is or could be priced, advertised and marketed.
● Poster or display comparing different techniques of a particular needle art (ex. different felting techniques, different stitches).
● Poster or display showing how to care for your project supplies (storing, organizing, cleaning).
● Historical/cultural study: story, poster, or display about a needle arts heirloom from your family or local history museum. Exhibits must include how items should be preserved.
Requirements
● This project area is for exhibits created using a hand needle, hook, shuttle or loom.
● Each exhibit must include a notecard, if appropriate, with the following information: pattern name and source, fiber content, and care instructions.
● Exhibitors should be prepared to discuss techniques, fiber content, care instructions, and cost. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring instructions, patterns, or other educational sources used.
● Exhibits must be finished and ready to display. If an item is framed, a wall hanging, or to be displayed on a wall, it should be finished and ready to hang.
● Project kits are acceptable in this project area. The exhibit must meet all other requirements.
Performing Arts
Note: Use grade completed when registering in 4HOnline.. Judging takes place on Tuesday, August 4.
Project Description
Discover acting techniques, improvisation, costume and set design, makeup techniques, stage lighting, and more! Check out this video to learn more https://z.umn.edu/DC4hperformingartsV
Requirements for all Performing Arts
● Exhibit can be either a performance or an exhibit that shows a member’s involvement or interest in the performing arts.
● Entries in performing arts are distinct from Share-the-Fun in the intention behind the entry. Performing Arts entries will be judged based on the criteria identified below and on an individual basis, even in group performances.
● An exhibitor may submit entries in both performance and non-performance based classes (e.g. a member may perform a puppet show that they wrote as a performance based exhibit and submit the script as a non-performance based exhibit.
● All team members must meet the state fair age requirement to advance to the state fair.
Performance Based Exhibit Suggestions
○ Perform a short story, show scene, music selection, dance, monologue, poetry, etc.
Requirements
○ A performance in music, dance, drama, etc.
○ A performance cannot last longer than 5 minutes.
○ Performances may be given as a solo, duet, or a small group.
○ Performances may include a non-judged accompanist.
○ Acts must be appropriate for any age audience.
○ To be eligible for state fair, the member must be able to discuss the process of selecting, planning, performing and reflecting on their project work.
○ The technique and artistry of the performance will be considered.
Non-Performance Based Exhibit Suggestions
○ An educational display on some aspect of music, drama, dance, or performing.
○ A journal or scrapbook (with written statements) of current performing arts experiences.
○ A written piece such as poetry, sheet music, or other physical artifact intended for performance created by 4-H’er.
Requirements
○ An exhibit such as a poster or display that shows a member’s involvement or interest in the performing arts.
○ To be eligible for state fair, the member must be able to discuss the process of selecting, planning, creating and reflecting on their project work.
○ The workmanship, general appearance and technique used to develop the exhibit will be considered.
Pets
Note: this section is for pets and dogs not in training (example 4-H dog training). Cat show/exhibits and pet show/exhibits judged August 17.
Project Description
Which pets would fit into your family? How could you be an excellent caretaker? Learn about a variety of small pets, such as cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, iguanas, snakes or frogs.
Cats
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Educational exhibits may include models, diagrams or pictures. Exhibits should show or explain something the 4-H’er made, did or learned with their cat.
○ The cat exhibit will be judged after the cat show.
Exhibit Requirement
○ Live cat must be domesticated and are not eligible for state fair.
○ All cats must have rabies vaccinations, you need to bring proof of rabies with you to the show.
○ No cats under three months of age may be shown.
○ Cats are to be taken home after the show.
○ Judging will consist of overall cleanliness of the cat, cleanliness of ears, mouth, breath, eyes, tail, skin and feet. Condition of cat includes health of skin, body, height, etc and presentation and overall knowledge of the 4-H’ers about the cat. Be prepared to answer questions about your cat and its care.
Pets
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Educational display explaining pet care, health, nutritional needs, etc. Educational exhibits will be judged following the pet show.
○ Pet related exhibit, i.e. photo album, history of species display or animal care display
○ Educational display explaining dog diseases, breeding, training, caring for dogs at humane society, information about therapy dogs, etc.
○ Educational exhibits may include models, diagrams or pictures.
○ Examples include dog diseases, breeding, training etc.
Exhibit Requirement
○ Live pet must be domesticated and not eligible for state fair.
○ Pets are to be taken home after the show.
○ Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's care.
○ Exhibitors must bring a copy of the vaccination history to the show
○ No pets under three months of age may be shown.
○ Judging will consist of overall cleanliness and health of the pet, the condition of the pet and overall knowledge of the 4-H’er about the pet. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet and its care.
Note: when registering in FairEntry, it is important you use grade completed.
Project Description
This exhibit will focus on what makes a good photograph (composition, light, shutter speed, color, depth of field, leading lines, etc.) So many devices have cameras; a point-and-shoot camera, your cell phone, tablet, drone, and more. Photography can be a way to capture images and also a way to express and share ourselves with others.
If editing a photo, only select whole image edits or modifications are allowed in post-production. Post-production is any adjustment made after the photo is taken using editing software. Allowed whole image edits must be applied to the entire image and not specific areas of the photo. Allowed whole image edits include:
● Cropping
● Exposure correction
● Color saturation
● Contrast
● Sharpening
● Conversion to black and white
On-camera filters: a physical filter that attaches to the camera lens (neutral density, polarizer, various colors, etc) are allowed.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Photo story of 3 to 7 (4x6”) photos in a photo matte or displayed on poster board to show a process (before and after.)
● Photo story can include documenting, some examples might include:
○ Town history could include photos of residences: e.g. families, elderly, government officials, veterans, teachers, service officials (fire, police, medical), volunteers, founding families; history, etc.
○ 4-H project, or another member’s 4-H project or your club’s community service
○ Environmental issue(s) or a community need
○ “A day in the life” of a…farm, city, youth, an elementary school or a high school
● Common theme or subject of 3 to 7 photos (4x6”) i.e. people, buildings, landscape, animals, seasons, action, nature, weather, shapes, closeups, etc.
● Panorama
● Enlargement or multiple 4x6” photos to show photographic elements you learned about and includes explaining how you used your camera to take these images. Ideas include: aperture priority, shutter speed, rule of thirds, leading lines, ISO, etc.
● Slideshow-compilation of photo images; use titles, voice over, background selections to make a show, etc. Can show project on a 14x22 poster board or computer, tablet or DVD for judging.
● Calendar, brochure, event poster, etc (no scrapbooks).
Exhibit Requirements (for all photography)
● All photos exhibited must have been taken/produced/enhanced by the exhibitor during the current year.
● Stock photos are not allowed.
● The exhibitor’s name, club, county and exhibit class should be clearly printed on the back of the exhibit.
● Unaltered 4”x6” photos must be attached to the back of any exhibit.
● For safety, picture frames or glass are not allowed.
● Exhibits with multiple photos should use 4”x6” prints - multiple photos should be displayed on a board.
● Enlarged photos should be 5”x7” or 8”x10”.
● Photos should be mounted on a mat board, foam board, or poster board using neutral colors (white, tan, gray or black). Do not use construction paper, cardstock, colored paper or wrapping paper. Photos should not be mounted on any type of flexible/bendable paper.
● Use a 14” x 22” board for five or more photos in an exhibit. Cut smaller boards for enlargements.
● Exhibits should reflect the appropriate size for the item designed, e.g. the photos used for an ornament, a calendar, a poster, or brochure would require different sized photographs.
● Learn how to prepare your photos for the fair:
○ Video tutorial z.umn.edu/4HPhotoPrepVideo
○ Slideshow tutorial z.umn.edu/4HPhotoPrepSlideshow
Exhibit Notes (for all photography)
● Equipment: use any device capable of capturing a photographic image to be printed: digital or film camera, cell phone, tablet or drone. A computer, phone or tablet is required for photo manipulation.
● Supervision of the drone operator is important until they understand not only how to use a drone but also understand the etiquette and rules for using the drone. For information visit the Federal Aviation Administration on unmanned aircraft systems (faa.gov/uas) .
● Photo/video release form - use this form when including any person in your photo that is NOT in 4-H. This verifies that the subject has agreed to have their photograph taken. Keep this signed form in a file. (https://z.umn.edu/photovideorelease)
● This presentation (z.umn.edu/intro-to-photo-manipulation) explains what the difference is between elements and manipulation, software options and information on how to talk to a judge.
Agriculture Technology
See “Technology” section, page 48-49
Plant Science
Project Description
Plant science projects focus on hands-on learning in plant growth and management, including agricultural technology, row and specialty crops, and weed and pest identification and management, with exhibits demonstrating sound practices, plant health, and youth learning.
Corn
Exhibit Suggestions
○ A jar or clear container (equalling 8 cups) of shelled corn.
○ A display of ears of dent corn, consisting of 6-10 ears of corn of the same variety.
○ A bundle of corn stalks, consisting of stalks of the same variety.
○ An educational display illustrating corn’s plant reproduction, different types of corn, plant growth factors, plant characteristics, plant part identification, growing and using plants, plant growth and food production, examples of a plant disease, etc.
○ A display using a 4-H project kit (a corn stalk growing out of a five-gallon pail).
Requirements
○ Crop must be grown on a farm with which you have a relationship with the producer and have interviewed the producer about the growing process. Crops must have been grown in the current or previous growing season.
○ Include an information card listing the variety, soil, and agronomy information of the crop if the exhibit is a crop sample.
○ Be familiar with crop input costs and the growing process.
Plant and Soil Science
Exhibit Suggestions
○ An educational display illustrating one of the following ideas: plant reproduction, soils, plant growth factors, plant characteristics, growing and using plants, plant growth and food production, examples of a plant disease, and life cycle of disease explaining causes and control.
○ Display or presentation highlighting technology used in agriculture such as GPS tools, drone use, implement technology, yield mapping, genetic engineering, seed traits, agricultural chemistry, precision agriculture, on-farm research, side by side trials, etc.
○ Display or presentation highlighting current pests in agriculture or horticulture. Could include life cycle, prevention or treatment, their impact on the plant, etc.
○ Take soil samples and compare soil analysis (soil analysis can be done by obtaining kits at your local Extension office).
○ An exhibit showing different varieties of forages or cover crops, etc. (seed or plant)
○ A plant life cycle exhibit highlighting the growth of a plant from seed to a mature plant.
○ An educational display illustrating one of the following ideas: plant reproduction, plant growth factors, plant characteristics, usage of plants, plant growth, food production, examples of a plant disease, etc. of a specialty crop.
○ A display or presentation highlighting any current pests in agriculture or horticulture. Could include their life cycle, prevention or treatment, their impact on the plant, etc.
○ A weed display or book identifying different weeds in agriculture or horticulture. Highlight one weed in-depth, a class of weeds (such as grasses or broad leaves) or a collection of different weeds. Could include identification details, life cycle, weed control, the impact on crop production, etc.
○ *Note: Do not include live or dried noxious weed samples (z.umn.edu/weedn) in your display. If you are bringing in a sample of weed seeds, put it in a sealed container.
Requirements
○ Crop must be grown on a farm with which you have a relationship with the producer and have interviewed the producer about the growing process. Crops must have been grown in the current or previous growing season.
○ Include an information card listing the variety if the exhibit is a crop sample.
○ Be familiar with crop input costs and the growing process.
Small Grain, Legumes and Forages
Exhibit Suggestions
○ A two-quart jar or clear container (equaling 8 cups) of any small grain variety or soybeans. This could include wheat, oats, rye, barley, soybeans, etc.
○ An educational display illustrating one of the following ideas: plant reproduction, plant growth factors, plant characteristics, usage of plants or seeds, plant growth, and food production or examples of a plant disease.
○ An adequate sample of a specialty crop such as sugar beets, edible beans, black beans, kidney beans, field-produced sweet corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, popcorn, etc. Dried products should be in a jar or clear container (equalling 8 cups); fresh products on a plate or flat box.
○ A dried sample, in a 3-5 inch tied, dried bundle, clear container of ensiled forages or in a sample 4-6 inch slab of a bale of forage. Forages include alfalfa, warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses, sorghum, native grasses, silage, etc. It is recommended that a sample analysis of your forage accompanies the sample.
