The fairgrounds are located in Bird Island. From Hwy 212, at the stoplight turn south, go four blocks. The Fairgrounds and the 4-H Building are on the east side of the road. The Fairgrounds are located on County Road #5 on the south end of Bird Island.

Project Check in

When you come to the fairgrounds on Sunday, August 4, to bring your exhibits, the first place to go is the 4-H Building registration table (at the north end of the 4-H Building). You will recieve a packet. This packet has all of your General Exhibit information in it (Entry cards, wristband, and youth outcome survey.)

Animal exhibitors should check in at the show arena on Tuesday, August 6, before unloading their animals. Exhibitors are responsible for the care and feeding of their own animals.

Animal requirements are outlined in the Fair Premium Book. Please review prior to the fair.

All 4-H members who are bringing exhibits to the fair will be going through conference judging with their projects. When you come to the 4-H Building, please follow the checklist below.

∙ Check-in at the registration desk on the north end of the 4-H Building.

∙ Go to the assigned judging area with your project.

∙ Go through your conference judging. Conference judging is designed to be a learning experience so members may explain their decision and goals relating to their project. It is also important for youth and families to understand that conference judging is an appropriate time to ask questions of the judge about other possible methods, techniques or solutions to problems encountered.

Judges will ask 4-Her’s questions to perceive the scope of their project activities and understanding of their workmanship in the exhibit. Putting some time into preparing yourself for your evaluation conference will make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you. Begin by:

∙ Presenting a neat and clean personal appearance.

∙ Not chewing gum or having other distractions during the interview.

∙ Knowing some basic information about your exhibit and project work throughout the year. Most general exhibits are judged 50% on the quality of the exhibit and 50% on the exhibitor’s knowledge. Final champion placing for general exhibits will be made by 8 p.m.

The judge will give the exhibit an evaluation based on the information you provide.

The rule is that you are in the grade you just completed until you begin the next school year. This rule is for all summer events including fair registration.

Many project areas ask that the fair exhibit be a poster or display. A poster is a flat poster board representing your exhibit message. For State Fair consideration, a poster should be no larger than 22” wide x 28” high. A display is usually three-sided, whether 12” deep x 18” wide x 22” high or 12” x 24” x 36”, but not larger.

Oversized exhibits are permitted but we would like to know about them ahead of time. Please let us know by August 1 if you plan to bring a larger exhibit.

If you choose to take an oversized exhibit to State Fair, you will be responsible for getting it to the State Fair grounds.

The sheep barn will be getting painted on Wednesday, July 24 - 7:00 AM! If you are able to come help, please do! Rolls and water will be provided.

We will be setting up the livestock barns on Thursday, July 25. Meet by the Show arena at 6:00 PM. All livestock barns will be set up by the end of the night!

Ice cream treats will be provided!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Extension office!

Food Stand and General Exhibit Building clean up and set up will be on Thursday, August 1. We will be starting at 6:00 PM. Please bring your muscles, tools (hammers, drills, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors etc.) If you bring any tools, please make sure your name is on them.

This is open for everyone and all clubs!

Ice cream treats will be provided!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out the the Extension office!

Cleaning up the General Exhibit building after the fair will take place on Friday, August 9, at 10:15 PM. We will be putting away all exhibit stands and sweeping floors.

This is open for everyone and all clubs!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Extension office!

General exhibit entry day will be on Sunday, August 4 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM.

Bring all of your general project exhibits to be judged at this time.

We will have a light dinner again this year, BBQ, chips, snack and water, that will be available to all families, volunteers and judges.

We are still looking for help with general entry judging day for judges assistants, servers for the meal, and people to help check-in. Please see the link below to volunteer on Sunday!

Livestock exhibit entry day will be on Tuesday, August 6 from 3:00 - 6:30 PM.

Bring your animals, and anything you need to set up their home for the rest of the week.

Please try to hang around for a little while after the close of livestock check-in. If you cannot stick around please make sure that we can reach you via phone. This is in case there is any health concerns after the veterinarian does their walk through.

