4-H livestock interviews

If you are wishing to be eligible for recognition beyond blue, red or white ribbons, you must first complete the interview process.

Interviews also qualify you for such recognition as purple ribbons, championships, showmanship, showcase and auction.

You must complete your interview prior to arrival at the state fair through an online computer-based presentation and knowledge assessment.

There will not be a make-up interview opportunity at the state fair. The exception is dairy, which will have in-person interview opportunities at the fair.

Approximately 20% of the exhibitors in each species will be selected to participate in a call-back interview for finalists at the beginning of the state fair livestock encampment. These finalists will receive recognition and will be properly recognized at their species show.

Interview process by species

Dairy exhibitors

Dairy exhibitor interviews are somewhat different than other species as they are scheduled on Friday. It has not changed from previous years. Dairy exhibitors should consult the dairy section of the premium book for times.

All other exhibitors (beef, dairy goat, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine)

1. All 4-H state fair livestock exhibitors are required to go through the interview process for their species. If this expectation is not met, the 4-H'er will be eligible to place no higher than a blue and is not eligible for purple, champion or the MLBA 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction. This includes showmanship awards.

2. There are two components to the interview test process – the educational podcast and the online test. 4-H'ers should first complete the educational podcast and then take the test associated with the animal they will show at the state fair. This can be done on any device with internet access. If you don’t have internet access, contact your local staff for assistance.

3. The answers for three questions on the test will come from the educational podcast, the rest of the questions will be species specific.

4. Exhibitors have 60 minutes to complete the podcast and test.

5. If an exhibitor takes the test more than once only the first score will count.

6. There will be no make-up interviews in 2023 (dairy is the exception due to on-campus experience).

7. All call-back and final interviews are scheduled at their regular locations on the fairgrounds, not on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul.

8. Interview finalists' names will be posted at the individual species office.

9. The educational podcast and interview test must be completed no later than 6 p.m. (NOTE: Different deadline dates for livestock exhibitors and llama-alpaca exhibitors):

   •  Tuesday, Aug. 22 for all beef, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine exhibitors

   • Tuesday, Aug. 29 for llama-alpaca exhibitors

All 4-H livestock exhibitors (except dairy) should select and complete their species' quiz based on the grade completed in 2023.