○ A display using a 4-H project kit (grass grown in a container showing how forages are grown).
Requirements
○ Crop must be grown on a farm with which you have a relationship with the producer and have interviewed the producer about the growing process. Crops must have been grown in the current or previous growing season.
○ Include an information card listing the variety if the exhibit is a crop sample.
○ Be familiar with crop input costs and the growing process.
○ Forage samples could be in a clear plastic container or a large clear plastic bag.
Plastic Sculpture Challenge
Note: two exhibits from each county will be selected for the state fair. Note: state fair plastic sculptures will be on display only. No judging will occur at the state fair. Exhibitors will receive written feedback from a panel of judges.
Project Description
This project was created to build awareness and knowledge of both the positive and negative impacts of single use plastics and ways to recycle or repurpose plastic. It is also meant to empower 4-H youth to be actively involved as change agents in reducing use of single-use plastics and increasing recycling/repurposing, for their family, their club, their community, their country and their world.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Suggested materials to attach items together: zip ties, string, rubber bands, art materials, colorful duct tape, or electrical tape. Strong adhesives (such as E6000 and Gorilla Glue) need to be used in a well-ventilated area with adult supervision. Safety note: melting plastic gives off toxic fumes. If using a glue gun, it is recommended to use a cool, “low temp” glue gun.
● Depending on the size and weight of your sculpture, you might consider adding wheels that lock in place or handles to your sculpture so it is easy to move.
Requirements
● Exhibits can be created by individuals, teams or clubs.
● 4-H’ers of all ages are invited to explore the plastics issue and create an art sculpture with found plastics.
● If a base is needed, it should be made out of thin wood, plywood, fiberboard, or similar material.
● Sculptures can be any size with a maximum size of: 3 ft. wide x 3 ft. long x 6 ft. tall.
● Must be made of clean (washed) plastics
● Must be multidimensional. Sculptures can be free-standing or should be ready for hanging for display (e.g. wires or hooks for hanging, on a sturdy, movable base, etc.).
● If you are unsure about any of these guidelines, please consult your 4-H Extension Educator.
● Sculptures must include an artist statement (50 words or less) with:
○ Name(s) of artists
○ Title of your sculpture
○ A statement about what you created and why
○ What materials you used.
○ What you learned and how will it change your use of single-use plastics
○ How others can reduce their use of single-use plastics
Potatoes
See “Vegetable/Fruit/Herb Gardening” section, page 49-52
Public Presentations
Demonstration/Public Presentation
Demonstration - Individual Demonstration - Team
Livestock Demonstrations
Livestock Demonstration - Individual Livestock Demonstration - Team
Exhibit Suggestions
● Demonstrations/Public Presentations:
○ Teaching others a project or activity such as taekwondo, making lemonade, slime, macrame, etc.
○ A report on leadership lessons learned through a trip to Washington DC
○ An educational presentation that explores sustainable energy options
○ A persuasive speech exploring Social Media effects on youth mental health.
○ An interactive presentation that teaches the public how to do something. For example, teaching the audience an origami project where they follow along with your demonstration step-by-step and create the project with you.
○ An interactive yoga demonstration where you teach the audience various poses.
○ Check out this video to learn more https://z.umn.edu/DC4hdemonstrationV
● Livestock Demonstrations:
○ Demonstrate how to care for an animal or prepare it for showing at the fair.
○ Teaching others how to tie a halter.
○ A talk on preventative or veterinary care for a species.
○ Demonstrate how to tattoo an animal.
○ Check out this video to learn more https://z.umn.edu/DC4hlivestockdemoV
Requirements
● Public presentations may be related to any project that the member is enrolled in or to any area of interest or expertise the 4-H’er has. Presentations may be an individual or a twoperson team.
● Demonstrations/public presentations are an oral presentation that includes actually demonstrating the hands-on steps required to accomplish a task or process. This most often includes the use of physical objects and actual doing or showing. At the end of the
Demonstration there should be something of a "finished product". Demonstrations may also include the use of supporting visuals like posters, charts or technology-based options like presentation software (i.e. MS PowerPoint, KeyNote, Google Slides). However, the focus of the Demonstration should be on the "doing", not the supporting visuals. Presentations may be an individual or team. Individual presentations shall not exceed 15 minutes in length and team presentations should not exceed 25 minutes in length.
○ Are oral presentations that present an idea, concept, viewpoint or experience in an educational or informative format (not for entertainment or performative purposes). Presentations and speeches often consist of interaction with supporting visual aids like posters, charts or technology-based options like presentation software (i.e. MS PowerPoint, KeyNote, Google Slides). Supporting visuals may include tangible items, but generally little or no activity takes place with the item. Presentations and speeches may be an individual or team. Individual presentations shall not exceed 15 minutes in length and team presentations should not exceed 25 minutes in length.
○ Interactive demonstrations are oral presentations that are continuous and include hands-on audience interaction/participation. Adequate supplies should be provided by the presenters so that all present can participate in the activity. Interactive demonstrations may be an individual or team. Interactive demonstrations are approximately 25-30 minutes in length but for both individual or team. Involving the audience in the process is the primary focus of Interactive demonstrations and constitutes a major portion of the evaluation results.
● Livestock Demonstrations include: beef, dairy, dairy goat, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine and must include a live animal in the demonstration. Other demonstrations involving animals can be entered under the demonstration category.
Presentation & Speeches
See “Public Presentations” section, page 42-45
Quilting
Note: when registering in FairEntry, it is important you use grade completed.
Project Description
A quilt generally has three layers. The layers consist of a backing, a filler and a top. The top is the decorative part that can be made using any number of different techniques. The three layers are held together by small hand or machine stitches. Source Quilt Quest, Nebraska 4-H Curriculum.
Exhibit Suggestions
● A quilted item, any finishing technique acceptable. Examples: potholder, table runner, doll quilt, bed-sized quilt
● Repair, repurposing, or re-design of a previously finished quilt. Example: an heirloom quilt with significant repairs or turned into another quilted item.
● A display on a quilting topic of your choice. Examples: the history of quilting/quilting patterns, a comparison of different fabrics or threads, different types of quilting notions and tools, piecing techniques.
Requirements
● Attach an index card which includes: pattern name and source, fiber content of fabric & batting, and care instructions.
● Finishing techniques may be machine quilted, hand quilted or hand tied. If not quilted or tied by the 4-H’er, the exhibitor must state who tied or hand/machine quilted the final project.
● Techniques used, size, and difficulty of the project should be based on the exhibitor’s sewing/quilting experience level.
Safety
Project Description
The safety project is about keeping yourself safe and helping others stay safe, too.
Exhibit Suggestions
● A first aid or childcare kit with explanations for the items you included.
● A public service announcement and/or social media toolkit to promote a safety topic of your choice.
● List tips for being safe when home alone, such as emergency numbers to call, safety while preparing snacks, keeping doors locked, etc.
● Attend and report on a safety program such as farm/livestock/animal, fire, food, firearms, ATV, watercraft, wilderness/outdoor, traffic, bike, personal, online, sun/skincare or others.
● Interview a safety professional and showcase their advice.
Requirements
● Abide by local, state and federal laws regarding your safety topic.
Science Inquiry
Project Description
In this project area, 4-H youth build confidence in doing science by exploring questions and finding answers. They follow a step-by-step process (called science inquiry) to satisfy their curiosity, learning more about something they can observe or experience.
Exhibit Suggestions
● An exhibit you presented at a local science fair.
● Exploration of the physical properties of slime using different materials/recipes to make slime
● Types of bird feeders you used to determine if there is a preferred bird feeder type in your backyard.
● Different types of frogs you found in a pond as you investigated the difference in the frog species in the spring and the frog species in the summer.
● Different types of treats and the data you collected as you explored how your dog responds to different treats during training.
● Results of your investigation of different types of sunscreen to see their effects on UV beads
● Different water filtration systems you tested and the results you analyzed to identify which one resulted in the cleanest water.
● Rock candy created as a result of investigating how the concentration of sugar affects crystal growth.
● Test how different light sources, soil types, or fertilizers affect plant growth. Show your research question, method, and results with photos or samples.
● Which natural substances make the best cleaners?
Requirements
● Include the question, issue, or happening being investigated.
● Include a description of how a science inquiry process was used to help understand the happening being investigated or studied.
● Explain each step followed during the science inquiry process (z.umn.edu/sinquiry)
Science of animals educational exhibits
Note: The following animal types are eligible for science of animals exhibits: beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Items constructed (such as feeding systems or show equipment) or science exhibits focusing on one of the four divisions: health, breeding, production, zoonotics or other.
● These exhibits may be enhanced with 3-dimensional displays, posters or notebooks.
Self-Determined
Project Description
The self-determined project area is intended for those exhibits that might not fit within other categories and for those learning experiences that members select, plan, and manage on their own. It is distinct from learning experiences determined or guided by others (e.g. school work, clubdetermined projects). This is not a “catch-all” category but rather is focused on intentional selfdirected learning. Members should be able to describe what they did, how they reflected on it, and how they applied what they learned.
Exhibit Suggestions
● A portfolio describing the selection, planning, and management of a service learning project and what the member learned during the experience.
● A trifold display made as part of a school assignment with the addition of an accompanying journal describing the process of developing the display and capturing reflection on learning during completion of the assignment.
● A photo collage capturing the experiences and stages of development of an event planned and facilitated by the member either individually or as part of a team.
● A video or digital blog capturing the “behind the scenes” work, reflection, and application of concepts done by an individual member while working as part of a team on a project or assignment.
● A lego creation (not a kit) intended to include some deeper thinking and learning that is not encapsulated in any other exhibit requiring the exhibitor to create their own learning path.
Requirements
● A self-determined exhibit will be judged primarily on the self-guided learning experience. While the artistry and craftsmanship of the exhibit itself will be considered, emphasis will be placed on the selection and identification of the self-guided learning experience and the ability of the member to convey the experience and what was learned from it. If the member wishes to be judged on the exhibit’s craftsmanship or artistry, the exhibit should be entered within the appropriate project area (e.g. a project in seed art should be submitted within Crafts and Fine Arts project area if looking to be judged on the quality of the final product and the process and learning associated with its assembly).
● Exhibits consisting of exhibits or assignments done for school or other organized learning environments must indicate how the member went above and beyond the requirements of the assignment/project and individualized the learning to meet their own goals and desired outcomes.
● Exhibits may be submitted by individuals or teams. A team may consist of not more than three (3) individuals. Team members will be judged collectively.
Shooting Sports
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about ethical behavior and responsibility when it comes to shooting sports and equipment.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Safety techniques applied to shooting activities (e.g., range commands and range safety, eye and ear protection, cleaning a firearm, dressing for safety-first aid, survival skills, etc.).
● Shooting skills (e.g., basic safety rules, basic parts and functions of each piece of equipment, care and maintenance, accessories, position, etc.).
● Design and create shooting sports equipment (e.g., pellet stand, kneeling role, target stand, quiver, etc.)
● History and nomenclature of firearms.
● Sportsmanship: ethical behavior and responsibility.
Requirements
● No explosive materials are allowed. Arrow tips or broadheads should be removed for display but may be included as part of the judging experience if secured for safety.
● Exhibits including firearms & bows must be sporting varieties only. Exhibitors must include a color photo of the item to be left on display - bows and firearms will not be left on display. The photograph should be taken prior to the county fair and attached to the display.
● MN and 4-H regulations for handling and storing firearms must be followed.
County Fun Shoot
● Participants must be enrolled in the shooting sports/wildlife project.
● Participants receive $ 4 for participation.
● Participants must have received a minimum of seven hours on the line marksmanship/safety instruction per discipline with certified instructors.
● Participants must have received a minimum of 5 hours of wildlife education this year.
Small Engines
See “Mechanical Science” section, page 32-33
Small Grains/Legumes/Forages
See “Plant Science” section, page 41-42
Technology
Note: includes aquatic robotics, agricultural technology, computer and robotics exhibits.