Cloverbuds with livestock projects do not need to come in and stay for the fair. If you are coming in just for the show, please come a half hour before the show and check in at the 4-H fair office.

We will have a light dinner again this year; pizza, chips, snack and water, that will be available to all families and volunteers.

Livestock Interviews will start at 6:00 PM. Please see the link below to register for a time.

We are still looking for help with livestock entry day for people to help check-in animals AND for help during shows. Please see the link below to volunteer on Tuesday or throughout the fair!

Below you will find a schedule for clubs to work at the 4-H Snack Bar. Why must our family work in the Snack Bar? The money raised is used to run county 4-H activities all year long, presentation day, food revue, state fair trips, regional and state activities, etc. We are able to help support these activities because of your help in the Snack Bar.

The Snack Bar is also one of our most effective 4-H promotion efforts. At the Snack Bar, the public is able to meet 4-H members, parents, and see them working together on a project. We can’t buy better publicity!

Finally, working in the Snack Bar is about learning. For most of our youth, the 4-H Snack Bar is the first, and for some the only, experience they will have in customer service. Learning to greet and serve the public is one of those experiences you can’t learn any other way.

We will be offering coupons again this year for those who work a full shift in the food stand.

Please see the link below to sign up!

*If you choose to help out another club, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50.00 Amazon gift card!

Clubs are to provide at least 2 people to work during your malt stand shift.

4-H Leader's Council does receive money from the malt stand profits to help cover the cost of programs, scholarships etc.

These will be avalibale to purchase from the Extension office starting on July 22 until August 6. After August 6, they will be avaliable for purchase at the 4-H Food Stand.

They will also be avaliable for purchase during entry days on Sunday and Tuesday the week of the fair.

Get $25 worth of Snack Bar items for $20

Get $50 worth of Snack Bar items for $40

Get $75 worth of Snack Bar items for $60

Get $100 worth of Snack Bar items for $80

• Discount Cards will be kept at the Snack Bar
• (no need to worry about them getting wet or lost or left at home!).
• No refunds will be given. Any money not spent will be donated to the Snack Bar fund.
• It is not the responsibility of the Snack Bar employee if a family member “buys” Snack Bar items (with the discount card) for someone else.
• This is available to Renville County 4-H Families ONLY!! (Checks payable to Renville County 4-H)

“Parents/guardians/mentors are responsible for ensuring their “cloverbud” understands and follows the rules. Extension 4-H staff members and designated volunteer(s) are positioned to intervene when rules are not followed and/or if safety becomes a concern for another reason. Definitions used in outlining the rules are noted at the end of the document.

1. When using equipment that is potentially dangerous, a responsible person will be with the cloverbud at all times guiding and monitoring their involvement. Examples of potentially dangerous equipment include sewing machines and power tools.

2. Cloverbuds may only participate in wildlife educational opportunities of the 4-H Shooting Sports/Wildlife program. Cloverbuds may not handle any equipment, including firearms and archery equipment.

3. Cloverbuds must wear appropriate safety helmets when riding horses or bicycles.

4. When cloverbuds and animals (including beef, cats,dairy, dogs, goats, horse, llama - alpaca, pets, poultry, rabbit, swine and sheep) are together at a 4-H program or participating at the county fair as a 4-H member, the following rules apply:

• A responsible person1 must be with the cloverbud to guide and monitor their involvement at all times2, including but not limited to movement within and to and from the trailers, barns, wash racks, and show arena.

• Families may choose one of two acceptable ways to guide and monitor involvement in non-mounted activities:

1. The responsible person is in control of the animal with the cloverbud at their side.

2. The cloverbud is in control of the animal with the responsible person at their side to assist or take control of the animal when needed or as directed by staff, volunteers or show managers.

• When a cloverbud is mounted on a horse, the horse must always have a lead line and be under the control of the responsible person1.

