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This year, 60 4-H members from Mower County attended the livestock encampment at the Minnesota State Fair. 4-H members participate in the county fair and State Fair to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout the year, and to continue their learning experiences.

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. There were 17 Mower County 4-H members who were recognized as an interview finalist or interview winner.

When it came to showing their animals in the ring, 22 4-H members received a purple ribbon on their livestock project. One Mower County 4-H member, Lawson Jax, won Grand Champion Dairy Steer and brought home a brand new Featherlite trailer.

Jax is a member of the Country Aces 4-H club, which meets near Johnsburg. He has been in 4-H for seven years and has shown cattle for six years. This was Lawson’s second year exhibiting at the Minnesota State Fair.

Jax has spent many hours over many months getting his animal ready for the fair. He walks and washes his animals everyday. He also pays close attention to their rations, making sure that the animals are fed the right amount of nutrients to help with their growth and development.

“It was for sure a surreal feeling winning the Grand Champion Dairy Steer,” Jax said. “You always dream of this happening, but never know if it will ever come true. It is also very emotional. It is such a rewarding feeling and it makes all the hours of work worth it. The most nerve racking part of all of it would be the standing in the Coliseum with everyone watching, and waiting for the judge to make their decision. I will never forget the moment and the emotions that I felt when the judge came over to my steer and tapped them declaring them the Grand Champion.”

Some members who receive a purple ribbon on their livestock project are selected to go through the Minnesota 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction. Eighty percent of the money raised goes to the 4-H member and supports them with their animal projects; 20% . This year, nine Mower County 4-H members went through the Purple Ribbon Auction: Beau Curley, Braeden Erickson, Jax, Beau Sathre, Montana Scott, John Swanek, Scott Swanek, Isaac Swenson, and Will Thome. Additionally, 4 members received one of the 4-H Auction Scholarships: Abby VanPelt, Andrew Timm, Katie VanPelt, and Lydia Drees. 4-H thanks all the businesses and individuals who support 4-H members.

General Project Encampment

Mower County also had 25 youth participating in General Project encampment. 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 presentations in the 4-H Building at the Minnesota State Fair.

General Project Encampment results

Courtney Akkerman – Vet Science, Blue ribbon

Caleb Bleifus – Woodworking, Blue ribbon

Halle Burke – Constructed Clothing, Blue ribbon

Halle Burke – Fashion Revue Constructed Clothing, Green ribbon

Olin Burke – Woodworking, Blue ribbon

Renae Clark – Self Determined, Blue ribbon, Community Impact Recognition award

Leena Crouch – Safety, Blue ribbon

Lydia Drees – Quilting, Purple ribbon

Callie Hillman – Neede Arts, Blue ribbon

Owen Jones – Herb Gardening, Blue ribbon

Faith Kalliokoski – Quilting, Blue ribbon

Alyssa Klouse – Performing Arts, Blue ribbon

Kirsten Koopal – Food, Purple Ribbon,  Community Impact Recognition award

Haylie Meyer – Woodworking, Blue ribbon

Heather Meyer – Constructed clothing, Blue ribbon

Brody Meyrhofer – Metal Work, Blue ribbon

Justin Olsen – Health and Wellness, Blue ribbon

Amy Smith – Youth Leadership, Blue ribbon

Carter Sorensen – Crafts, Blue ribbon

Derek Steinkamp – Mechanical Science, Blue ribbon

Zoe Steinkamp – Food Revue, Purple ribbon

Ashlyn Strampe – Fine Arts, Blue ribbon

Rebecca Van Hooser – Fine Arts, Blue ribbon

Lillianna Zago – Crafts, Blue ribbon