Sibley County 4-H Newsletter

Fair Entry Registrations - This is the final reminder to get your fair projects entered into the FairEntry website by midnight on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Here is a link to the instructions and the letter that was mailed in May. Don't forget to register for Showmanship, Livestock Interviews, and Performing Arts.

Ribbon Auction Bidder Form - If you want to participate in the Ribbon Auction this year, the Ribbon Auction Bidder Form with potential bidder signatures is due in the office on June 30th. You can drop them off and put them in the box on the counter or email a copy of it to mnext-sibley@umn.edu.

Mark your calendars for TUESDAY, July 30, 2024! This will be the entry day for NON-LIVESTOCK projects. We will have conference judging from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on TUESDAY. After judging is over on Tuesday, we will be closing the building and placing the final placings on the projects and will reopen the building WEDNESDAY at 1:00 p.m. At that time you will be able to see the final placings of all the exhibits.

4-H conference judging and evaluation is designed to be a learning experience so members may explain their decision and goals relating to their project to those who are evaluating the exhibit. 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 when completing the project.

Judges or evaluators will ask 4-Hers 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 or interview 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 interview.

• Knowing some basic information about your exhibit and project work throughout the year – ask yourself what the judge might ask about your project (sample questions are listed below).

Most non-livestock exhibits are judged 50% on the quality of the exhibit and 50% on the exhibitor’s knowledge. It is very important that members be present for their project evaluation so their knowledge is included in the ribbon placing.

Questions that might be asked in any non-livestock are:

• Why did you choose this item for exhibit? Where did you get your idea?

• What other items have you made or what other activities have you done in this project area during the year?

• What did you learn from your project work and specifically from preparing this exhibit?

• How did you make the product?

• What was the most difficult thing you encountered in preparing your exhibit? What was the most enjoyable?

• What could you do to improve your exhibit?

• What are your goals in this project?

• What sources did you use in getting information for your exhibit? People, books, etc.

• How will you use this information or item? How will you care for it?

ATTENTION: On TUESDAY, July 30, you will NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the main gates of the Fairgrounds (South Gate). You will only be allowed to enter through the WEST GATE (off of Highway 9). There will be no parking allowed past the 4-H Foodstand and Sheep Barns. This will allow for vendors and machinery dealers to deliver their products without us being in their way. These rules will be STRICTLY ENFORCED.

Livestock will not be allowed to come into the fair until Wednesday, July 31 – NO EXCEPTIONS. NO livestock will be allowed to be housed on Tuesday.

Herdsmanship

Once again, Kristie Bauer will be coordinating Herdmanship this year. Each club should submit AT LEAST ONE name of a person that is willing to judge Herdsmanship to her ckcbauer@gmail.com If you have more than one, please feel free to send her those names also. The judge should not be related to any 4-H member they would be judging and should have a basic knowledge of fairs and animals.

Food Stand

ALL families should have received an email asking you to sign up for a shift in the 4-H Foodstand using online Sign Up Genius. Every 4-H family is required to work at some point and time in the Foodstand. Please sign up early to get your wanted times. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Alivia at 507-237-4100.

Fair Clean-Up

This year there will be TWO times to choose for helping with the Food Stand Clean Up. At least two adults and two youth representatives from each club are expected to help clean up the Food Stand. We will be meeting on the Fairgrounds on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23 starting at 6:00 p.m. and going until 9:00 p.m. Please bring old rags, buckets, brooms and lots of energy. We are also asking for help in the Food Stand to clean up on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Each club should bring two rolls of paper towels and napkins to be used during the fair. Please bring these items to the Extension Office prior to the fair.

Stalling Meeting

Stalling will be held on Friday evening, July 26 starting at 6:00 p.m. with Sheep, then after Sheep, will be Goat, then Swine and immediately following swine, Beef and Dairy will be stalled.

County Fair Help - We Want You!!

While you are at the fair, why not volunteer to help out in your favorite area of expertise. The county fair CANNOT run smoothly without volunteers. The general exhibits volunteers can choose between two shifts. The first shift is Tuesday, July 30 from 1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or the second shift is from 3:45 - 6:15 p.m. Orientation for the judge’s assistants will be held at 1:45 p.m. The jobs include checking in exhibits and record placings.