• Cloverbuds may safely interact with their animal through participation in a limited number of non-competitive classes at 4-H sponsored practice sessions/clinics, fun shows and county fairs. The purpose is to provide youth an opportunity to experience

Definitions Used in Outlining the Rules

1 A “responsible person” is defined as a screened adult volunteer, youth leader 6th grade and older, parent or other adult who may appropriately assist with the group.

2 “At all times” includes but is not limited to the following: during all portions of project workshops, club events, club meetings, public showcases which includes county fairs, demonstrations, or a community event where youth are representing 4-H with an animal or interacting with potentially dangerous equipment..

3 “Control” means assuming responsibility for handling and/or leading the animal. The parent/responsible person must determine the cloverbud’s ability to control the animal in non-mounted activities..

Cloverbuds exhibiting general projects will go through conference judging with a cloverbud judge on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. in the 4-H building. They will receive a special participation ribbon and premium.

Cloverbuds exhibiting livestock projects will be evaluated by a judge at the beginning of each species show. They will receive a special participation ribbon and premium.

*All cloverbuds must have a parent, adult or other responsible person with the cloverbud to guide and monitor their involvement with the animal at all times before, during and after the show. They must also help the Cloverbud at any time they choose to do something with their animal

**All cloverbud animals must be ID following 4-H policy.

General exhibits:

NEW this year! Cloverbud projects will be staged with their "respective" project area. For example, if a Cloverbud brings a pillowcase, it will be staged with the needle arts, quilting, sewn projects. Cloverbud projects will be printed on a different color FairEntry card and have a cloverbud sticker placed on it.

Livestock exhibits:

Cloverbud members may exhibit their own animal or show an older sibling or club member’s animal. All animals are subject to health requirements for exhibited animals, but not subject to weight requirements. Cloverbud animals do have to follow the same requirements for Identification.

Cloverbud Pet Show:

We will be having a pet show for Cloverbud members. Cloverbud projects can be real, stuffed, or plastic “pets”. If the Cloverbud brings a real animal, a parent/guardian or responsible person MUST be in charge of the animal (see above for all details). Cloverbuds will talk to the judge, using the microphone, in front of the audience. This is held on Friday, August 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Show Arena.

This show will be canceled if there are less then 5 participants.

Benches and potted flowers must be in place in front of the big Snack Bar window (outside) from 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday, August 4. Pick up your club project card from the registration desk and put it on your project. Banners, Scrapbooks, Community Pride and Up-Scale projects are to be in the 4-H Building for conference judging Sunday, August 4th, from 2 - 6 p.m. Banners need to come ready to hang and will be hung during judging. Remember the cord to hang the banner is part of the exhibit. Community Pride, Scrapbook, and Up-scale projects are conference judged, have two members there for Community Pride and at least one for a scrapbook and Up-scale project. The deadline for registering club projects is Monday, July 15. Please use the link below to register your projects.

Please see the link below for Renville County's Consequences and Exemptions form. If you have any questions, please contact the Extension office!

Please note: If you ID an animal after May 15 or registered for the county fair after July 15, you will be capped at a blue ribbon and will not be State Fair eligible.

Additionally, livestock entries mush be checked-in by 6:30! If they are checked-in after, they will be capped at a blue.

Pets Dogs and Cats judging is conference judging, meaning the judge will ask you questions about your pet. You should know their birth date, what they eat, what their habits are and information about the type of animal. If you are exhibiting a display or poster in Cats, Dogs or Pets, they will be judged on Sunday, August 4, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. These exhibits will stay at the fair and be put on display in the 4-H Building. The exhibits in Pets, Cat and Dog are eligible for the State Fair.

If you are bringing a live cat, dog or pet, please bring on Sunday, August 4, from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. in the 4-H Building. This will be done with the same judge as the pet and cat displays.

All pets should be healthy. If your cat or dog is old enough, it should have its rabies and distemper shots. All other pets should be free from ticks, lice or mites. If your pet is sick, it should not come to the fair. You should be prepared to bring your pet in and take them home after the show. Pets and cats should also be in a carrying cage or on a leash and in control. Remember there will be many other pets also at the show.