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned about aquatic robotics, agriculture technology, computers, or robotics such as programming, building,3D printing or operating robots and create a 4-H fair exhibit to show what you’ve discovered.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Robot (examples: Edison, EV3, WeDo, Osmos, VEX (or other types of robotics)); (Have a photo of the robot if you do not intend to leave the robot on display.)
● Display the robot using diagrams of programming, photos, booklets, etc.
● Video of robot in action.
● Exhibit an ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle); show the use in identifying aquatic invasive species (AIS) and providing education.
● Explain the foundations of computers and explore how computers work for various projects.
● Build a robot with labels describing how it works and/or accompanied with a binder of how it works.
● Share software you created and how it works.
● Learn about cyberbullying and explain prevention techniques.
● Share about a robotics class you participated in and what you learned.
● Create an educational app. Show how you planned your app by including sketches, wireframes, or screenshots, and explain how it helps users learn.
● Explore careers in this project area and explain why they interest you.
● Design computer hardware/software.
● An object made using a 3D printer.
● Display or presentation highlighting the technology used in agriculture such as GPS tools, drone use, implement technology, yield mapping, genetic engineering, seed traits, agricultural chemistry, precision agriculture, on-farm research, side-by-side trials, etc.
● A drone showcase explaining precision agriculture.
● A display demonstrating automated tractors.
Requirements
● Include description, images/photos needed to assist with verbal or written description.
● Description(s) can be verbal or written.
● Computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. can be used during the judging process.
● Remove batteries from technology exhibits after judging.
Tractor
See “Mechanical Science” section, see page 32-33
Vegetable, Fruit and Herb Gardening
Project Description
Exhibitors showcase their vegetables, fruits, and herbs, demonstrating their gardening techniques and an understanding of plant growth and care. Note: exhibit cannot be store purchased.
Fruit
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Fruit should be brought in an appropriate size clear container for displaying fruit.
○ Display showing a comparison of several varieties of the same fruit (labeled); display using a branch to illustrate proper pruning of fruit trees and explaining the process; illustrate the many uses of fruits (fresh, jams, juices, cooking, baking, salads and recipes); illustrate the use of fruits as natural dyes.
○ Educational display illustrating diseases (actual specimens) or insects (actual specimens) and methods of control.
Requirements
○ If displaying a fruit sample, the exhibitor should bring 4-6 items of one variety of fruit and include an information card listing the varieties of fruit.
Potatoes
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Display a box (fruit crate size) or clear Rubbermaid container of potatoes that contains all the potatoes in that hill (all the potatoes one plant produced).
○ Display a box (fruit crate size) or clear Rubbermaid container of 6-10 potatoes from one or two hills of the same variety of potato.
○ Educational display illustrating diseases and control, methods of mulching and reasons, causes and effects of sun-scald.
Requirements
○ If displaying a potato box (fruit crate size) or clear Rubbermaid container, you need 610 potatoes of the same variety or 2-3 varieties (this year’s crop) similar in size to the variety identified on an information card.
○ Be familiar with crop input costs and the growing process.
Vegetable/Herbs
Exhibit Suggestions
Herb Gardening
○ Educational display showing some aspect of raising or using herbs.
○ An herb container garden planted in a tub, pot, or planter.
○ A dried sample of herbs you raised, harvested, and dried (in an airtight container).
○ A display using a 4-H project kit (growing a variety of herbs in a container).
○ A box (fruit crate size) or clear Rubbermaid container used to display vegetables.
Requirements
Vegetable Box
○ Label vegetables with proper variety names on a notecard.
○ When exhibiting a collection of vegetables, the collection should include six different kinds of vegetables.
■ For example - 1 large specimen plus 3 medium specimen and 2 small specimen equals 6 different vegetable specimens for this project choosing any combination of the following:
● One large vegetable specimen (cabbage, squash, melon, pumpkin, cauliflower, etc.
● Three different medium sized vegetable specimens and 3 of each specimen (tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, kohlrabi, carrots, beets, turnips, etc.)
● Two small vegetable specimens and 6-12 of each specimen (green beans, peas, lima beans, etc.
○ Potatoes may not be included (enter under the potato project).
Exhibit Suggestions
Vegetable Container Garden
○ Showcase your gardening skills by growing a thriving vegetable container garden. This exhibit challenges 4-H’ers to design and maintain a productive garden in a container, perfect for small spaces.
Requirements
○ Must include one type of vegetable grown in a container.
○ The container should be portable and have proper drainage.
○ Judges will assess plant health, variety selection, creativity in design and overall presentation.
○ Exhibits may include a brief written description (maximum 100 words) detailing the plant choices, care methods and any unique features of the garden.
○ Plants should be grown in the exhibit container for at least one month prior to the fair.
○ A themed herb garden with multiple plants would be accepted in this category.
○ A mini vegetable garden planted in a tub, pail or large planter.
Exhibit Suggestions
Vegetable Plate
○ On a disposable plate, display a collection of vegetables that include one or more kinds of vegetables, choosing any combination of the following:
■ Large vegetable specimen: 1 sample (cabbage, squash, melon, pumpkin, cauliflower, etc.)
■ Medium vegetable specimen: 3 of each specimen (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers, kohlrabi, carrots, beets, turnips, asparagus, etc.)
■ Small vegetable specimen: 6-12 of each specimen (green beans, peas, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, lima beans, etc.)
○ Display showing three varieties of the same vegetable.
○ Educational display showing some aspect of vegetable gardening (e.g. the difference in development between thinned versus un-thinned vegetables.
Requirements
○ Label vegetables with proper variety names on a notecard.
○ Only have one vegetable variety (large, medium or small) on the plate. For example, the variety is medium sized - three onions.
Largest Vegetable
Note: this exhibit is not an optimal example of an edible vegetable. This is for fun-growing purposes.
Exhibit Notes
○ $ 2 per entry; largest vegetable winner receives $ 5
○ Vegetables will be judged on size, not weight
Exhibit Suggestions
○ Squash (includes zucchini)
○ Cabbage ○ Pumpkin
○ Melons
○ Tallest sweet corn stalk
○ Tallest sunflower stalk
○ Cucumber
Requirements
○ Include an information card with name, plant variety and date planted.
○ Stalks of sweet corn should have roots on the stalk
Veterinary Science
Project Description
Share what you’ve learned during an in-depth exploration around veterinary science topics.
Exhibit Suggestions
● An exhibit focused on technology or industry advancements in veterinary science.
● An exhibit on diseases of animals focusing on the history, management, prevention, etc.
● An exhibit on use of different medications in veterinary science focusing on dosage, records, implications of use, impact on the industry.
● An exhibit focused on surgical and nonsurgical procedures used in veterinary medicine (spaying/neutering pets, embryo transfer, wellness visit, etc.)
● An exhibit focused on careers in veterinary science exploration (such as job shadowing, interviews and opportunities).
● Create a 3-D model of the skeletal system of the animal of your choice.
Video and Filmmaking
Project Description
You can use videos in your daily life, for school projects or in a future career. Videography is art, communications and technology together. Becoming good at making videos teaches media literacy the ability to fully understand media messages that come at you every day.
Notes: this is not a slideshow. Supervision of the drone operator is important until they understand not only how to use a drone but also understand the etiquette and rules for using the drone. For information visit the Federal Aviation Administration on unmanned aircraft systems (faa.gov/uas).
Exhibit Suggestions
● Showcase various video/film techniques.
● A selected subject. Include a short storyboard or outline.
● Illustrate how a video/film camera works, or how to care for video/film equipment, illustration of computer video/film creation, etc.
● A video/film made by blending computer technology and traditional camera created video/film.
● A video/film using data from trail camera or time lapse camera (stop action video) or drone with attached camera (see note related to drone use.)
● A video/film using Claymation, dolls, Lego for stop action.
● Document environmental issues such as the plight of pollinators, pollution, soil erosion, or the steps taken to improve the environment.
● A short documentary on a family member or interesting member of your community.
● A trailer for a movie or event (can be fictional).
● A story that you tell using your friends and family.
● A commercial, real or fictional.
Requirements
● It is recommended that the video/filmmaking exhibit be 3-5 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes.
● All video/filmmaking exhibits must be made by the exhibitor OR by a production team of which the exhibitor must be a member.
● The exhibitor’s name, grade, and club must be clearly printed on all exhibit pieces.
● All video/film footage exhibited must have been made/created DURING THE CURRENT 4-H YEAR. When appropriate, (i.e. historical sequences) older video clips can be used.
● Video/film must be presented on DVD, flash drive or CD. Participants are also allowed to upload their video to YouTube, Vimeo, Frame.io or similar online based presentation sites.
● Video/film needs to be in presentation form, including a title and credits.
● The video/film must be original material. Any video/film exhibit, which appears to contain copyrighted material, including music, will not be publicly displayed unless the exhibitor has written permission from the producer to use the material in the video/film. Portions and music from other sources must be documented and have a copyright release. Learn more about copyrighted material and finding material that is public domain or released under the Creative Commons license at z.umn.edu/free4u.
● A computer must be brought for viewing the video/film during the conference judging,other arrangements need to be made in advance with the 4-H staff.
● Video/film must be playable on Windows, use file format including .WMV, .FLV and .MPEG, .AVI, .MOV, .AVCHD, .MPEG-1, .MEG-4, as well as a playable DVD.
● 4-H videos must adhere to G or PG (parental guidance) standards. The 4-H Code of Conduct requires respectful behavior, so you may not depict: violence, obscene language (or naughty words) including swearing, rude interactions or insults, or use or visibility of guns or fighting, etc. Remember not only teens and pre-teens view the videos but young children and their parents. Keep this in mind when creating your video.
Video release form - use this form when including any person in your video that is NOT in 4-H. This verifies that the subject has agreed to be in your video. Keep this signed form in a file. Here is a link to the Photo & Video Release form in English (z.umn.edu/photo-release-english).
Equipment: any electronic device capable of capturing a video image video camera, digital camera, DSLR, time lapse camera or trail camera, cellphone, tablet, GoPro or drone with attached camera (operator must meet age requirements to use a drone).
Water Resources
See “Natural Resources” section, page 33-36
Wildlife Biology & Management
Project Description
Wildlife biology and management is about taking care of and protecting animals in their natural habitats to ensure their well-being and the balance of nature. Wildlife management is like being a guardian for animals and their homes. It's about making sure they have enough food, clean water,
and safe places to live. Wildlife managers also help sick or injured animals and make sure there is a good balance in nature so all animals can thrive.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Develop a wildlife management plan show practices related to land use and forest management for wildlife such as controlled burns, logging, planting, etc.
● Explore basic concepts of wildlife management (waterfowl wingboards, birdhouse trails, carrying capacity, game animal habitat requirements, history of game management, etc).
● Explain some factors that threaten or endanger animal species such as urbanization, climate change, or habitat loss. Or explore a species that went extinct and why it happened.
● Build a bird or bat house, nesting structure, hibernaculum, animal shelter or feeder and explain the history of artificial shelter structures how it can benefit a species.
● Display a collection of identified wildlife scat (droppings), skulls or skins. How do they differ?
● Show how wildlife can be classified into herbivores, carnivores or omnivores using skull diagrams.
● Write a wildlife landscape habitat plan.
● Report on animal adaptations, such as animal camouflage. How do adaptations of plants and animals match the environment they live in?
● Make a display that details a food chain/web of a particular habitat.
● Explain the life cycle of your favorite wild animal in a video, poster or display.
● Shadow or volunteer at a nature center or park and share your experience using a journal, video, or display. Learn rules and policies to protect or manage certain species of wildlife.
● Identify, mount and label a book of plants native to a certain region.
● Animal signs, animal tracks, homes or foods.
● Do a bird study, including beak type, wings, feet, song, feeding patterns, etc.
● Make a collection of wildflowers growing near where you live or a place you visit.
● Activities may include tracking wildlife and exploring careers.
Requirements
● All wild game used in exhibits must be tagged appropriately according to state laws.
Youth Leadership
Project Description
Youth Leadership is a project area that requires the member to discover their skills and then develop those skills and share them with others. This might happen individually or with a group. Share how you’ve built an understanding of self, developed skills, learned how to work with others, overcome obstacles or adjusted goals, developed understanding of making decisions, and/or managed and or worked in groups.
