4-H youth from across Minnesota’s 87 counties showcased their learning in the 4-H Building and the Livestock Arenas at the Minnesota State Fair. Throughout the year, 4-H youth select project areas that reflect personal areas of interest and pursue hands-on learning in both self-directed and guided environments. The results of their learning are exhibited at county fairs and other showcase events across the state. A collection of the best exhibits from each fair and showcase are brought to the Minnesota State Fair.

In the 4-H Building, over 155 demonstrations were delivered and 1,900 general exhibits were on display.  Exhibiting project work and delivering public presentations at the state fair provides youth an opportunity to showcase their achievements and continue learning through interactive conference judging with project experts and team experiences. The presentations, exhibits and presence of 4-H youth from diverse communities across Minnesota brought renewed and welcomed energy to the 4-H Building. 

MN 4-H’ers also brought over 2,612 animals to the 2024 “Great Minnesota Get-Together” for this year’s 4-H livestock encampment, which was held Thursday, Aug. 22nd through Sunday, Aug. 25th. 

Members consider several components when deciding to exhibit livestock, including selection and preparation of the animal; educational programming; scholarship applications; and participation at county fairs.  

Education is integral in the “learn by doing” philosophy of 4-H. As part of the educational component, Minnesota 4-H requires every youth participating in the livestock encampment to participate in a livestock interview. Examples of the interview process include an online knowledge test, skill-a-thons, and personal interviews about their project area. 

Along with interviews, all 4-H youth participating in livestock programming are required to complete the Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) Training. Through this certification, youth are educated on biosecurity, educating the public on the role of livestock, and caring for their animal’s welfare. 

723 youth participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational

The Minnesota 4-H State Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational was held in Alexandria September 6-8, 2024. 723 youth from 59 counties participated in the following events with 1,815 entries:

• BB gun

• Standard Air Rifle

• 3 Position Air Rifle

• Air Pistol

• .22 Rifle

• Muzzleloading

• Trap

• Silhouette

• Wildlife Calling

• Skillathon

• Cast Iron Cooking

Participating youth included Emma Elbert, Amelia Grimes, Brady Grimes, Holly Hennen, Isaac Hennen, Eli Jenniges, Emily Peabody, Evan Radil and Sophia Radil. They had the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the past year, having spent a minimum of 15 hours working with a trained instructor in their discipline of interest and 8 hours of wildlife education. Each county also has planned and implemented a conservation project at the local level. These projects are brought to the event and judged as a group. 

The Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program began in the 1980’s and has grown to more than 5,000 youth members and over 500 adult leaders.  Adults can become certified discipline instructors by attending a weekend workshop and instructing youth in their local community. Visit us online to learn more about the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program – https://extension.umn.edu/projects-and-more/4-h-shooting-sports-wildlife-project.

About 4-H: Minnesota 4-H is a youth development program provided through the University of Minnesota Extension. We believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. Last year, we empowered over 63,000 young people across the state with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Learn more at z.umn.edu/4h.