If it’s hot, be prepared with water for your pet, if they need it.

Cloverbud Pet Show is Friday, August 9, at 4:00 p.m. at the Show Arena. This event will be canceled if less than 5 participants.

Wristbands are the entrance ticket for all 4-H members. Your wristband will be in your packet that you receive at registration. These are for exhibitors only.

If you lose your wristband, you will not be given a second one.

If you only have a livestock project, be sure to pick up your wristband in the show arena on Wednesday.

Parents may also buy a wristband at the discounted price of $14.00. This gets you into the fair all three days. Regular price is $15.00 for a pass. We encourage you to purchase yours at the 4-H Building on Sunday, August 4th or Tuesday, August 10th.

Record keeping is an important life skill. All 4-H members are encouraged to keep written records of their 4-H club project work. Records are due September 30, 2024.

Guidelines for 4-H recordkeeping:

1. Members are encouraged to work on records throughout the year;
2. Have a file folder or calendar to keep track of all 4-H activities and/or project work;
3. Ask to see examples of records completed by members in your club;
4. Include pictures with your records;
5. Be enthusiastic about your record keeping.

Records can be found at:

https://extension.umn.edu/local/renville#resources-2547165

Which record should I fill out?

• Cloverbuds should fill out one Cloverbud record for each project they brought to the fair, and one participation summary.

• 4-H Members in grades 3 and above:
• should fill out one general project record for each project area they brought to the fair, and one general project record for each species they brought to the fair. They will also need to complete one participation summary.
• Note: If this is your first year in a specific project area, please use the basic project record. If you have taken a project area 2 or more years, please use the experienced record.

If you have been selected as a State Fair or State Show trip winner, please see the below information to help guide you.

See your premium book for details on how you know if you won a State Fair or State Show trip.

Please have all of your State Fair trips claimed by Thursday, August 8 at 9:00 PM. State Fair registration will be due on Friday at 12:00 PM.

State Fair Paperwork must be turned into the 4-H Fair office by Friday, August 9 at 12:00 PM.

This includes those who have a trip in Dog, General Exhibit, Horse, and Livestock.

Livestock Encampment is August 22 - 26. There will be further information coming out for livestock and youth transportation as State Fair gets closer.

Youth who choose to utilize the county provided transportation for their animals will have a small fee of:

• $20.00 for beef, sheep, goat, and swine
• $15.00 for rabbits and poultry

We will also be providing a coach bus for youth. This will be an additional $30.00.

*There will be more information coming out as we get closer on departure times. Please be aware that times may change due to weather.

General Encampment is August 27 - 29. If you choose to leave your project in the 4-H building after project release on Friday, you will be asked to fill out a note card with the specifics of your project.

If you are taking your project home with you, please have it returned to the 4-H Extension office by Friday, August 16.

If you have an oversized exhibit, it will be your responsibility to get it to the State Fair grounds. There will be further communication with those families who choose that route.

Animal Care

You must take care of your own animals. This means feeding and watering them regularly. You must provide your own bedding for the fair.

Thanks to 2 generous donors, we do have shavings and hemp being offered again as bedding options. The beef will also have access to mulch.

County Fair Pen Cleaning

County fair pen cleaning will be done the same as it has been previously. You need to clean your pens before you leave for home with your animals. Sheep - this means you need to scoop the straw, etc. from the side pens onto the cement floor. Do NOT leave straw in pens.

Wash Rack

When you finish using this area, be sure to clean it up. You are not the only one using it and there should not be hoses, buckets, etc laying around all day.

Livestock Interviews

Interviews will be done for all species this year. It is voluntary—so you do not have to participate but it is encouraged! All interviews will take place from 6:00 pm until finished on Tuesday, August 6. Please meet at the show arena if you plan on participating. Top interviewers will receive an award at their show.

Please see the link below to fill out your interview time.

Livestock Registration at Fair

You must check in at the show arena from 3 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 6th. Here you will receive your show number, stall cards and verify with us what livestock classes you will be showing in.