Exhibit Suggestions
● Share your youth leadership experience. This could include your 4-H youth leadership journey, or your leadership in an organization within your school or community.
● Share what you gained and shared from a conference or retreat you attended.
● Share a personal development plan you have implemented.
● Develop a (career and/or college prep) portfolio.
● Develop a presentation that illustrates how you’ve built understanding of self, developed communication skills, learned how to work with others, developed understanding of making decisions, and/or managing and/or working in groups.
● Lesson plan you’ve developed.
● Meeting outline or agenda developed by youth.
● Illustrate how you’ve shared 4-H with others.
● Scrapbook outlining participation in leadership programs. Includes personal reflection on leadership growth and development.
● Share how you have taken the lead on a service project, and what leadership skills you gained through the project.
● Share how you have served as a mentor and/or teacher to younger youth (could be with a project area, a club activity or officer role, etc.)
● Share how you led your group’s food partner challenge.
Animal science exhibits
General information
Livestock identification/health requirements
● All livestock shown in the 4-H livestock shows must have the required state 4-H ID, ear tag and/or tattoo.
● Animal ID data must be submitted online no later than May 15 (with the exception of market beef - Feb. 17, junior meat doe kids and dairy spring calves - June 1 and junior dairy doe kidsJuly 1). In the event you miss this deadline, you have 7 calendar days to use your one-time exemption and submit the animal information - after the 7 days the exemption is no longer valid for animal ID.
● All animal health regulations as stipulated by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the County Agricultural Society will be in effect. Local veterinarians have authority over all health aspects of animals at the fair.
● It is your responsibility to contact your veterinarian and have the appropriate tests and health papers for exhibiting. If you have questions, call the Extension Office or your local veterinarian.
● If your animal becomes ill during the fair, you need to contact your own vet for treatment and notify the appropriate specie superintendent.
● All livestock will be inspected by the official fair veterinarian on opening day and daily during the county fair. The official veterinarian will order the immediate removal from the fairgrounds of any livestock with symptoms of infectious or communicable diseases, including ringworm, warts and fungus. A statement from a veterinarian that an animal is being treated for these diseases is NOT acceptable.
Weigh-in/vet check
● Weighing of all market livestock will be done Wednesday, August 19. Market lambs and goats will be weighed in the sheep barn; market swine in the swine barn; and market beef in the beef barn. Weights will be used to determine show weight classes.
a. Animals will be assigned to 4-Her during weigh in and verification. A family member or 4-Her needs to be present.
● Vet check Tuesday! All animals housed at the fair need to be examined by the fair veterinarian BEFORE unloading. Vet check is Tuesday, August 18 between 1-7 p.m. without penalty for beef, dairy, goat, horse, llama/alpaca, rabbit, poultry, sheep and swine. (milking dairy, horse and llama/alpaca are also able to come and be vet checked on Wednesday, August 19 BEFORE 8:30 a.m.
a. Enter the fairgrounds at the east gate (across from the Alexandria Vet Clinic) and go to the outside of the Erickson Pavilion for vet check and then drive behind the barns to unload your animals. Once you have your animals unloaded, go to the counter in the 4-H exhibit building for your exhibit pass and show number.
b. Breeding animals are also verified at this time.
Owned/leased livestock
● Ownership: all animals exhibited must be owned solely by the member, member’s family or leased by agreement, The family includes the 4-Her’s parents or guardians and siblings living together as a family unit. The definition of family includes an extended family where the animals may be owned by grandparents with the 4-Her’s parents actively involved with and working on the farm. Registered animals, not leased must be registered in the exhibitor’s name and/or the exhibitor’s family name. Animals owned in partnership with non-family members (as defined above) must be leased and follow guidelines within the lease agreement.
● Leased animals: beef breeding heifers, prospect calves, breeding ewes, llama/alpacas, dairy cattle, dairy goats, breeding meat does, breeding rabbits, dogs, breeding poultry, breeding gilts and horses. Lease papers must be completed and uploaded to 4Honline by May 15. Families can upload the lease papers themselves or submit it to the Extension Office by May 15 and Extension Staff will upload it. Details about the lease program are available online at https://extension.umn.edu/projects-and-more/leasing-animal
● 4-Hers exhibiting livestock at the county fair are responsible for the care and feeding of animals they exhibit.
● All livestock exhibits must be pre-registered. Members grades 3 and up may exhibit one animal/pen per class unless otherwise noted. Cloverbuds, see pages 12-13 for eligibility and https://z.umn.edu/clovinfosheet for showing policy.
Showmanship
● Showmanship will be held in all classes of livestock. Exhibitors are divided into age groups. Junior is grades 3-5, intermediate is grades 6-8 and senior is grades 9+. A champion and reserve champion are named in beef, dairy, dairy goat, horse, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. Horse will participate in their own showmanship class during their show. a. The champion and reserve champion can participate in Round Robin Showmanship see below for more information.
Round Robin Showmanship
● Round robin showmanship is open to any youth who received grand or reserve showmanship placing in beef, dairy, dairy goat, meat goat, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, rabbit, sheep or swine. The event is held on Saturday, August 22 with 3:30 p.m. registration. Round robin showmanship begins at 4 p.m. in the Erickson Pavilion. Youth will exhibit beef, horse, dairy, dairy goat, llama/alpaca, meat goat, sheep and swine. For rabbits and poultry youth will be asked 5 questions. Youth will compete in their respective age division of grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9+.
Herdsmanship
Herdsmanship results are displayed in each respective barn.
● Judging begins Wednesday evening and continues each day through Saturday morning and evening other than during the species' show time frame. Members do not need to be present for judging, but it should appear that animals and equipment are taken care of at all times.
○ Judging is based on appearance and care of animals, arrangement of exhibit, cleanliness of aisle/stall.
● Top clubs in each species receive cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places per species and preferential barn stalling.
LQA&E/YQCA
● LQA&E certification is ONLY required for 4-H members to be eligible for participation in the MN State Fair livestock shows. All youth participating as a state fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama/alpaca must have
completed a livestock quality assurance training in which there are two training options 1) a 3 hour in-person workshop (LQA&E) good for 3 fair seasons, or 2) a 1-hour on-line training (YQCA) good for 1 fair season. This training must be completed before the county fair by Monday, July 27 or you will not be considered for state fair lineup.
Equipment/grooming
● Exhibitors must bring their own equipment, grain and hay. Initial shavings for goat, horse, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine will be provided, but exhibitors need to supply their own after that. Wood chips for beef and dairy bedding will be arranged by the superintendents. Tie outs are available for beef.
● All grooming of livestock at the fair, including clipping, trimming and manipulation of the hair/wool (such as blocking on sheep, pulling up hair on beef and working up top lines on dairy) must be clearly done by the exhibitor, members of the immediate family (parents, stepparents, legal guardians, grandparents, brothers or sisters) or any other enrolled Minnesota 4H member.
Proper show attire recommendations and guidelines
● Tank tops, cut tops, open toed shoes, and jeans with holes in them are not appropriate for any species. Harnesses or pins should be used to display exhibitor numbers.
● Beef: jeans and a belt, nice shirt - tucked in if it is a button down. Youth should carry a show stick, and have a comb in their pocket. It is preferred that animals have leather show halters.
● Dairy: white pants and a white shirt. Belts should be black or brown and plain. It is preferred that animals have leather show halters.
● Dog: nice pants, shirt or polo. Little or no jewelry. Please refer to resources provided for appropriate collars and leashes. Youth will use rubber bands to display their exhibitor number around their arm.
● Dairy goat: white pants and a white shirt. Belts should be black or brown and plain. Goats should be shown on a chain.
● Meat goat: jeans and a belt, nice shirt - tucked in if it is a button down. Goats should be shown on a chain.
● Horse: please refer to the 4-H Horse Handbook for appropriate dress. Helmets are required for all mounted classes.
● Poultry: jeans or black pants and a belt. White or light colored shirt.
● Rabbits: jeans or black pants and a belt. Long sleeve (preferred) white shirt. If available, exhibitors can wear a white lab coat.
● Sheep: jeans and a belt, nice shirt - tucked in if it is a button down. For lamb lead a halter is required - however in all other classes the animal should be shown without halter, unless youth feels more comfortable with halter.
● Swine: jeans and a belt, nice shirt - tucked in if it is a button down. Youth should carry a show stick and brush.
Animal sales and advertising
● No animals may be advertised for sale and no farm, ranch, or sale signs may be displayed. The only signs other than 4-H stall cards, club banners, and champion/reserve champion signs that may be displayed are educational in nature but no owner/exhibitor information. An exception is horse, see page 69 for horse stall decorating contest.
Champion/reserve champion
● Awarding of champion and reserve champion is at the discretion of the judges. Not every eligible division will have a champion and/or reserve champion awarded. Judge’s decisions are final and not eligible for grievance.
● Champion and reserve champion pictures for animals (including horse) will be taken during or immediately following the show; any missed photos can be taken during the auction on Saturday, August 22.
Livestock interviews
● Livestock interviews are Monday, August 17 from 1-7 p.m. 4-H members grades 3 and up exhibiting in the following species: beef, dairy, goat, horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine are encouraged to complete at least one animal science interview in species they are exhibiting at the fair. Cloverbuds may interview if they choose. For more signup information and tips, please see page 89 for more information. One livestock trip is awarded through the interview process for youth 6th grade and up for beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. Horse interviews are assigned points and used in high point standings. See page 89 for signup links.
● Lamb lead interviews are Monday, August 17 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Erickson Pavilion Building. Signup up https://z.umn.edu/lambleadinterviews
Livestock demonstrations
● Top placing demonstration at county is eligible to take a trip with an animal (same species) to State Fair and exhibit in the judged show and showmanship. Other livestock demonstrators may demonstrate at the state fair, but do not bring an animal (must borrow one) unless you have won a trip with that specie of animal. Please contact staff if you plan to do a livestock demonstration and include it on your county fair registration form.
Costume contest
● Costume contest - categories include best overall costume, most creative costume, funniest costume and most detailed costume. 4-H members can only bring eligible livestock animals judged during fair week (no pets). Costumes can not pose any harm to animals, must be registered by the Friday night deadline and no duplicate votes for different categories. Please be respectful and remember cultural dress is not a costume.
Releasing exhibits/premiums
● All livestock exhibits will be released Sunday at 7 a.m. Removing exhibits before the designated time will automatically result in the loss of premium money, auction premiums and state fair trips on all the member’s exhibits.
● The Douglas County fairboard awards premium money. Exhibiting 4-H Members may pick up their 4-H premium check between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Sunday, August 23 at the 4-H Exhibit Building.
Animal science 4-H projects
Beef
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
All beef animals need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
Verification & weigh-in: Wednesday, August 19 starting at 9 a.m. (family member should be present)
Beef show: Friday, August 21, 1 p.m.
Show requirements
○ Members may exhibit one animal per class.
○ No health papers are required for beef originating within the state.
○ If animals have signs of ringworm or warts or have been treated for either the animal will not pass vet check.
Birth dates
Breeding Heifer – Spring Calf
January 1 – May 15, 2026
Breeding Heifer – Fall Calf September 1 – December 31, 2025
Breeding Heifer – Summer Yearling May 1 – August 31, 2025
Breeding Heifer – Junior Yearling January 1 – April 30, 2025
Breeding Heifer – Senior Yearling September 1 - December 31, 2024
Cow/Calf
Requirements
Calves must be born between January 1 - May 15, 2026
○ The calf in the cow / calf pair must have been born on or after January 1 - May 15 of the current year.
○ The calf in the cow / calf pair can be a heifer, steer, or bull calf. If calf is shown separately at county or state fair, it needs to be castrated.
○ Registered and commercial breeding heifers will show together by age.
○ Members may exhibit one breeding beef animal per class.
Breeding heifer
Beef - Registered / Commercial Spring Calf
Beef - Registered / Commercial Fall Calf
Beef - Registered / Commercial Summer Yearling
Beef - Registered / Commercial Junior Yearling
Beef - Registered / Commercial Senior Yearling
Cow and calf
Beef - Cow and Calf Pair
Birth dates
Prospect Calves
Market Beef
Dairy Steers
January 1 – May 15, 2026
January 1 – August 31, 2025
January 1 – August 31, 2025
Prospect calf
Beef - Heifer Calf
Beef - Steer Calf
Beef - Dairy Steer Calf (not eligible for state fair)
Requirements
○ Prospect calves must be born between January 1 and May 15 of the current year.
