Sibley County 4-H Newsletter
July 2026 - No Newsletter in August
Mark your calendars for TUESDAY, July 28, 2026! This will be the entry day for NON-LIVESTOCK projects. We will have conference judging from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on TUESDAY. After judging is over on Tuesday, we will be closing the building and placing the final placings on the projects and will reopen the building WEDNESDAY at 1:00 p.m. At that time you will be able to see the final placings of all the exhibits.
4-H conference judging and evaluation is designed to be a learning experience so members may explain their decision and goals relating to their project to those who are evaluating the exhibit. It is also important for youth and families to understand that conference judging is an appropriate time to ask questions of the judge about other possible methods, techniques or solutions to problems encountered when completing the project.
Judges or evaluators will ask 4-Hers questions to perceive the scope of their project activities and understanding of their workmanship in the exhibit. Putting some time into preparing yourself for your evaluation conference or interview will make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you. Begin by:
Presenting a neat and clean personal appearance.
Not chewing gum or having other distractions during interview.
Knowing some basic information about your exhibit and project work throughout the year – ask yourself what the judge might ask about your project (sample questions are listed below).
Most non-livestock exhibits are judged 50% on the quality of the exhibit and 50% on the exhibitor’s knowledge. It is very important that members be present for their project evaluation so their knowledge is included in the ribbon placing.
Questions that might be asked in any non-livestock are:
Why did you choose this item for exhibit? Where did you get your idea?
What other items have you made or what other activities have you done in this project area during the year?
What did you learn from your project work and specifically from preparing this exhibit?
How did you make the product?
What was the most difficult thing you encountered in preparing your exhibit? What was the most enjoyable?
What could you do to improve your exhibit?
What are your goals in this project?
What sources did you use in getting information for your exhibit? People, books, etc.
How will you use this information or item? How will you care for it?
ATTENTION: On TUESDAY, July 28, you will NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the main gates of the Fairgrounds (South Gate). You will only be allowed to enter through the WEST GATE (off of County Road 9). There will be no parking allowed past the 4-H Foodstand and Sheep Barns. This will allow for vendors and machinery dealers to deliver their products without us being in their way. These rules will be STRICTLY ENFORCED.
Livestock will not be allowed to come into the fair until Wednesday, July 29 – NO EXCEPTIONS. NO livestock will be allowed to be housed on Tuesday. HOWEVER, ALL LIVESTOCK must be in place 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.
Demonstration Day and Food Revue
Demonstration Day and the Food Revue is set for Monday, July 13 at The Warehouse, 106 N. Carver St., Winthrop. The Food Revue will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. Demonstrations will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. Please let Joleen know if you need any equipment for your demonstration and your title. If you are participating in the Food Revue, Joleen will need your recipe to include in the cookbook.
Clothing Achievement Day
Sibley County Showcase Day is set for Monday, July 13 at The Warehouse, 106 N. Carver St., Winthrop. We will be judging Fashion Review, Clothing Construction and Quilts starting about noon. Look for a letter that was emailed the last week of June to all clothing and quilting project members. If you did not receive, please let Connie or Joleen know.
Performing Arts, Share the Fun and Public Fashion Revue
Performing Arts and Share The Fun judging set for Monday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. at The Warehouse, 106 N Carver St, Winthrop. This year we are also combining Fashion Revue with Performing Arts and Share the Fun. All 4-Hers and the public are invited to attend. Please register your Performing Arts in Fair Entry! Please contact the office with the title of your Performance or Share the Fun skit and if you need any equipment for your performance.
Move, Munch, Make Day Camp
Camp Drip Drop
County Fair 101
With many newer families to 4-H in recent years, we will be hosting a County Fair 101 on Thursday, July 16th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Sibley County fairgrounds, 801 West Chandler Street, Arlington. A light supper will be served. Come learn where to find anything you need during the fair, when to arrive at the fair, where all the animal shows are held and get all of your questions answered. For more information please call 507-237-4100.
Attention Livestock Exhibitors
For the safety and well-being of our fair animals, it is important for us to take good care of them. It is especially important that the public see clean and cared for 4-H animals at the fair. Herdsmanship rules (located in your premium book) are different in all species areas, but we need to be sure that our animals and their area is neat at all times.
The fairboard has asked that we not use any round bales at the fair. They are difficult and messy to use. They also ask that on Sunday night the trucks and trailers not park ahead of time in front of the building. The animals cannot be released before 6:00 p.m. and therefore no vehicles should be taking up that front door space. Also a reminder to use the manure containers for only manure and the garbage containers for only garbage. Thanks in advance for following these procedures!
