Minnesota 4-H depends on the skills, talents and dedication of hundreds of adult judges. They make possible our county fairs and other competitive events across the state.
To be a judge, you don't need to be 4-H alum or an expert. You do need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done. We will train you to do that.
Once you are signed up as a judge and have done your basic training, your name will be in our judges database, which 4-H staff use to locate judges for events. Some projects require specialist judging training. Judges can be paid for their time and travel expenses.
Find out how to become a judge.
Current 4-H judges
If you're already a 4-H judge in Minnesota, you are likely listed in our database of judges; log in to your 4-H judges profile or learn more about accessing your judges profile.
For assistance, contact us at fourh@umn.edu or 612-624-8191.
How to be a judge
- Judges must be at least 19 years old and no longer eligible to enroll in 4-H.
- Horse judges must complete specialist training. Learn how to become a 4-H horse judge.
- Learn how to become a 4-H dog judge.
If you prefer, you can complete and send this (paper) application form instead of applying online. For assistance, contact us at 612-624-2116 or fourh@umn.edu.
Creating high-quality 4-H conference judging experiences
All Minnesota 4-H judges are invited to take this online course.
Our job in 4-H is to build blue ribbon young people -- not blue ribbon projects! It's important for judges to know how best to interact with young people and how to help them learn and grow through this experience. For 4-H members, a judge is a very special person. In many cases members have spent significant time preparing their projects for exhibit. The judge at the fair or showcase event is there to help them reflect and apply what they have learned.
At the completion of this training, conference judges will be able to
- Describe the domains of a high-quality youth program experience
- Choose appropriate questions and responses when communicating as a 4-H judge
- Guide a high-quality learning experience for young people
This training has three parts and will take about 45 minutes
- Downloading and printing three handouts - 5 minutes
- Viewing the Course Module "Creating Quality 4-H Conference Judging Experiences: A training for 4-H Judges" - 30-35 minutes
Specialist training
Some projects require specialist judging training. For example, horse project judging. After you have applied, a staff member will notify you if any special training is required.
Create a high-quality judging experience
- A welcoming atmosphere
- Reflection
- Encouragement
Practical strategies to support youth with encouragement
As a 4-H judge, your comments and questions can encourage and support youth!
Cloverbud judge information sheet
It is important that 4-H Cloverbud evaluators understand the importance of their role with our youngest members. Judges should model the positive behavior we wish children to develop.
- Evaluations sheets (view example) are available in nearly all 4-H project areas.
- They are on every 4-H project web page under "Fair information" and "Showing at the fair."
Judging 4-H projects is fun and rewarding
Reviewed in 2019