○ No bull calves.
Market beef and dairy steer
Beef - Market Steer
Beef - Market Heifer
Beef - Crossbred Dairy Steer
Beef - Purebred Dairy Steer
Requirements
○ Market beef steers, market heifers, and dairy steers must have been born between January 1 and August 31 of the previous year.
○ Crossbred dairy steers will show and compete for state fair trips with dairy steers.
○ Recommended minimum weight for state fair is 1,000 pounds; recommended maximum weight is 1,500 pounds (beef steers and market heifers) or 1,600 (dairy steers).
○ Dairy steers with two or more visible eruptions of permanent teeth can place no higher than a red ribbon and are not eligible for state fair.
○ Purebred dairy steers must be 100% of one of the following dairy breeds to be accepted in the dairy steer show: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, and Jersey.
○ Crossbred dairy steers must be at least 50% from the acceptable breeds listed for the purebred dairy steer division, with the balance being from any other beef or dairy breed; however, the steers must show adequate dairy steer characteristics, as determined by the screening committee. Exhibitors should be prepared to identify the breeds of their crossbred dairy steer.
Dairy
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
All dairy animals need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m., except for milking dairy, which may arrive before 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19.
Verification: Wednesday, August 19 after beef weigh in. (family member should be present)
Dairy show: Thursday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Show requirements
○ Members may exhibit one animal per class.
○ No health papers are required for beef originating within the state.
○ If animals have signs of ringworm or warts or have been treated for either the animal will not pass vet check.
Birth dates
Spring Calf
Winter Calf
Fall Calf
Junior Yearling
Senior Yearling
Milking Yearling
Two year old cows
Three year old cows
March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026
December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
September 1 – November 30, 2025
March 1 – August 31, 2025
September 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Born Sept 1, 2024 or later that has freshened & in milking form
September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024
September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023
Four year old cows & + Before August 31, 2022
Dry Cow Dry cow of any age
Holstein registered
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Holstein grade
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Crossbreds
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Jersey registered
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Jersey grade
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Red & White Holstein registered/grade
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Other colored breeds
Dairy - Spring Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Junior Yearling
Dairy - Senior Yearling
Dairy - Milking Yearling
Dairy - Two Year Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow and Older
Dairy - Dry Cow
Dairy goat
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
All goats need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
Verification: Wednesday, August 19 starting at 8 a.m. (family member should be present)
Dairy goat show: Thursday, August 20 at 8 a.m. (Meat goat show will start around 1 p.m. following the dairy show)
Show requirements
○ Refer to ID requirements available online. These rules will be strictly enforced!
○ Any dairy jr doe kid born May 15 - June 30, must submit ID information to the 4-H office by July 1 in order to be considered fully eligible.
○ If the goat needs to be tattooed in the ear or tail, it needs to be tattooed before May 15. Any animal that arrives at the fair with a wet tattoo will be considered a late ID and will be eligible for blue, red, or white ribbon and premiums ONLY and are not eligible for any additional awards or state fair trips.
○ Scrapies tag or tattoos are required and will be verified during check in.
○ All dairy goats must be dehorned or disbudded. Regrowth of less than one inch is allowed. No trimming of horns will be allowed on the fairgrounds. No cut off or sawed off horns will be accepted.
○ Members may exhibit one animal per class.
○ No health certificate is required.
Birth dates
Junior Doe Kid
Senior Doe Kid
Dry Yearling Doe
Milking Yearling Doe
Milking Two Year Old Doe
Milking Doe - 3 Years and Older
April 1 – June 30, 2026
January 1 – March 31, 2026
Born in 2025 (never kidded)
Born in 2025
Born in 2024
Born in 2023 or before
Note: dairy goat classes are combined (purebred, recorded, and unrecorded grades).
Alpine
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Nigerian Dwarf
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Nubian
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Saanen
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Toggenburg
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Grade
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Other
Dairy Goat Junior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Senior Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 Year Old and Older
Dog
Important information:
Dog show: Friday, August 7 at the 4-H Exhibit Building, Douglas County Fairgrounds
Show requirements
○ Refer to the dog information you received at training for requirements and details specific to your classes.
○ ALL dogs must be vaccinated according to the requirements listed on the MN 4-H Dog Project Identification form and vaccination verification before they will be allowed to show. The form must be completed and uploaded to mn.4honline.com or submitted to the Extension Office by May 15 and prior to training.
○ 4-H’ers shall exhibit in the class corresponding to the training they have received. Trainers will advise participants on classes they should register for. Please read all the rules and regulations posted on the MN 4-H Dog website at www.4H.umn.edu/dog
○ A dog that has not attended dog training can exhibit in the pet category along with general dog display exhibits.
○ A dog may be shown in the dog show or the pet show, not both.
○ 4-H’ers - 3rd grade and up are eligible for county and state dog show.
Dog Showmanship
Dog - Showmanship Novice
Dog - Showmanship Open
Dog - Showmanship Excellent
Dog Obedience
Dog - Obedience Foundation
Dog - Obedience Beginner
Dog - Obedience Graduate Beginner
Dog - Obedience Novice
Dog - Obedience Graduate Novice
Dog - Obedience Pre-Open
Dog - Obedience Open
Dog - Obedience Graduate Open
Dog - Obedience Pre-Utility
Dog - Obedience Utility
Dog - Obedience Veterans
Dog - Obedience Brace
Dog - Obedience 4 Dog Team
Dog Rally
Dog – Rally Foundation
Dog - Rally Beginner
Dog - Rally Novice
Dog - Rally Graduate Novice
Dog - Rally Intermediate
Dog - Rally Advanced
Dog - Rally Pre-Excellent
Dog - Rally Excellent
Dog - Rally Pre-Master
Dog - Rally Master
Dog - Rally Veterans
Dog Agility
Dog - Pre-Agility
Dog - Agility Beginner
Dog - Agility Elementary
Dog - Agility Intermediate
Dog - Agility Senior
Dog - Agility Advanced
Dog – Limited Agility
Dog - Jumpers 1A
Dog - Jumpers 1B
Dog - Jumpers 2
Dog - Jumpers 3
Dog - Limited Jumpers
Horse
Important information:
Horse show: Saturday, August 8 at 8 a.m.
Show
requirements
○ If a cloverbud is riding a horse, the horse must be led by an adult or responsible person. Helmets are required. See https://z.umn.edu/clovinfosheet
○ Proof of Coggin’s test is required to check in horses on the morning of the horse show.
○ 4-H members must pre-register for ALL OF THE CLASSES they want to participate in by entering them in FairEntry by July 8. Cancellations are made the day of the show. All horses must be shown in a showmanship class (this is your premium class).
○ Novice definition. Grades 3-5 ride both novice and regular as long as you feel necessary. Grades 6+ ride novice and regular class until the rider wins a blue ribbon. Once you win overall novice, you can no longer show as a novice.
○ Walk/Trot definition. No points awarded, class for green riders not ready for controlled lope. May not ride another pleasure or western horsemanship class.
○ Horses are expected to be at the county fair; horses that do not come to the county fair, do not receive premium, grand or reserve champion ribbons, awards or state horse trips.
○ Horse helmet policy - All 4-H’ers participating in any 4-H sponsored mounted activity are required to wear properly fastened ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear. Helmet use is required when mounted. This policy also extends to 4-H volunteers when they are working with 4-H youth in a 4-H volunteer role during mounted activities.
○ Additional information can be found on the Horse project page (z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject)
○ There will be a fun show during the county fair for horse project members.
○ The Douglas County 4-H Horse Show will follow the show rules in the “Minnesota 4-H Horse Program Rule Book” found at (z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject)
○ Only mares and geldings will be allowed at the 4-H show.
○ Riding exhibitors must wear double exhibitor numbers, one on each side of the saddle pad, with the exception of saddle seat riders who must wear the number on their backs. If the exhibitor has the wrong number on, OR fails to properly display the numbers, the exhibitor is disqualified from the class.
○ A horse may be used only once in any event per show. Age, grade or type decisions are considered class divisions and not separate events. The horse may be used in an additional non-qualifying class in the same event. The exception being if a horse is shared between riders where one is showing in state qualifying classes and one is
showing in non-qualifying class in the same event. The horse may then be shown by both youths in the same event.
○ A rider may ride only one horse in a game class. The pattern may be run only one time.
○ All ribbons are awarded at the judge's discretion and based on the Danish system. The Danish system of judging evaluates entries according to the standard/expectation developed for that class. After evaluation the entries are divided into groups according to their own merit against the standard/expectation. The standard/expectation is considered the ideal entry in each class. Blue is given to entries that meet and exceed the standard/expectation; red ribbons indicate entries that are good in relation to the standard/expectation. White ribbons indicate entries that are average for the standard/expectation.
○ The number of state horse show trips is decided by MN 4-H and is based on the previous year’s county horse show participation.
○ All ribbons are awarded at the judge’s discretion. For game classes: to receive a blue ribbon you must complete the game pattern. Red or white ribbons will be awarded to each rider who breaks the game pattern.
○ A 3 or 5 (judge’s discretion) second time penalty will be assessed for each obstacle knocked down in the games classes.
○ State 4-H horse show trip winners must accept or decline their trip on the board in the 4-H Building by Friday, August 21 at 7 p.m. Youth can pick up their state 4-H horse show packet after accepting the trip. Paperwork is due by noon on Saturday, August 22 along with payment in the 4-H Exhibit Building.
○ A 4-H member may take both a state horse show trip and a state fair trip.
○ Additional information may be viewed on the 4-H horse project page (z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject)
Note: see horse related and horseless horse in general projects.
English Equitation (non-premium based classes)
Horse - English Equitation - grades 9+
Horse - English Equitation - grades 3-8
English Pleasure (non-premium based classes)
Horse - English Pleasure - grades 9+
Horse - English Pleasure - grades 3-8
Western Horsemanship (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Western Horsemanship, all gaits, grades 9+
Horse - Western Horsemanship, all gaits, grades 6-8
Horse - Western Horsemanship, all gaits, grades 3-5
Horse - Western Horsemanship, all gaits, novice
Horse - Western Horsemanship, Walk/Trot, all grades
Western Pleasure (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Western Pleasure - grades 9+
Horse - Western Pleasure - grades 6-8
Horse - Western Pleasure - grades 3-5
Horse - Western Pleasure - novice
Horse - Western Pleasure - Walk/Trot, all grades
Ranch Pleasure (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, grades 9+
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, grades 6-8
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, grades 3-5
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Novice
Pole Weaving (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Pole Weaving, grades 9+
Horse - Pole Weaving, grades 6-8
Horse - Pole Weaving, grades 3-5
Jumping Figure 8 (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, grades 9+
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, grades 6-8
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, grades 3-5
Key Race (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Key Race, grades 9+
Horse - Key Race, grades 6-8
Horse - Key Race, grades 3-5
Barrel Race (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Barrel Race, grades 9+
Horse - Barrel Race, grades 6-8
Horse - Barrel Race, grades 3-5
Trail Class (non-premium based classes)
Horse - Trail Class, all grades
Horse Showmanship (premium based classes)
Horse - Showmanship grades 9+
Horse - Showmanship grades 6-8
Horse - Showmanship grades 3-5
Horse - Showmanship, Novice Pleasure
Horse - Showmanship Games/2nd Horse - grades 9+
Horse - Showmanship Games/2nd Horse - grades 6-8
Horse - Showmanship Games/2nd Horse - grades 3-5
Horse - Showmanship Novice Games
Challenged Rider (all grade, premium based classes)
Horse - assisted: flat class-Western or English equitation, walk, trot with volunteer/mentors as needed
Horse - assisted: obstacle game class, key hole pattern, walk, trot with volunteer/mentors as needed
Horse - unassisted: flat class-Western or English equitation, walk, trot, unassisted (spotter requested)
Horse - unassisted: obstacle game class, key hole pattern, walk, trot, unassisted (spotter requested)
Horse Training (premium based class)
Horse - Training steps 1 - 6
(please indicate training level when registering)
Horse - training showmanship
Horse training requirements
You must show your horse in a showmanship class to receive a premium and to qualify for a state horse show trip. The number of state fair trips will be determined by project enrollment. You must bring your training and advancement book with you, with the appropriate steps
completed. Grand and reserve horse training awards will be given. Training judging will begin before pleasure showmanship.