Do you have an interest in decorating? We are looking for volunteers to help arrange non-livestock exhibits after judging is completed. Volunteers can arrive at 6:30 to give judges time to finalize their paperwork.

We are still looking for an announcer for the dairy show. If you are interested, please contact Connie.

If you please could volunteer some time to help make your county fair a success, please contact the Extension Office at 507-237-4100.

Premium Money Distribution

4-Hers can pick up their premium money in cash on Sunday of the fair from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building. When arriving, you'll receive a computer print out of your exhibits and awards. It's your responsibility to see that all the information is correct. If there's a mistake, let us know, so we can get it corrected. Go to the cashier and receive your money. You'll sign the permanent record book, verifying that you received your money. Only the 4-Her or a responsible family member can pick up the money. Unclaimed premiums will be totaled up and given to your club's key leader.

For the safety and well-being of our fair animals, it is important for us to take good care of them. It is especially important that the public see clean and cared for 4-H animals at the fair. Herdsmanship rules (located in your premium book) are different in all species areas, but we need to be sure that our animals and their area is neat at all times.

The fairboard has asked that we not use any round bales at the fair. They are difficult and messy to use. They also ask that on Sunday night the trucks and trailers not park ahead of time in front of the building. The animals cannot be released before 6:00 p.m. and therefore no vehicles should be taking up that front door space. Also a reminder to use the manure containers for only manure and the garbage containers for only garbage. Thanks in advance for following these procedures!

A good reminder if you have questions about any state requirements regarding dates, ids, and vaccinations, etc. they can be found on the animal science requirements in your past newsletter or by checking the most current state web page at http://www.bah.state.mn.us

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced new testing requirements for lactating dairy cows attending exhibitions, effective Tuesday, June 18. All lactating– currently producing milk– dairy cows must have both a negative H5N1 test result and certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) to attend any exhibition in Minnesota. The requirements are effective until Dec. 31, 2024.

If you intend to show a lactating dairy cow at your county fair, you must contact your veterinarian to get the testing scheduled.

We want to stress the importance of working to keep your livestock, and yourselves, safe. Biosecurity recommendations for attending exhibitions is a great resource from the USDA when going to shows and events. If you’re interested in learning more about H5N1 and biosecurity, watch this University of Minnesota Extension webinar.

THE PURPOSE OF THE RIBBON AUCTION:

• Promote the positive development of young people by providing opportunities for leadership and personal growth.

• Provide educational interaction between 4-H members and the public that is consistent and fair; allowing buyers to support positive youth development.

• Teach young people skills in business management as they understand project investments and expenses through livestock or other project areas.

• Reward 4-H members for exhibiting their projects at the County Fair.

• Provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to generate funds that will go directly to the Sibley County 4-H Federation to continue current 4-H programs and expand programs in the future for all 4-H members. (20% of the proceeds go to support county-wide 4-H programs including camps and scholarships).

• Businesses support our 4-H youth. The auction provides advertisements for businesses.

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES:

• Cloverbuds are NOT eligible for the auction.

• Each 4-H youth may sell only one ribbon.

• Parents are requested not to bid on their own child’s entry.

• Eligible projects: Purple, Blue and Red ribbons for Beef, Dairy,Dog, Goat (Dairy or Meat), Horse, Llama/Alpaca, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine or Purple or Blue ribbons for Non-livestock projects.

• There will NOT be a cap on Champion or Reserve Champion showmanship ribbons.

• There will be a cap for each project area:

• Beef, Dairy, Horse - $525 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $450 for Blue, or $250 for Red

• Goat, Llama/Alpaca, Sheep, Swine - $475 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $400 for Blue , or $200 for Red

• Dog, Poultry, Rabbit - $450 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $375 for Blue, or $175 for Red

• Non-Livestock Projects - $275 for Grand or Reserve Champion or $200 for Blue

• Animals/Projects will not automatically be sold at the auction - ribbons only. If someone would like to purchase an auction animal, that would have to be done privately after the auction.

