4-H at the Minnesota State Fair-Premiums

4-H at the
State Fair

4-H Premiums & Transportation Funds

Minnesota State Fair annually is our largest 4-H sponsor. A total of $71,000 has been allocated this year for premiums and member travel. An additional $225,000 is budgeted by the 4-H Department for judges' expenses, ribbons, feed and bedding, labor, gate entries, etc. Minnesota State Fair funds for premium and transportation will be calculated by the 4-H computer program and one check will be isued to each county 4-H program by the Minnesota State Fair Entry Department.

Premiums

Premium funds will be figured at a rate of $6 for all exhibitors and participants participating in premium based activities. No participant will receive more than one premium. A computer printout listing all participants from the county, the project area of exhibit, and the ribbon placing will be provided to each county as a guide for distribution of funds to individuals.

The suggested rates for premium distribution at the county level are $6 for purple and blue ribbon placings, $5 for red and $4 for white. With the above plan each county will have extra discretionary funds left over for each red and white ribbon placing. These funds may be used to add back a dollar for dairy and beef classes, which have been awarded a higher rating in the past.

Additional monies will be received from sponsors through the Minnesota 4-H Foundation for participants entered in other livestock special classes.

Additionally, please not that dairy exhibitors are NOT reimbursed for milk sales. Instead, the MN State Fair has set milk sales aside and uses those funds for building improvements.

Member Transportation

The Minnesota State Fair provides a transportation refund of approximately two cents ($.02) per mile for each 4-H participant including Share-the-Fun and County Arts-In. No transportation will be allowed if the member does not attend conference judging.

Livestock Transportation

Due to budget deficits the Minnesota Livestock Breeders' Association (MLBA) appropriation from the State of Minnesota were altered, causing MLBA to scrutinize their spending more carefully. As a result, the livestock transportation dollars will NOT BE OFFERED. Counties should plan their 2009 State Fair budgets accordingly.

updated 4/11/2009