○ Exhibitors should schedule meetings with a horse group leader throughout the summer to show progress and get the horse group leader’s signature in their training booklet. It is difficult for the leader and the exhibitor to leave this process until the very end.
○ The horse training class will be judged on Saturday, August 8, starting at 8 a.m. Exhibitors must bring a completed horse training booklet of steps to be tested, 4HMI-3840.
○ Any age horse may qualify if it has had no training beyond lunging. The horse may not have been previously ground driven or ridden when the 4-H’er begins training.
○ Steps 1-5: each step will include an interview or questions, and skill demonstration component. Any 4-H member who has completed steps 1-5 with this horse may attempt step 6 at the state horse show. There is no limit to the number of 4-H members attempting step 6 per county.
○ When the 4-H member competes in a step with one horse at the county or state show, he/she may not enter that class again at the county or state in subsequent years with the same horse. He/she must proceed to the next step. He/she may enter that class again with a different horse.
Miniature Horse (under 38 inches)
For showmanship enter in your age appropriate class.
Horse - Miniature In Hand Trail
Horse - Miniature Costume
Please be respectful and remember cultural dress is not a costume.
Horse Stall Decorating Contest
● Horse exhibitors can participate in a stall decorating contest (optional). Prizes awarded.
● Use your creativity and imagination to showcase you and your horse.
● Make sure all decorations are secure and safely fastened to not endanger horse or the public.
● Do not have any decorations or obscure ability to view the horse.
● Do not use anything electrical or battery operated.
● Make sure to follow the code of conduct.
Llama-alpaca
Important information:
Llama - alpaca show: Friday, July 31 at 8:30 a.m. at the Pope County Fairgrounds
Requirements
○ 4-H llama-alpacas must be born prior to January 1, 2026
○ No sexually intact male above 18 months is eligible for exhibition.
○ All castrated males born prior to January 1, 2026 are eligible for exhibition
○ All females born prior to January 1, 2026 are eligible for exhibition.
○ Llama - Alpacas stalling will be determined. More information will be sent to llamaalpaca exhibitors.
○ No companion animals (no buddies, crias, or nursing mothers allowed)
○ Exhibitors must participate in showmanship and performance to accumulate points toward the state fair lineup.
Llama - alpaca showmanship (premium class)
Requirements
○ This class will demonstrate the ability of the exhibitor to present his/her animal to the judge. Conformation is not a factor.
Llama - alpaca performance
Requirements
○ This class fulfills both the obstacle and public relations performance requirements.
○ The exhibitor will walk his/her llama-alpaca through a series of obstacles like what might be found on hiking trails and what might be found if taking the llama-alpaca to a nursing home, school, fair, parade, or other people oriented event.
○ The experience of the llama-alpaca is not considered.
Llama
- alpaca costume
Requirements
○ Costume class is optional. If the exhibitor earns a state fair trip and wishes to participate in the costume class at the state fair, then the exhibitor must have participated at the county level and have received a blue ribbon.
○ Exhibitor and llama-alpacas wear costumes related to a single theme. Please be respectful and remember cultural dress is not a costume.
○ Exhibitor must be on foot.
○ The class is judged on continuity of theme, originality, and coverage of the llamaalpacas (body, head, ears, legs, feet). The safety of both the exhibitor and llamaalpacas are also considered.
○ 4-Her’s who participate in the llama - alpaca costume contest at the state fair will receive a cash award. These payments are made in October. 4-Her’s must be grade eligible to participate at the state fair.
Llama - alpaca fleece judging (premium class)
● Fleece must be from llama-alpaca shown at the county fair for the current year.
● Fleece must be from current year shearing.
● Fill a gallon zip-lock bag of fleece from the current year, llama-alpaca, and your name on a card. Submit during registration/ID on Wednesday of the county fair.
All fleece exhibits will be conference judged and returned with their scorecards.
Meat Goat
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
Verification & weigh-In: Wednesday, August 19 starting at 8a.m.. (family member should be present)
Meat goat show: Thursday, August 20 starting approximately at 1 p.m. after 4-H dairy show.
Show requirements
○Refer to ID requirements available online. These rules will be strictly enforced!
○Any Meat Jr Doe Kid born May 15 - May 31 must submit ID information to the 4-H office by July 1 to be considered fully eligible.
○If the goat needs to be tattooed in the ear or tail, it needs to be tattooed before May 15. Any animal that arrives at the fair with a wet tattoo will be considered a late ID and will be eligible for blue, red, or white ribbon and premiums ONLY and not eligible for any additional awards or State Fair trips.
○Scrapies tag or tattoos are required and will be verified during check in.
○All dairy market goats and meat market goats must be dehorned or disbudded. Regrowth of less than one inch is allowed. No trimming of horns will be allowed on the fairgrounds. No cut off or sawed off horns will be accepted. Meat breeding does and dairy market does are allowed to have horns.
○Members may exhibit one animal per class.
○No health certificate is required.
Birth dates
Market goat
Meat market goat (wether)
Meat market goat (doe)
Dairy market goat (wether)
Wether dam
Wether dam yearling (never kidded)
Wether dam kid
Meat goat breeding does
Nov 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Nov 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Nov 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Senior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded)
Junior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded)
Fall yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded)
Senior meat breeding doe kid
Junior meat breeding doe kid
Note: pygmy goats are classed as meat goats
Market goat
Meat Market Goat - Wether
Meat Market Goat - Doe
Dairy Market Goat - Wether
Wether dam
Wether Dam Yearling (never kidded)
Wether Dam Kid
Meat goat breeding doe
Sept 1, 2024 - Aug 31, 2025
Sept 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026
Sept 1, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025
March 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
June 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2025
Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
Mar 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Meat Goat - Senior Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat - Junior Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat – Fall Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat – Senior Meat Breeding Doe Kid, registered or grade
Meat Goat – Junior Meat Breeding Doe Kid, registered or grade
Requirements
○ The recommended minimum weight for market goats at the state fair is 40 pounds, and the recommended maximum weight is 110 pounds.
○ Market wethers must be disbudded/de-horned. Re-growth must not exceed one inch. Cut (sawed) off horns are not permitted
○ Meat breeding does, wether dams and market does may have horns and they do not need to be capped or blunted.
Poultry
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
ALL poultry need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
All health papers need to be presented at this time.
Verification of pigeons and doves will take place during vet check. Poultry show: Wednesday, August 19 starting at 10 a.m.
Requirements
○All doves and pigeons must have been entered in mn.4honline.com by May 15 deadline.
○All other poultry must have county bands to be eligible to show. Bands are to be picked up at the Extension office prior to Wednesday, August 5.
○Poultry exhibited must be this year’s hatch (January 1 and after), except show and hobby.
○Breeding classes will be judged on breed characteristics using the American Standard of Perfection as a guide. All poultry must be purebred, except egg production and market pens (commercial breeds are recommended for all market and egg production classes). More information about APA recognized breeds can be found in the APA Standard of Perfection or online at www.amerpoultryassn.com/acceptedbreeds-varieties
○All pigeons and doves will be judged according to the National Pigeon Association (NPA) Book of Pigeon Standards.
○All poultry, except waterfowl and pigeons, must have health certificates. Chicken, guineas and turkey exhibits must be accompanied by a statement of origin certificate indicating their bird(s) if from a pullorum-typhoid free flock within 12 months prior to entry day or a MN State Board of Animal Health certificate stating that your bird tested negative.
■ Certificates must be official, signed and dated. Poultry testing must be done each year. Turkeys must be tested negative or originate directly from parent stock that is tested negative for salmonella typhimurium, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and mycoplasma synoviae. Check with your hatchery or breeder for a certificate. Show and hobby must also have a certificate. No health certificates are required for waterfowl or pigeons.
Hatch dates
All exhibited birds (except breeding pigeons and doves) must be of this year’s hatch.
Doves
Breeding pair (one male and one female) Prior year or earlier
Pigeons
Young bird (one male or one female) January 1 or after Breeding pair (one male and one female) Prior year or earlier
Suggested hatch dates:
Chickens, ducks, geese, guinea and turkey must be of this year’s hatch, for recommended hatch dates, please refer to the 2026 Minnesota 4-H animal science identification requirements table or https://z.umn.edu/IDreq
Chickens (may enter 4 different lots)
Chickens - Market Pen of Two Males or Two Females
Chickens - Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females
Chickens - Bantam Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females
Chickens - Egg Production Pen of Two Pullets, white egg layers
Chickens - Egg Production Pen of Two Pullets, brown egg layers
Ducks (may enter 3 different lots)
Ducks - Market Pen of Two Males or Two Females
Ducks - Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females
Ducks - Bantam Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females
Geese (may enter 2 different lots)
Geese - Market Pen of Two Males or Two Females
Geese - Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females
Guinea (may enter 2 different lots)
Note: Guinea fowl must be this year’s hatch. ONLY Pearls, Whites and Lavender breeds can be shown.
Guinea - Market Pen of Two Males or Two Females - same breed
Guinea - Breeding Pen of One Male & Two Females - same breed
Turkeys - domestic only (may enter 2 different lots)
Turkeys - Domestic Only - Market Pen of two males or two females
Turkeys - Domestic Only - Breeding Pen of one male & two females
Show and Hobby (may enter two different lots)
Only doves are eligible for state fair
Doves - Purebred Breeding Pair (born prior year or older)
Doves need to be ID’d in mn.4honline.com by May 15
Pen of Two Pheasants, Quail, etc.
Other fowl (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons and guinea fowl are not eligible for show and hobby classes.)
Pigeons (may enter 3 different lots)
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Fancy, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Fancy, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Flying, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Flying, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Requirements
○One pair of breeding pigeons consists of one male and one female of the same breed.
○All breeding pairs must have been bred the previous year or earlier. This means the birds must be at least one-year-old to be part of a breeding pair.
○A young bird is one purebred bird male or female, this year's band.
○You must exhibit the same birds at the state fair that you won a trip with at the county fair.
○The same birds cannot be exhibited two years in a row, even by another exhibitor, except a young bird may come as a young bird the first year and come back the following year as a breeding pair.
○All birds must be banded. Must have previous year’s band or older on breeding pair. Bands must be seamless and the correct size for the breed. Seamless bands within one size will be accepted.
○All pigeons must be identified by permanent seamless leg bands by May 15. The numbers must be entered in mn.4honline.com
Rabbits
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
All rabbits need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
Verification: ID’s will be verified as they enter the barn after vet check, before they are put in the pen.
Rabbit show: Wednesday, August 19 at 3 p.m. or following poultry show if show runs past 3 p.m.
Important information:
○No health certificate is required
○Purebred rabbits are those which have a three generation pedigree showing the ancestral background being of all the same breed, making it eligible for registration. However, pedigree is not required.
○Crossbreds can be exhibited for ribbon placing, crossbreds are not state fair eligible.
○All breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association are eligible. Rabbits will be judged according to ARBA standards.
○Each rabbit must be permanently tattooed in the left ear for identification purposes by the May 15 deadline.
○Junior rabbits born after May 15 are not eligible for the State Fair. Market rabbits are an exception and the Doe of the market rabbit MUST be ID’d in mn.4honline.com by May 15. (Market rabbits should be tattooed after 6 weeks of age.) Market rabbit tattoos must include 2 digits from the doe’s tattoo.
○May enter four different rabbits - you may show four junior does or bucks, but they must be different breeds or a combination of breeding and market.
Crossbreds (not eligible for state fair)
Rabbit - Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Junior Doe under 6 months of age
Flemish Giant
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
New Zealand
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
Satin
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
Other Purebred Large
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
○Six class (large) rabbit breeds include New Zealand, Satin, American Giant Angora, Belgian Hare, Bevern, Californian, Champagne D’argent, Checkered Giant, American
Havana
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Holland Lop
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Jersey Wooly
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Mini Lop
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Mini Rex
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Netherland Dwarf
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Polish
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rex
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Silver Martin
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Chinchilla, Giant Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Crème Dargent, Blemish Giant, French Lop, Hotot, English Lop, Palomino and Silver Fox.