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:
  * The responsible person1 is in control3 of the animal with the cloverbud at their side.
  * The cloverbud is in control3 of the animal with the responsible person1 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 being in the ring with a judge present and to feel the pride that comes with this experience. Appropriate participation includes:
  * Cloverbuds may participate with beef, dairy, dog, goats, pets, poultry, rabbits, and swine in a Cloverbud Showmanship Class.
  * Cloverbuds may participate with a sheep in two classes: Cloverbud Showmanship and Cloverbud Lamb Lead.
  * Cloverbuds may participate with a llama - alpaca in two classes: Cloverbud Costume and Cloverbud Showmanship.
  * Cloverbuds may participate with a horse in three classes: Cloverbud Halter/Showmanship, Cloverbud Western Pleasure and Cloverbud Barrels. If the horse is used in a riding setting, the Cloverbud may sit on the back of the horse with a responsible person1 in control3 of the horse at all times2. Helmets are required for the Cloverbud in any riding setting.

Additional information can be found in the Cloverbuds Showcase Guide.

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Fair Entry closes at 11:59 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Deadline to turn in your Auction Bidder Forms

Thursday, July 4, 2024 - July 4th Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)

Monday, July 15, 2024 - at The Warehouse, Winthrop

Food Show and Non-Livestock Demonstration Day @ 9:00 a.m.

4-H Clothing Achievement Day @ Noon

4-H Public Fashion Revue, Performing Arts and Share The Fun @ 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 20, 2024 - Dog Show @ 8:30 a.m. at Sibley County Fairgrounds, Arlington

Monday, July 22, 2024 - Food Stand Building Clean Up @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Food Stand Building Clean Up @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Ambassador 4-H Exhibit Building Clean-Up @ 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 26, 2024 - Stalling meeting @ 6:00 p.m. at Sibley County Fairgrounds

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - General Project Judging @ 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Fairgrounds

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - Rabbit Entry Deadline/Rabbit Tattoo Checking @ 2:00 p.m.

Dairy and Sheep Entry Deadline @ 3:00 p.m.

Sheep ID Check and Weigh In @ 3:00 p.m.

Dairy ID Check @ 3:30 p.m.

Rabbit Judging @ 4:00 p.m.

All Other Livestock Entry @ 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Dairy Judging @ 8:30 a.m.

Lamb Lead Judging @ 8:30 a.m.

Sheep Judging @ 9:00 a.m.

Beef ID Check and Weigh-In @ 1:30 p.m.

Livestock Demonstration Judging @ 2:00 p.m. in the Sheep/Goat Arena

Poultry Judging @ 4:00 p.m.

Friday, August 2, 2024 - Horse Show @ 8:00 a.m.

Goat Judging @ 8:30 a.m.

Swine Weigh In @ 9:00 a.m.

Beef Judging @ 3:00 p.m.

4-H Auction Consignments Slips Due @ 10:00 p.m. (Except for swine members, they are due Saturday by 11:00 a.m.)

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - Swine Judging @ 8:30 a.m.

STATE FAIR TRIPS MUST BE DECLARED @ 2:00 p.m. Unclaimed trips WILL BE given to next in line

4-H Ribbon Auction @ 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Llama Judging @ 9:00 a.m.

Costume Contest @ 11:30 a.m.

State Fair Meeting (Livestock and Non-Livestock) @ 1:00 p.m.

Round Robin Showmanship @ 3:00 p.m.

Premium Money Distributed @ 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Food Stand Clean Up @ 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Every club must have a representative!)

4-H Project Release @ 6:00 p.m.

Monday, August 12, 2024 - State Fair Exhibits Due by 4:30 p.m. at Extension Office

Wednesday, August 21 - Sunday, August 25, 2024 - State Fair Livestock Encampment

Saturday, August 31 - Monday, September 2, 2024 - State Fair Non-Livestock Encampment

Monday, September 2, 2024 - Labor Day Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)

© 2024 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.