Minnesota 4-H’ers from 87 counties arrived with over 2,562 animals and over 1,925 general projects at the 2023 “Great Minnesota Get-Together” for this year’s 4-H livestock encampment, which was held Wednesday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 27, and 4-H general project encampment, which was held Sunday, Aug. 27, through Monday, Sept. 4.
Minnesota 4-H’ers have been preparing for this event all summer long. 4-H youth spend months working on projects designed to equip them with essential life skills such as solving problems, making decisions, managing projects, communicating and speaking in public settings. 4-H'ers then share their accomplishments and educate the public about their subject at their local county fair. Those who demonstrate the highest achievements are selected to participate in the 4-H state showcase at the Minnesota State Fair.
At both county and state fairs, 4-H'ers meet with experts to have their projects evaluated, discuss what they've learned and identify future learning opportunities. 4-H'ers also lead visitors on tours of the 4-H Building and barns and conduct workshops and hands-on demonstrations for the public.
The 4-H state showcase at the Minnesota State Fair not only makes great memories but also helps 4-H youth grow into successful adults.
Faribault County 4-H members who attended the 2023 4-H encampments
- Ruby A. (Barber Flyers Club) earned a blue ribbon and 7th place for her market gilt pig.
- Eli B. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) was awarded a blue ribbon and 8th place for his market gilt pig.
- Madison E. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) presented a livestock demonstration on “Steps, Supplies and Procedures to Getting My Pig’s Skin and Hair Ready for the Show Ring” and won a blue ribbon. She also showed her market gilt pig, which earned a blue ribbon and 7th place.
- Madison E. (Riverside Club) achieved a pink ribbon for her registered Hereford beef steer, as well as a green ribbon in showmanship. She was also an interview finalist in the market beef category for grades 9-13.
- Ethan E. (Minnesota Lake Voyagers Club) won Champion Crossbred Division III Steer and Champion Market Beef Steer. He attended the 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction, where his beef steer was purchased by Ames Construction. He also received a green ribbon in showmanship.
- Maloree G. (Faribault County Independent) merited a red ribbon for her February ewe lamb.
- Owen G. (Faribault County Independent) achieved Reserve Champion and 2nd place for his LaMancha junior doe dairy goat, as well as a purple ribbon in showmanship.
- Elijah G. (Lucky Clovers Club) presented his kayak trailer virtually and won a blue ribbon in Industrial Technology - Metal Work.
- Brooklynn G. (Minnesota Lake Voyagers Club) won a red ribbon for her hand-sewn apron.
- Jack H. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) merited a red ribbon in photography.
- Nolan H. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) was awarded a red ribbon for his meat market wether goat and a green ribbon in showmanship.
- Kendal H. (Brush Creek Livewires Club) earned a purple ribbon and 3rd place for her registered Holstein summer dairy yearling.
- Konner H. (Brush Creek Livewires Club) won Reserve Champion Total Merit, 2nd place and a purple ribbon for his registered Holstein aged dairy cow.
- Octavio H. (Barber Flyers Club) achieved a blue ribbon in Wildlife Biology for his trifold board about American bison.
- Ashlyn K. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) was awarded a blue ribbon and 5th place for her registered Berkshire January gilt pig.
- Aaron L. (Foster Fire Flies Club) won Reserve Champion Registered Holstein Cow, 2nd place and a purple ribbon for his registered Holstein three-year-old dairy cow.
- Abbey L. (Foster Fire Flies Club) earned 2nd place and a purple ribbon for her red and white dairy calf. She also presented a demonstration, “Making Energy Bites,” for which she won a blue ribbon.
- Brady L. (Foster Fire Flies Club) achieved 3rd place and a purple ribbon for his registered Holstein senior two-year-old dairy cow. He also won 9th place in showmanship.
- Reese O. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) won a purple ribbon for her fall yearling meat breeding doe goat, as well as a green ribbon in showmanship.
- Braxton O. (Barber Flyers Club) was awarded a purple ribbon for his black face ewe lamb.
- Ivyella O. (Barber Flyers Club) earned a purple ribbon for her speckle face yearling ewe.
- Leah P. (Minnesota Lake Voyagers Club) presented her painting virtually and earned a blue ribbon.
- Taylor R. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) won a blue ribbon in needle arts for her cross-stitch picture.
- Amaya R. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) presented a poster about rabbits, for which she won a blue ribbon. She also earned a purple ribbon for her Holland lop senior doe rabbit and a red ribbon in the pets category for her trifold board about how to care for cats. Additionally, she presented a demonstration, “Talking About Blood Sugar Levels and Demonstrating How to Test Blood Sugar,” for which she won a blue ribbon.
- Lindsey R. (Riverside Club) merited 3rd place and a blue ribbon for her registered Maine Anjou beef steer, as well as a green ribbon in showmanship. She was also an interview finalist in the market beef category for grades 9-13.
- Grace S. (Elmore Soaring Eagles Club) achieved 7th place and a blue ribbon for her crossbred market barrow pig. She was also an interview finalist in the swine category for grades 9-13
- Macy S. (Barber Flyers Club) won Reserve Champion Heavyweight Barrow and Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow, 2nd place and a purple ribbon for her crossbred market barrow pig. She attended the Purple Ribbon Auction, where her pig was purchased by a group made up of Minnesota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Agency, Farmers Union Industries and Alltech.
The Faribault County 4-H office congratulates these youth on their hard work and successes!