The Minnesota State Fair was a success once again for our Goodhue County 4-H members. Goodhue County sent 163 youth to the state fair to participate in Livestock Shows, Livestock Judging Contests, General Projects, Arts In, Public Demonstrations, Chef for a Day and much more!
Throughout the year, 4-H youth select project areas that reflect personal areas of interest and pursue hands-on learning that is both self-directed and guided by adult volunteers. The results of their learning are exhibited at county fairs across the state. A collection of the best exhibits and livestock from each county fair is brought to present in the 4-H Building and barns at the Minnesota State Fair.
Education is integral in the “learn by doing” philosophy of 4-H. As part of the educational component, Minnesota 4-H requires every youth participating in the livestock encampment to take part in a livestock interview. Examples of the interview process include an online knowledge test, skill-a-thons, and personal interviews about their project area.
Along with interviews, all 4-H youth participating in livestock programming are required to complete the Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) Training. Through this certification, youth are educated on biosecurity, educating the public on the role of livestock, and caring for their animal’s welfare.
Exhibiting project work and delivering public presentations at the state fair provides youth an opportunity to showcase their achievements and continue learning.
This year the Dairy Project had another great showing at the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Showcase and had 7 outstanding participants based on their dairy industry knowledge, 4-H dairy project involvement, along with state fair dairy show results. Congratulations to Ben Scheffler (Zumbrota), Garrett Pearson (Red Wing) and Hannah Gudknecht (Wanamingo). Additionally, Cora Foss (Kenyon), Grant Clemenson (Zumbrota), Gracie Pearson (Red Wing) and Clara Benrud (Goodhue) were named to the Dairy Showcase “Rising Star” Program. The Rising Star program honors youth who have completed 6th through 8th grades to encourage younger 4-H members to participate in the 4-H dairy showcase.
Goodhue County was fortunate to have 3 youth participate in the State Fair Purple Ribbon Auction this year. Gabby Peters (Zumbrota) with her dairy steer, Logan Dicke (Goodhue) with his swine and Colby Dohrn (Zumbrota) with a sheep.
The General Livestock Judging Team members included: Brooke Betcher (Mazeppa), Haley Betcher (Mazeppa), Amelia Kispert (Kenyon), Abby Dicke (Goodhue), Trevin Dicke (Goodhue), Jeffrey Jenson (Welch), Kendra Neeser (Red Wing), Leia Patterson (Kenyon), Avery Stark (Cannon Falls), and Blake Stark (Cannon Falls). The intermediate team places second, and the senior team placed 5th!
The Dairy Judging team members included: Clara Benrud (Goodhue), Macy Chamberlain (Zumbrota), Grant Clemenson (Zumbrota), Troy Clemenson (Zumbrota), Cora Foss (Kenyon), Hanna Gudknecht (Wanamingo), Lily Hovel (Cannon Falls) Garrett Pearson (Red Wing), Gracie Pearson (Red Wing), Ben Scheffler (Zumbrota), Liesl Veiseth (Zumbrota). The combined team with Olmsted County advanced to the National 4-H Contest at the All American Dairy Show in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the Parents, Chaperones, Volunteers, and Mentors who help our 4-H youth succeed in all that they do! We would not have the successes we have achieved without all of you.
Congratulations to all the Goodhue County youth who participated in 4-H at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair!
With more than 175 screened adult volunteers, 700+ 4-H members, and 18 4-H clubs across the county, Goodhue County is ranked one of the largest 4-H programs in Minnesota. To find out more information about 4-H, or to locate a 4-H club in your area, please visit the 4-H website at extension.umn.edu/local/goodhue, or contact the Goodhue County 4-H Staff, at the Goodhue County Extension Office at (651) 385-3100, schw1348@umn.edu or gebha162@umn.edu
More Minnesota State Fair results and photos can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/fair-results