A good reminder if you have questions about any state requirements regarding dates, ids, and vaccinations, etc. they can be found on the animal science requirements in your past newsletter or by checking the most current state web page at http://www.bah.state.mn.us
Gear Up Now for the State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 20 through Monday, September 7, 2026. Livestock Encampment dates will be Wednesday, August 19 – Sunday, August 23. Our Non-Livestock General Encampment will be Sunday, August 23 - Tuesday, August 25, 2026. A 4-Her must have completed sixth grade to accept a trip to the State Fair. The only exception to this rule is Share the Fun skit members. Check the poster in the 4-H Building to see if you are eligible for a State Fair Trip. If you are, pick up your State Fair Packet from the desk by Saturday at 2:00 p.m. If a member wins several trips and doesn't decide by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, the trip will be offered to the next in line for the trip. Complete all forms and attend the State Fair Trip Winners Meeting on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the 4-H Livestock Show Arena. You MUST attend this meeting if you plan on going to the State Fair.
THE PURPOSE OF THE RIBBON AUCTION:
Promote the positive development of young people by providing opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
Provide educational interaction between 4-H members and the public that is consistent and fair; allowing buyers to support positive youth development.
Teach young people skills in business management as they understand project investments and expenses through livestock or other project areas.
Reward 4-H members for exhibiting their projects at the County Fair.
Provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to generate funds that will go directly to the Sibley County 4-H Federation to continue current 4-H programs and expand programs in the future for all 4-H members. (20% of the proceeds go to support county-wide 4-H programs including camps and scholarships).
Businesses support our 4-H youth. The auction provides advertisements for businesses.
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES:
Cloverbuds are NOT eligible for the auction.
Each 4-H youth may sell only one ribbon.
Parents are requested not to bid on their own child’s entry.
Eligible projects: Purple, Blue and Red ribbons for Beef, Dairy,Dog, Goat (Dairy or Meat), Horse, Llama/Alpaca, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine or Purple or Blue ribbons for Non-livestock projects.
There will NOT be a cap on Champion or Reserve Champion showmanship ribbons.
There will be a cap for each project area:
Beef, Dairy, Horse - $525 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $450 for Blue, or $300 for Red
Goat, Llama/Alpaca, Sheep, Swine - $475 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $400 for Blue , or $250 for Red
Dog, Poultry, Rabbit - $450 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $375 for Blue, or $225 for Red
Non-Livestock Projects - $300 for Grand or Reserve Champion or $225 for Blue
Animals/Projects will not automatically be sold at the auction - ribbons only. If someone would like to purchase an auction animal, that would have to be done privately after the auction.
When cloverbuds and animals (including beef, cats,dairy, dogs, goats, horse, llama - alpaca, pets, poultry, rabbit, swine and sheep) are together at a 4-H program or participating at the county fair as a 4-H member, the following rules apply:
A responsible person1 must be with the cloverbud to guide and monitor their involvement at all times2, including but not limited to movement within and to and from the trailers, barns, wash racks, and show arena.
Families may choose one of two acceptable ways to guide and monitor involvement in non-mounted activities:
The responsible person1 is in control3 of the animal with the cloverbud at their side.
The cloverbud is in control3 of the animal with the responsible person1 at their side to assist or take control of the animal when needed or as directed by staff, volunteers or show managers.
When a cloverbud is mounted on a horse, the horse must always have a lead line and be under the control of the responsible person1.
Cloverbuds may safely interact with their animal through participation in a limited number of non-competitive classes at 4-H sponsored practice sessions/clinics, fun shows and county fairs. The purpose is to provide youth an opportunity to experience being in the ring with a judge present and to feel the pride that comes with this experience. Appropriate participation includes:
Cloverbuds may participate with beef, dairy, dog, goats, pets, poultry, rabbits, and swine in a Cloverbud Showmanship Class.
Cloverbuds may participate with a sheep in two classes: Cloverbud Showmanship and Cloverbud Lamb Lead.
Cloverbuds may participate with a llama - alpaca in two classes: Cloverbud Costume and Cloverbud Showmanship.
Cloverbuds may participate with a horse in three classes: Cloverbud Halter/Showmanship, Cloverbud Western Pleasure and Cloverbud Barrels. If the horse is used in a riding setting, the Cloverbud may sit on the back of the horse with a responsible person1 in control3 of the horse at all times2. Helmets are required for the Cloverbud in any riding setting.
Additional information can be found in the Cloverbuds Showcase Guide.