4-H Animal Science Programs

2009 Quality Assurance Ethics Training Information access a table of statewide trainings information listed by county and updated regularly. Dates added as they become available.

Animal Science Enhancement Funds ~ Grants up to $450.00

2009/2010 MLBA Animal Science Enhancement Fund Application
2009/2010 MLBA Animal Science Enhancement Fund Guidelines

All Animal Science Enthusiasts are encouraged to to apply for 2009 funding for creative projects.
Note: The deadline for Fall 2009 applications is October 1st for winter/spring programs. The deadline for Spring 2010 applications is April 1st for summer/fall programs.

Congratulations Spring 2009 Grant Awardees!
Spring 2009 Grant Awardee Letter
Spring 2009 Awardee List

To assist you with your application for a MLBA Animal Science Enhancement Fund Award, you can view the summaries of awarded grants, letter to grant recipients and awarded applications below. These applications are not for duplication but suggestions for a completed and awardable application.

Becker County ~ 2008 Acres of Adventure with Agriculture
Dakota, Goodhue, Scott Washington Counties ~ Exploring Careers in Agriculture
Jackson County ~ Grow 'em and Show 'em Livestock Workshop
Chippewa County ~ 2008 I Wanna Be A Famer After School Club Application
Jackson County ~ 2008 4-H Livestock Extravaganza Application
Blue Earth County ~ 2007 4-H Poultry Workshop Application
Kandiyohi County Extension ~ Let’s Grow a Pizza Application

MN 4-H Horse Helmet Policy (full policy available at this link) ~ The Minnesota 4-H Horse Association has adopted a policy that will require 4-Hers to use helmets when riding horse at 4-H events and activities. The Center for 4-H & Community Youth Development strongly supports this policy and applauds the 4-H Horse Association for their commitment to providing safe activities for all 4-Hers. The policy states…

All 4-Hers participating in any 4-H sponsored mounted activity are required to wear properly fastened ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear. Helmet use is required when mounted. This policy also extends to 4-H volunteers when they are working with 4-H youth in a 4-H volunteer role during mounted activities.

4-H Involvement in WSCA SHOWS (full policy available at this link) ~ Many County 4-H Horse Programs have successfully used sponsorship of a WSCA Show as a fund raiser. The helmet policy, however, would mean that all riding classes offered to 4-H-age youth (grade 13 and under) would need to wear a helmet. This requirement would not qualify the show as an official WSCA Show with WSCA points awarded. Thus, 4-H programs cannot sponsor a WSCA Show.

Minnesota 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics Policy
-- access the document above for details of the
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat and dairy goat and lama must have completed the a Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics workshop. Certification is good for three fair seasons. The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place.
Note: Since 2006, pre-State Fair age 4-Hers are recommended to be certified. Some counties do, however, require certification of pre-State Fair age 4-Hers for participation at the county fair. It should be recognized that counties policies might be stricter than this state policy.

Minnesota 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics Training Materials

New in 2009
In 2009, ALL youth will receive a $30 cash award for completing a public presentation (both livestock and non-livestock) at the Minnesota State Fair!
Public Presentations Include: Demonstrations, Livestock Demonstrations, Illustrated Presentations, and Youth in Action

Clarification Around Cloverbuds & Animal Activities - The Minimum Requirements for a Risk Management Plan in 4-H Cloverbud Activities, which monitors the roles of all partners in a Cloverbud show experience, indicates that a parent/responsible person will be with the Cloverbud at all times when in the presence of an animal or when using equipment that is potentially dangerous.

Minnesota 4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction visit this site to learn more about the Purple Ribbon Auction at the 2005 Minnesota State Fair, see results from the 2008 Purble Ribbon Auction and learn more about the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association.

Beef Showmanship Scorecard - developed to serve as a guide for Beef Showmanship
Contests at the Minnesota State Fair, County Fairs, and other Regional Youth Beef Shows.
The “4-H Beef Showmanship Scorecard” is intended for use with Market Beef, Breeding
Beef, Dairy Steer, Cow/Calf, and Prospect Calf Exhibits.