When you receive your ribbon in the show, your colored sticker, which goes on your stall card, will be attached to the ribbon. Be sure to check the back of your ribbon.

Livestock Demonstrations

Livestock Demonstrations may be related to any livestock project that the member is enrolled in or to any area of interest or expertise the 4-Her has. Presentations may be an individual or a two-person team. Demonstrations will take place on Wednesday, August 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Show Arena.

Each County is allowed one additional State Fair Livestock trip for a Livestock Demonstration exhibitor.

At the State Fair, the 4-Her must demonstrate on livestock weekend and can also participate in all other species activities (show, interviews, showmanship).

Please see the document below for the Livestock Release Plan. Please note that Livestock release is Friday, August 9 at 8:30 PM. No animals or tack are allowed to leave the fairgrounds until this time.

The 4-H Beef must be entered at the fair from 3- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 6. Check in at the Show Arena registration table. There you will receive your show number, stall cards and verify with us what classes you will be showing in.

The 4-H Beef Show will be Wednesday, August 7, at 12:30 p.m. in the Show Arena. We will begin with prospect calves, cow/calf pairs, heifers and steers and end with showmanship. Again this year, all beef trips are general - not specific to dairy steer or cow/calf. You must provide your own bedding.

Rules that must be followed for the tie-outs:

1. Cattle must be returned to the barns no later than 8 am

2. Cattle must not be taken to tie-outs until 8 pm

3. Each exhibitor is responsible for keeping tie-out area clean

4. Bedding will be provided for tie-outs by an exhibitor.

All dairy projects must be checked in at the Show Arena registration table on Tuesday, August 6 between 3- 6:30 p.m.

The Dairy Show is Thursday, August 8, at 10 a.m. in the Show Arena.

The Goat Show will be held Thursday, August 8, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Show Arena. All goats must be entered at the Show Arena registration table between 3 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6.

Reminder: All sheep and goats must have scrapies tags!

Milk Goats: Members have two options for milking their goats. 1.) Take the milk home or 2.) Weigh the milk, dump it in the wash rack, rinse down, and the Fair Board will pay the market price for milk to you as a premium. You can either do one or the other - if you bring it home, you will not be paid a premium.

Give the milk weight list, with member names, to the 4-H office within a week after the fair. The Fair Board does not have a milker for goats - so you will have to bring your own if you want to use one.

The 4-H Horse Show is Thursday, August 8 starting at 8 a.m.

Horseless members are not required to show a horse. They may exhibit a book or display at general exhibit judging on Sunday in the 4-H Building from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Horses must be at the fair by 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and must stay until 10 p.m. Friday. Check-in at the Show Arena is from 3 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Youth are responsible for feeding, cleaning and exercising the horse the entire time it is at the fair.

Participants must also stall their horses on the fairgrounds from Tuesday to Friday. You will have an 8’ x 10’ box stall in the barn on the fairgrounds. Cloverbuds do not have to keep their horses at the County Fair.

If you need to add additional classes, Horse Show Registration forms will be available when you register on Tuesday. The grade of member used is the completed grade.

Age Divisions this year are:

• Beginner grades 3-5;
• Senior grades 6+.

You may not have anyone outside of your family riding or working with your horses throughout the fair. Only you and your family are allowed to fit the horse.

DO NOT change stalls. Please stall your horse in the stall assigned to you. You will be able to pick up your stall card and back tag number at the registration table in the Show Arena on Tuesday from 3- 6:30 p.m.

Classes that will count for points for the State Show are:

Performance/Pleasure Game:

Western Showmanship Poles

Western Horsemanship Key Hole

Western Pleasure Jumping Figure 8

Hunt Seat Equitation Barrels

Hunt Seat Pleasure

English Showmanship

Ranch Horse Pleasure

All State Horse Show trip winners MUST HAVE COMPETED IN SHOWMANSHIP!

