By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota State Fair hosted the annual 2026 4-H Livestock Encampment, bringing together thousands of young exhibitors from across the state. The event highlighted youth achievements in livestock projects, agricultural education, leadership development, and community involvement. Minnesota 4-H welcomed participants from 87 counties, who arrived with more than 2,778 animals to take part in the livestock exhibition and educational activities.
The livestock exhibits included 607 beef entries, 424 dairy entries, 335 goat entries, 297 poultry entries, 318 rabbit entries, 325 sheep entries, 397 swine entries, and 75 llama entries. The large number of exhibits reflected the strong interest and dedication of young people involved in agricultural programs throughout Minnesota.
Participants spent months preparing for the event. Throughout the summer, they selected and cared for their animals, participated in county fairs, completed educational activities, and prepared scholarship applications. These experiences helped youth build valuable life skills while gaining practical knowledge about animal care and livestock management.
Education remained a key part of the 4-H program. Following the organization's "learn by doing" philosophy, every participant in the livestock encampment took part in an educational interview process. These evaluations included activities such as online knowledge tests, skill-a-thons, and personal interviews related to each participant's livestock project. The process helped youth strengthen their understanding of agriculture and animal production.
All exhibitors also completed Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) Training. Through this certification program, participants learned about biosecurity, animal welfare, responsible livestock management, and the importance of educating the public about agriculture. The training encouraged youth to follow best practices while caring for their animals.
The event also provided scholarship opportunities. The Dairy Project continued its 18th Annual Dairy Showcase, recognizing 25 outstanding participants based on dairy industry knowledge, involvement in dairy projects, and state fair dairy show performance. These awards encouraged youth to continue expanding their agricultural knowledge and skills.
In addition, the annual 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction, sponsored by the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association (MLBA), presented 44 scholarships to participants who demonstrated leadership, community service, and long-term involvement in livestock projects. These scholarships helped support educational goals while recognizing youth achievement.
As the organization proudly states, "4-H not only produces purple ribbon animals, but, more importantly, is focused on producing purple ribbon kids!"
Among the participants, 11 youth from St. Louis County earned recognition for their accomplishments at the Minnesota State Fair.
- Asher Acosta (Iron) earned Champion Alpine Junior Doe honors in the Dairy Goat division.
- Lilianna Acosta (Iron) received Champion Sable Senior Doe recognition in Dairy Goat competition.
- Sophia Carlson (Cotton) earned a Blue Ribbon with a Mini Lop Junior Doe in the Rabbit division.
- Sariah Hadrava (Chisholm) earned a Red Ribbon for a New Zealand Junior Buck in the Rabbit category.
- Kaylee Grass (Iron) placed 4th with a Duroc Breeding Gilt in the Swine division and finished 7th in the Sheep Fleece competition.
- Madeline Grass (Iron) earned the title of Reserve Champion Spot Gilt in the Swine competition.
- Heidi Lindula (Iron) placed 10th in the Sheep Market Lamb category.
- Sawyer Lindula (Iron) received a Green Ribbon in the Sheep Market Lamb division.
- Tyler Nash (Hibbing) earned a Blue Ribbon in Poultry Egg Production for Brown Egg Layers and placed 5th in Advanced Poultry Showmanship.
- Cheyenne Schelde (Angora) received a Green Ribbon in Senior Rabbit Showmanship.
- Avah Walzak (Meadowlands) placed 3rd in Beef Cow and Calf Commercial and earned a Green Ribbon in Senior Showmanship.
Photo Credit: 4-h
Categories: Minnesota, Education, Livestock