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Other Purebred Small
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
○Four class (small) rabbit breeds include Dutch, Florida White, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Rex, American Fuzzy Lop, American Sable, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, French Angora, Satin Angora, Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Standard Chinchilla, English Spot, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Lilac, Lion Head, Rhinelander, Silver, Silver Martin, Thrianta and Tan.
Market Rabbit
Rabbit - single Fryer, 3 ½ to 5 ½ pounds not over 70 days old
Rabbit - pen of three fryers, 3 ½ to 5 ½ pounds not over 70 days old
Requirements
○ Doe of market rabbits must be ID’d on mn.4honline.com by May 15.
Sheep
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
ALL sheep need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
Verification & weigh-In: Wednesday, August 19 at 8 a.m. with goats to follow. Sheep show: Thursday, August 20 at 4 p.m.
Birth Dates
Ewe lamb
Yearling ewe
Wether dam ewe lamb
Wether dam yearling ewe
Market lamb
Requirements
Born between September 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Born on or after January 1 of previous year, and must not show evidence of four permanent incisors.
Born on or after December 1 of previous year
Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors
Born on or after December 1 of previous year
○ No health certificate is required. Sheep will be checked for fungus at check in and will be sent home from the fair if the vet determines fungus is present.
○ ALL sheep must have a USDA scrapie’s tag in place.
○ Members may exhibit one animal per class
○ Recommended minimum weight for state fair is 105 pounds; recommended maximum weight is 170 pounds.
○ Lambs shown in the hair breeds division must be of straight hair sheep breeding. Crossbred hair sheep and wool breeding is not acceptable. See 2026 Animal Science Updates (z.umn.edu/4-HAnSciUpdates) for more information.
Breeding Ewe
Sheep - Ewe Lamb, Black Face
Sheep - Ewe Lamb, White Face
Sheep - Ewe Lamb, Speckled Face
Sheep - Ewe Lamb, Hair Breeds
Sheep - Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, Black Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, White Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, Speckle Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Ewe Lamb, Hair Breeds
Sheep - Yearling Ewe, Black Face
Sheep - Yearling Ewe, White Face
Sheep - Yearling Ewe, Speckle Face
Sheep - Yearling Ewe, Hair Breeds
Sheep - Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, Black Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, White Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, Speckle Face
Sheep - Wether Dam Yearling Ewe, Hair Breeds
Market Lamb
Market Lamb - Black Face
Market Lamb - White Face
Market Lamb - Speckle Face
Market Lamb - Hair Breeds
Lamb Lead (not a separate state fair trip)
Lamb lead pre-interview: Monday, August 17 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Erickson Pavilion
Lamb lead show: Thursday, August 20 at 4 p.m.
Requirements
○ Lamb lead - grades 6+
○ Lamb lead - grades 3-5
○ Exhibitors must groom and train a sheep and wear a garment (piece of clothing covering a main part of your body) made from at least 60% wool.
○ Exhibitors will be judged based on project knowledge, poise, their outfit, and their lamb.
Fleece
Judged during lamb lead show: Thursday, August 20 at 4 p.m.
Requirements
○ All 4-H’ers receiving a blue ribbon on their fleece may exhibit at the state fair; no housing will be provided.
○ Fleece will be judged and displayed in the 4-H Building.
Swine
Important information:
Vet check: Tuesday, August 18 from 1-7 p.m.
ALL swine need to arrive and be vet checked between 1-7 p.m.
Verification & weigh-In: Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. (family member should be present for weigh-in)
Swine show: Friday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Show requirements
○ Members may exhibit up to three swine; one in each breeding gilts, market gilts and barrows.
○ If you are unsure if your gilt will be shown as breeding or as market, register it in both classes, determination is made at vet check.
Birth dates
January gilt
February gilt
March gilt
Born in January of current year
Born in February of current year
Born in March of current year
Market barrow Born on or after January 1 of the current year. Recommended farrow date in January or February
Market gilt Born on or after January 1 of the current year. Recommended farrow date in January or February
Breeding Gilts
Swine - January Gilt
Swine - February Gilt
Swine - March Gilt
Market Barrow/Market Gilt (may exhibit on barrow & one market gilt)
Swine - Market Barrow
Swine - Market Gilt
Requirements
○ Recommended minimum weight for the state fair is 220 pounds and maximum is 300.
Premium Market Livestock Auction
Rules are subject to change pending the auction committee decisions.
1. The Douglas County 4-H Premium Market Livestock Ribbon Auction is a county 4-H activity that benefits the entire program.
2. The purpose of the 4-H premium market livestock auction is to offer 4-H members an opportunity to participate in a market auction experience.
4-H members participating in the auction are expected to:
1. Help recruit buyers to the auction by personally contacting at least three local businesses before the county fair and invite them to participate. Tell them you are a 4-H member, explain how the auction works and invite them to the auction. If they have further questions, tell them to contact the Extension Office.
2. Sign up for the auction. We are continuing to use the google form. Use the QR code hanging in the various barns. Answer all the questions thoroughly. The final deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Selling in the auction is a privilege, this is your responsibility to sign up by the deadline. Ask for help if needed!
3. Prepare yourself and your animal for the auction. Take the auction seriously as you would the show. You should wear neat attire; similar to what you would wear for the show. Animals should be clean and presentable as well.
4. Be on time. The auction will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. The auction will go on without you. You are responsible for being at the arena with your animal when it is your turn. Volunteers are available in the barns to assist you.
5. Thank your auction buyer. Don’t rush off after the auction is over. Personally go up to the person(s) who bought your animal after the auction and thank them.
6. If auction rules are not abided by, 4-H members will be banned from next year's auction.
7. Each participant must write a thank you to your bidder. Bidders have just donated a large sum of money to help you and 4-H, they deserve a well written thank you.
Participating in the 4-H premium Market Livestock Auction can be daunting for new members and families. This year we are celebrating 56 years of tradition for our local 4-H auction. Originally designed as a way for 4-H members to sell their market animals to local buyers, the auction has seen many changes with the times, it has also tried to stay true to its core values. The auction is a premium only auction, meaning the ribbon is sold, not the animal.
The purpose of the premium market livestock auction is:
● Encourage growth of the entire county 4-H program
● Encourage 4-H livestock project participation
● Maintain livestock members in the county
● Provide training in livestock marketing
● Encourage improved livestock quality
● Acquaint the public with 4-H projects
The premium market livestock auction is open to:
● All regularly enrolled 4-H members in 3rd grade and up in market beef, market goat, market poultry, market rabbit, market sheep and market swine who have received a blue or red ribbon during their respective shows. One lot per exhibitor.
● Properly identified barrows, market gilts, market heifers, market steers, market goats, market poultry, market rabbits and market lambs according to MN 4-H guidelines.
● Does not include wether dams or prospect calves.
It is a statewide mandate that 20% of all auction proceeds be retained for the local 4-H program. The 20% earned at the Douglas County auction stays with Douglas County 4-H and is used to help with programs such as project bowl, state fair transportation, LQA&E, livestock judging, youth leadership opportunities, etc.
Additional Information:
● This is a premium only auction. You are selling the ribbon, not the animal, though you will bring your animal into the ring during the bidding. Animals in the auction must be shown by the exhibitor.
● Poultry and rabbits may donate animals to the bidder if the bidder requests. If the bidder would like to purchase beef, goats, swine, sheep; separate arrangements need to be made directly with the 4-H member.
● All members who would like to be in the auction are asked to invite businesses or individuals asking for their support of the auction, Invitations to the auction are mailed to families. Suggestions include seed dealers, livestock producers, veterinarians, service organizations (Lions, Sertoma, Rotary), 4-H alumni, any business you frequently use; they do not need to be agricultural related, etc.
● High bidder specie awards are awarded to the highest individual business or individual who bids the highest premium per species.
● Any exhibitor receiving $2,000 or more from the livestock auction will be required to submit a completed W-9 form to the Extension office prior to receiving their check.
State fair, state horse show & state dog show info
1. Trips for state fair, state horse show and state dog show will be selected from blue ribbon exhibits only. All general exhibit classes are eligible for state fair except cloverbuds and club container garden, scrapbook, scarecrow and video. All animal science exhibit classes are eligible for state fair except cloverbuds, and classes marked as not eligible.
2. Members selected to represent the county at the state fair and state horse show must have completed sixth grade. Share the Fun participants can be younger, but no housing is provided.
3. Blue ribbon winners from the county fair dog show may advance to the state dog show. To represent the county at the state dog show members must have completed 3rd grade. State dog show divisions will be grades 3-8 for juniors and grades 9-13 for seniors.
4. To accept a state trip, you must notify the 4-H staff at the 4-H Office in the 4-H Exhibit Building ASAP or no later than Friday, August 21, 7:00 p.m. (It is your responsibility to check the state fair trip lineup boards by the 4-H Office in the 4-H Exhibit Building to identify which trips you are eligible for.) NO state trip registration changes will be made after Sunday, August 23, without PRIOR approval from the Extension Educator. When you accept your trip, you may pick up a registration packet. The registration paperwork for the state dog show is due to the 4-H office by 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17. State horse show paperwork is due by noon on Saturday, August 22. All other paperwork must be turned in at the state fair meetings on Saturday, August 22. 4-H staff will check the paperwork and receive your payment for the trip
5. A 4-H member is eligible to take one livestock exhibit trip, one general exhibit trip, one state horse show trip, one state dog show trip, one llama/alpaca trip, and/or participate in activities including County Arts In, cooking events, animal science educational exhibits and/or judging teams.
6. If eligibility is met, Douglas County 4-H will pay the following for state events:
General & Livestock (meals are your (expense)
○ Livestock encampment August 26-30.
○ General encampment September 1-3.
○ 100% of program fee
○ Half of state fair sponsored housing in dorms for livestock or general encampment
○ County provides bussing and trucking for livestock and general encampments
○ If not staying in state fair dorms or using county transportation, families are responsible for all costs except program fee.
Horse
○ 100% of program fee and costs for first three classes (does not include camping, housing or transportation costs).
Dog
○ 100% of program fee and half of registration fees (does not include camping, housing or transportation costs).
Shooting Sports
○ 100% of program fee and half of registration fees, Does not include camping, housing or transportation costs.
○ Need eight hours of wildlife education
○ Need 15 hours of instruction (new discipline)
○ Need eight hours of instruction (previous discipline if concurrent)
○ State Shooting Sports paperwork is due by July 8.
○ State Shoot is September 11-13 at Alexandria Shooting Park.
7. Costs of state trips:
○ Costs for all state trips will be released prior to the county fair and will be communicated to members via the monthly 4-H Buzz newsletter.
8. State trip exhibitors meeting: every 4-H member accepting a state trip and a parent/guardian is strongly encouraged to attend the appropriate meeting. At this meeting general orientations will be given regarding the trips, including an overview of rules and expectations. General meeting held Saturday, August 22 at 1 p.m., animal science meeting held at 2 p.m.
○ State dog trip exhibitor: Packets will be available at the 4-H office during the fair. The State dog show is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul September 2627, 2026.
○ State horse trip exhibitor: packets will be available at the 4-H office during the fair. September 18-21 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds - games, pleasure, equitation, horsemanship, trail and training, hippology, horse judging, speech, demo, miniature horse and drill team.
9. State fair livestock exhibitors are expected to fully participate in the state fair experience. Livestock exhibitors must be present for their judging experience PLUS be present to care for their animal.
10. Check specific rules under your specific exhibit page. 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair https://z.umn.edu/4hatsf for all 4-H state fair resources including directions on how to download the state fair app and details including premium book, admission, results, photos and exhibitor guide. This site will continue to be updated the closer we get to the Minnesota State Fair.
Thank you to our 2025 4-H sponsors for helping us grow the next generation of leaders
A & C Machining
Aagard
Aaron & Carly Noetzelman
Affordable Pet Services
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
Alex Country Store
Alex Rubbish & Recycling
Alex Tax Services, Inc.
