The Minnesota State Fair was a success once again for our Goodhue County 4-H members. Goodhue County had 112 youth participate in Livestock Encampment and 64 youth participate in the General Encampment in 2024. Our 4-H youth came home with 42 Purple Ribbons and 72 Blue!
Throughout the year, 4-H youth select project areas that reflect personal areas of interest and pursue hands-on learning that is both self-directed and guided by adult volunteers. The results of their learning are exhibited at county fairs across the state. A collection of the best exhibits and livestock from each county fair is brought to present in the 4-H Building and barns at the Minnesota State Fair.
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 take part 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.
Exhibiting project work and delivering public presentations at the state fair provides youth an opportunity to showcase their achievements and continue learning.
This year the Dairy Project had another great showing at the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Showcase and had 3 outstanding participants based on their dairy industry knowledge, 4-H dairy project involvement, along with state fair dairy show results. Congratulations to Natalie Clemenson (Zumbrota), Calvin Benrud (Goodhue), and Hanna Gudknecht (Wanamingo) for their awards! Additionally, Ben Scheffler (Zumbrota) was named to the Dairy Showcase “Rising Star” Program. The Rising Star program honors youth who have completed 6th through 8th grades to encourage younger 4-H members to participate in the 4-H dairy showcase.
Goodhue County was fortunate enough to have 6 youth participate in the State Fair Purple Ribbon Auction this year. Kylie Mann participated with her goat, Chase Dorn participated with his sheep, Colby Dorn participated with his sheep, Carter Dicke participated with his pig, Kyle Stensland participated with his dairy steer, and Taylor Reed participated with her beef steer. Each received funds for their animals and their successes.
The General Livestock Judging Team had a senior team that placed sixth overall with team members Jaclyn Jenson (Welch), Avery Stark (Cannon Falls), Jakob Jenson (Welch), and Kendra Neeser (Red Wing). Kendra placed 9th overall as an individual. Two intermediate teams also participated. Intermediate Team 1 members included Haley Betcher (Goodhue), Blake Stark (Cannon Falls), Trevin Dicke (Goodhue), and William Holz (Cannon Falls). Intermediate Team 2 members included Lily Hovel (Cannon Falls), Jeffery Jenson (Welch), Connor Hyllengren (Cannon Falls), and Matthew Holz (Cannon Falls). Team 1 placed 3rd overall with Haley Betcher ranking 2nd, Connor Hyllengren 6th, and Blake Stark 9th individually. Team 2 placed 6th overall.
The Dairy Judging team sent Evelyn Scheffler (Zumbrota), Calvin Benrud (Goodhue), Natalie Clemenson (Zumbrota), Caryn Miklas (Zumbrota), Troy Clemenson (Zumbrota), Leisl Veiseth (Goodhue), Matthew Scheffler (Zumbrota), Garrett Pearson (Red Wing), Ben Scheffler (Zumbrota), Ryan Rechtzigel (Kenyon), Grant Clemenson (Zumbrota), Brady Wetzstein (Kenyon), Cora Foss (Kenyon), and Payton Puppe (Zumbrota). Natalie Clemenson placed 3rd individually in the senior division. The intermediate team placed 2nd overall with Ben Scheffler placing 7th, Cora Foss placing 8th, and Grant Clemenson placing 10th.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the Parents, Chaperones, Volunteers, and Mentors who help our 4-H youth succeed in all that they do! We would not have the successes we have achieved without all of you.
Congratulations to all the Goodhue County youth who participated in 4-H at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair!
With more than 175 screened adult volunteers, 700+ 4-H members, and 18 4-H clubs across the county, Goodhue County is ranked one of the largest 4-H programs in Minnesota. To find out more information about 4-H, or to locate a 4-H club in your area, please visit the 4-H website at extension.umn.edu/local/goodhue, or contact the Goodhue County 4-H Extension Educator, Aly Kloeckner, at the Goodhue County Extension Office at (651) 385-3100 or schw1348@umn.edu
More Minnesota State Fair results and photos can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/fair-results