The points are accumulated on the horse. The judge will make the final decision on the State Horse show line-up. The judge will use the points as a guide for the top placings. All points and rules will follow the MN 4-H Horse Program Rule Book. If you have a complaint during the show, please let someone at the Crow’s Nest know. The Horse Council will make final decisions during the show. Complaints cannot be handled after the show is completed.

The trail obstacles are listed on the back of the 4-H Horse Program Rule Book. The order of obstacles will be posted on show day.

The County Fair does not have insurance to cover in case of an accident if someone else is riding your horse. If you paid $2 earlier this year for club insurance, it will cover any accidents while you are riding.

During the fair, we ask that you exercise your horses before noon. Horses can be exercised in the arena and the arena area. Horses should not be ridden inside the fairgrounds or in the barn. They should be taken by halter to the arena to be exercised. They also should not have other riders on them aside from their owner. This is a rule because of safety concerns and insurance. You must also bring your own feed, feeding equipment and bedding.

You must provide all the bedding needed for the County Fair. You must feed and water your horses regularly. You must do your own chores.

All horses must have a negative Coggins test. Be sure to bring the original Coggins with you when you register. If a current and negative Coggins test is not received prior to the horse coming to the fair, they will not be able to unload from the trailer or participate until one can be handed in.

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.

*If you mount your horse while it is at the fairgrounds, at any time, you MUST have a ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear on.

You may put a small tag board sign on your stall with the horse's name, rider’s name, and a picture.

The Poultry Show will be on Thursday, August 8, at 12 pm in the Show Arena. Poultry members will have the opportunity to take part in interviews and showmanship and bring a poultry exhibit to the fair to be judged.

Poultry must be entered between 3 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, at the Show Arena. You will also receive your show number and pen assignment.

The Rabbit Show will be Thursday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m. in the Show Arena.

Rabbits must be entered between 3 - 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, at the Show Arena. You will also receive your show number and pen assignment.

You must do your own chores. No one else will do them for you! Please also remember to bring small dishes to water and feed your animals. You will need to bring your own feed. Wood shavings will be provided for bedding.

The 4-H Sheep Show is Wednesday, August 7 at 5:00 p.m. The lamb lead will be first with the sheep show to follow. All sheep must be entered from 3 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 6. Please make sure if you have a market lamb that you are at your stall at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 6 when they will be weighed. You must provide your own bedding.

Remember: All sheep and goats must have scrapies tags!

The 4-H Swine Show is Wednesday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the Show Arena. All hogs must be entered from 3-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6. Weigh-in will be done at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6. Please be in the barn to get your hogs weighed.

There will be a wash rack in the Swine Building so you can clean your pigs. Please bring your own waterers if you have them. You must provide your own bedding and feed.

All swine must have a negative official pseudorabies test conducted within 30 days prior to the opening date of the exhibition, or originate directly from a qualified pseudorabies-negative herd, or originate (born) directly from a State IV or V county or area.

Hogs are released at 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Please take down any waterers/feeders before you leave.

All swine families are asked to help set up the ring for the show on Tuesday after hog weigh-in is complete.

1. The Champion and Reserve Champion Senior Showperson in Beef, Swine, Sheep, Dairy, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit and Horse are eligible to participate in the Premier Showmanship Contest.

2. If a Champion or Reserve Champion chooses not to participate, the third-place show person in that species will be given the opportunity to compete in the Premier Showmanship Contest. If there isn’t a third-place senior, the fourth-place senior showman will be asked to participate, etc.

3. If there is still an opening in a specific area, we will look to see if someone from another species can fill the spot.

4. All youth participating will be taking a quiz prior to the show. This quiz will serve as the tie breaker if there is one.

5. The Premier Showmanship Contest will be held Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Show Arena.

6. We would like all participants at the Show Arena with their animals by 5:15 p.m. Friday evening. All exhibitors should bring an animal to show. If that means asking someone with a calmer animal that is acceptable. Something that is safe for people with less experience to handle.