Alexandria Elks Lodge 1685
Alexandria Shooting Park
Alexandria Veterinary Clinic
Angela Loftesness family
Ari Kluver
Averie Mounsdon Family
Barge Boyz
Ben & Jean Wagner
Ben & Stephanie Grimes family
Blairview Saddle Shop, Inc.
Bradley & Roxann Lusty
Brandon Lions Club
Bremer Bank
Bryce Farmers
Bullet Lawn Care (Les & Bonnie
Dreger family)
Carol Johnson
Casey’s Amusement Park
Cenex
Chad & Sandy Gerdes
Cherry Street Books
Christina Lakers 4-H Club
Cindy Bigger
Clayton & Laurie Lahman
Colorful Seasons Garden
Center
Country Blossom Farms
Cub Foods
Dave Massmann Construction, LLC
Derek & Alicia Meissner
Donald Trousil
Double K Goat Milk Products
Douglas County Association of Townships
Douglas County Corn & Soybean Growers & their checkoffs
Douglas Machine, Inc.
Dr. Kent Nelson, DVM
Dr. Michael Collins, DDS
Echo Press
Elden’s Fresh Foods
Ellingson Plumbing & Heating
Eric & Shelby Thesing family
Evansville Auto Sales
Faber Insurance
Fergus Falls Livestock
First Western Bank & Trust
Forada Firemans Relief Assoc
Gardonville Cooperative
Telephone Assoc
Geneva Capitol, LLC
Gerald & Cheryl Johnson
Glacial Ridge Cattlemen’s Assoc
Glenwood State Bank
Golden K Kiwanis Club of Alexandria
Grinager Farm
Harper Finishing
Hart Travel, LLC
Hayley & Rae Boutique
Hintzen Farms
Hubbard Feeds Inc.
Ida View Seeds - Jacob Schiltgen
Jackie Lanoue family
Jacob Bryce family
Janelle Eddy Farm
Jared Sanborn
Jassel Holsteins, Alan & Jessica
Klimek family
Jeff Way
Jesse & Kimberly Lusty
Jim & Jackie Kokett family
Joe & Lacy Bryce
Joe-D-Acres, Joel Dahlheimer
Johnston & Brouillard P.A.
Jorge & Stephanie RuttenRamos
Joseph & Mary Keller
Josh & Brittany Rud
Joyce Olson in memory of Bruce Olson and Kyle Olson
Kalpin Farm
Klinder Processing
Kokett Pioneer - Jim Kokett
Lake Region Saddle Club
Lakes Gas Company of Miltona
Larson Insurance
Law Offices of Thornton, Dolan, Dowen, Klecker & Burkhammer, P.A.
Leaf Valley Game & Fish
Leaf Valley Toms
Lennes Bros Electric, Inc.
LeSha Haas & Lexi Kramer
Leslie Ness Construction
Liberty Livewires 4-H Club
Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Services
Lions Club of Carlos Long Prairie Packing Company
Mark Boesl Excavating
Marv Steinhorst
Master Builders of West
Central MN
Mattson Acres
Meg Clark
Meyers Machining
Midwest Machinery Co.
Millerville Sportsman Club Inc.
Miltona Custom Meats & Sausages
Minnesota Valley Irrigation
Modern Farm Equipment
Moe 4-H Club
Moe-Urness-Lund Mutual
Insurance Co.
Molly Sailer
Moses & Aaron 4-H Club
FairEntry – quick start guide for families
Mustang Seeds - Nate Hoffman
Neighborhood National Bank
Nelson Community Assoc
Northern Metal Recycling
Nutrisource/Tuffy’s
Oakdale Farms
Olson’s Crooked Lake Farm
Osakis Creamery Assoc
Osman Shrine
Pfeninger Trucking, Inc.
Pope Douglas Solid Waste
Management
Prairie Lakes Dental P.A.
Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op, Brandon & Parkers Prairie
Pro-Maintenance Services
Pro-Tainer
Riverview Excavating
Ron’s Warehouse Sales
Runestone Electric Assoc
Ryan & Courtney Engelbrecht
Sauk Centre Country Store
Scott & Rachelle Anderson
Serve Pro
Spruce Hill Rangers 4-H Club
Spruce Hill Rangers 4-H Club in memory of Bruce Olson and Kyle Olson
Spruce Hill Rangers 4-H Club in memory of Grant Lindberg
Steve & Karen Bundermann
Studio 7
Suann Lusty
SunOpta Grains & Food Group
Taveirne Auto Sales
TFC Poultry
Thesing’s Riverside Simmentals
Thrivent Financial’s, Thrivent
Choice Program-Aric N. Bartlett
Tiffany Hokanson Family
Timber & Tin LLC
Timothy & Rebecca Kelly
Tony & Jenny Kokett
Up North Concrete Paving, LLC
Van Ahn & Company, Inc.
Viking Garage Door Co
Voyager Industries, Inc.
Winning Edge Graphics
Wittmer Farms
ZH Excavating - Zach
Hintermeister
Getting started and logging in
● Each youth registering must be enrolled as an active 4-H member and you must know your 4HOnline family login (email address and password). For more info go to z.umn.edu/mn4honline-enroll
● For county fair information, premium books, dates and more, visit your county website at: extension.umn.edu/douglas
● To register for the fair go to the URL supplied by your county or go to www.fairentry.com, “Find your Fair”, and when at your fair page, click on the green button to “Sign in with 4-H Online”.
Next steps to register for your fair
1. Register (create) an exhibitor
2. Add entries to that exhibitor.
3. Repeat for additional exhibitors and/or entries.
4. Resolve any registration issues (look for the blue notices)
When done with exhibitors and entries, click “Continue to Payment” and submit the “Invoice”. (There are no fees or payments needed, but this step is required to complete your registration.)
Logging back in another time
When logging back in, you will find your family profile in either of these “situations”:
● Invoice un-submitted - You can continue adding or completing entries on that invoice.
● Invoice submitted and approved - You can view previously submitted entries, and/or add new entries by starting a new invoice.
Navigation hints
Click on the fair “Title” to return to your family Dashboard at any time. When working on an invoice, you can often click on any of the navigation buttons even if they are not green. This can be helpful for going “back and forth” while working on entries.
4-H Enrollment, Animal ID Deadlines and County Fair Registration Processes Explained
Animal Science Exhibits
1. Families enroll/re-enroll in Douglas County 4-H Online at mn.4honline.com. Follow prompts and input data for each screen. Select your 4-H club and then project areas. Project areas are broad categories that guide your learning in 4-H, it is really a selection of areas you might want to explore. The office uses this to send information specific to a project area such as upcoming workshops, resources or deadlines. This is just an interest area at this point. Animal science project areas have deadlines around identifying project animals, see below. You are NOT registered for the county fair yet!!!
2. If you have market beef, the ID deadline is February 17! This includes beef steer, dairy steer or market heifer born Jan 1-April 1 of previous year/ they will be a finished market animal by fair. All market beef are to be ID’d in mn.4honline.com by the family no later than 11:59 p.m. on
February 17 to be eligible to exhibit without consequence. Information will be sent to those families enrolled in the market beef project in early January. You are NOT registered for the county fair yet!!!
3. If you have breeding beef, dairy, dog, goats, horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine the livestock ID deadline for these animals is May 15. These animals are to be ID’d in mn.4honline.com by families by 11:59 p.m. on May 15 to be eligible to exhibit without consequence. Information will be sent to those families enrolled in these animals’ science project areas in early April. You are NOT registered for the county fair yet!!!
4. If you are exhibiting at the county fair, the deadline to register is July 8 by 11:59 p.m. If the 8th falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.
In late May, premium books will be mailed to families; this is a catalog of what exhibits you can bring to the county fair as a 4-H member. You will enter what exhibits you are bringing (registration opens June 1) to the fair in https://douglasmn-county.fairentry.com
This is a different program than the one you used for enrollment and ID’ing your animals. However, these two programs are connected so you will use the same log in information. There are detailed instructions in your premium book on previous page.
Keep in mind when you enrolled in 4-H (mn.4honline.com) you selected broad project categories. County fair registration (https://douglasmn-county.fairentry.com) narrows that project category down into an exhibit. For example, you selected swine when you enrolled, now for county fair registration, you need to select market barrow, breeding gilt or market gilt based on what you ID’d as animals.
You can make additions up until 11:59 p.m. on July 8; at midnight, you will not be allowed to make changes or additions. If you are going to be away on vacation around this deadline, please plan ahead so you meet this deadline.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU ARE NOW REGISTERED FOR COUNTY FAIR!
General Exhibits
1. Families enroll/re-enroll in Douglas County 4-H Online at mn.4honline.com. Follow prompts and input data for each screen. Select your 4-H club and then project areas. Project areas are broad categories that guide your learning in 4-H, it is really a selection of areas you might want to explore. The office uses this to send information specific to a project area such as upcoming workshops, resources or deadlines. This is just an interest area at this point. You are NOT registered for the county fair yet!!!
2. If you have general exhibits you would like to exhibit at the county fair, the deadline to register is July 8 by 11:59 p.m. If the 8th falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.
In late May, premium books will be mailed to families; this is a catalog of what exhibits you can bring to the county fair as a 4-H member. You will enter what exhibits you are bringing (registration opens June 1) to the fair in https://douglasmn-county.fairentry.com
This is a different program then the one you used for enrollment, however, these two programs are connected so you will use the same log in information.
There are detailed instructions in your premium book. Keep in mind when you enrolled in 4-H (mn.4honline.com) you selected broad project categories. County fair registration (https://douglasmn-county.fairentry.com) narrows that project category down into an exhibit.
For example, you selected clothing and textiles when you enrolled, now for county fair registration, you need to narrow down to exhibit form such as purchased clothing, or constructed clothing. Are you going to participate in the fashion revue?
You can make additions up until 11:59 p.m. on July 8; at midnight you will not be allowed to make changes or additions. If you are going to be away on vacation around this deadline, please plan ahead so you meet this deadline.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU ARE NOW REGISTERED FOR COUNTY FAIR!
What is 4-H Conference Judging?
4-H general project conference judging:
● Is a participatory process; a learner-centered conversation between the judge and the 4-H’er.
● Enables the youth to do demonstrate and share knowledge from his/her project learning experience
● Provides an opportunity for the 4-H’er to talk with a judge about his/her project learning for evaluation purposes.
Conference judging of general exhibit projects differs from open class judging in that the interview is as important as the exhibit itself. A discussion of livestock judging will follow. The judge, who is knowledgeable in the project area, determines a ribbon placing based on both the exhibit and on the project learning that the 4-H’er shares during the interview. At this time, the judge can observe, question, listen and challenge the 4-H’er. Equal importance is placed on the exhibit and on the interview; both components are worth 50% toward the ribbon placing. The judge offers encouraging and constructive feedback as well as
suggestions on how to further explore the project area. Youth are also encouraged to ask questions of the judge during the conference judging experience.
In some cases, youth may have an opportunity to participate in a group judging process. Group judging gives peers the chance to evaluate. During this experience youth can learn from each other as well as from the judge.
Conference judging is exciting and fun for both the 4-H’er and for the judge. Youth participate in a safe, friendly environment and can establish a relationship with a caring adult. Producing a blue ribbon 4-H’er is the goal; enhancing self-esteem is a result. The 4-H’er can have fun with a caring adult who is willing to listen, evaluate, and instruct. Valuing the youth over the exhibit itself is most important in a conference judging experience.
Cloverbud Judging
Cloverbuds (youth grades K-2) are evaluated differently because their learning characteristics and developmental needs are different from older youth. The Cloverbud program provides an opportunity for exploration and active learning in a non-competitive environment. Research indicates that individual competitive activities are typically not developmentally appropriate for children of this age level. It is appropriate for children to participate in non-competitive 4-H activities and to be recognized for their participation.
The ribbon placing for cloverbuds is based on participation only; blue, red and white ribbons are not awarded. It is recommended that cloverbuds be evaluated by a judge who is skilled in working with this age level. At this age positive reinforcement and encouragement are more important than the child’s knowledge and the exhibit.