7. Each contestant needs to bring a person to hold their animal during the contest.

8. The procedure for Premier Showmanship will be discussed at the contest.

9. A 4-H member may receive the Premier Showmanship award only once in their 4-H career.

In 2010, the contest was named the “Jerry Sullivan Memorial Premier Showmanship Contest.” Jerry was instrumental in getting the contest started and he passed away in 2010.

Herdsmanship will be judged in the morning and late afternoon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Points will be shown at the 4-H office in the 4-H Building. The top herdsman club in each species will receive a certificate. These rules are to be followed by all livestock members:

1. No manure in the aisles, walkways, or piled outside the barn. It should only be placed in manure spreaders.

2. Wash rack needs to be kept clean and free from buckets, brushes and hoses once you are done washing your animal.

3. All milk must be dumped in the wash rack. No milk should be dumped in the manure spreader or in the

street. If anyone does this, they forfeit their milk check.

4. All animals should be cleaned, fed and taken care of by the 4-H members. Bring all equipment to feed your

animals, and keep them clean. (Refer to the Premium Book)

5. Be on time to the show.

6. During the animal load out at 8:30 p.m. Friday, please be courteous. Everyone wants to get home so please don’t park your trailer and leave. Pull up, load out and then move your truck or trailer out. We want the load out to go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

7. 4-H Volunteers will be directing load-out traffic on Friday night. Please be patient!

We are trying youth herdsmanship again this year. All livestock families will be receiving an email with their assigned group. Your group is also linked below. Once you receive an email it is the youths responsibility to work with their group members to pick a day and time to judge herdsmanship. You will be asked at check-in if you have decided on a day and time to walk through the barns to judge. If you have had any issues contacting group members, please let the Extension office know.

Each group that completes the herdsmanship will be entered into a prize drawing!

Ag Olympics is coming back! Gather your friends, neighbors and family to compete! This is open to everyone!

We are so excited to watch teams compete for the coveted title of the "Golden Pitchfork."

Register your team today! Please fill out the google form linked below to register today!

*We must have at least 10 teams registered by Thursday, August 8 at 5:00 PM to have it.

An email will be sent if there are not enough teams registered.

Premium checks will be given to the 4-H club leaders at the September Leaders Council meeting. If you are an independent, your checks will be mailed.

All premium checks must be cashed by November 15.

We are officially 2 weeks out from the Renville County fair! We are so excited to see all of your hard work that you have put in over this past year, and to see all of the opportunities that you each have had.

The county fair is one of my favorite times of the year-from the sights to the smells and seeing all of the hard work come together-I think we can all agree that its a pretty rewarding 3 days.

There are a lot of things that happen to get the fairgrounds ready to showcase all of your hard work. I ask that you help when and where you can. There are a lot of opportunities coming up in the next 2 weeks to volunteer. Please help where you can.

Similar to last year, I ask for patience and grace from all of you as we continue to learn and navigate new things together. If you have any concerns - with anything - please come talk to me! You will find me writing it down to remember when we do our debrief. If something is happening there is no way to improve on it unless it is brought to my attention. There will also be a post county fair survey that will be available. I encourage you all to take a few minutes and fill it out.

As we get closer to county fair, I encourage you all to challenge yourself in the next 2 weeks and during county fair week.

Meet someone new - maybe this is a new 4-H member or family, or its a fair-goer.

Be observant - and fill out the Post-Fair Survey.

Be flexible - “everything is figureoutable”

Find at least 1 learning opportunity every day - regardless of what happens during judging, there is always a lesson to be learned!

Parents & Volunteers: Thank you! I appreciate all that you do for Renville County 4-H throughout the year however, when it gets closer to fair week a lot of you start to show up and help - we could not do this without you!

Please remember that 4-H is here to create a safe and healthy learning environment; you set the example for all of our youth. There will be a lot of learning opportunities throughout fair week.

I encourage you all to review your code of conduct. This is a very helpful document.

I will leave you with 2 things to remember:

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,

my heart to greater loyalty,

my hands to larger service,

and my health for better living.

For my family, my club, my community and my world."

"Lets make the best better!"