Animal Science Academy

Topic: Each month we will have a general topic that applies to most species along with speakers. And, a current events regarding what is happening in 4-H regarding your animal project.

What is it? Animal Science Academy is designed for all youth who have interest in building their knowledge and skills working with animals. We are focusing on Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, and Swine.

Who? All 4-H enrolled youth grades Kindergarten through 1 year past high school (aka grade 13) are welcome!

Why? Participation in this program will take 4-H youth and their families through the year helping youth to learn more about animal care, 4-H exhibition requirements, assistance with animal ID, animal training, grooming and fitting, and so much more!

Questions? Refer your questions to Stacy Johnson at 507-637-4025 or skjohnso@umn.edu

Junior Superintendents -

• Application Due December 30
• Open to youth grades 9 and older
  
• Application form

County Fair Coordinator -

• Application Due December 30
• Open to youth grades 11 and older
• Application

• Redwood County 4-H Ribbon Auction Handbook and Forms - link is here

• Redwood County 4-H Horse Showcase Handbook and Forms - link is here

• Auction Booster Scholarship Application - Link is here

• Due December 31
• Open to current Redwood County 4-H members in good standing who have graduated from area high schools in the spring of previous year or are graduating in good standing in the spring of the current 4-H year.

• Minnesota 4-H Scholarships and Grants Opportunities - Link is here

1. Premium Book

• General Projects / animal science, vet science, exploring animals, and more - link is here
• Animal Science / all species - link is here

2. Fair Entry - Project Registration to show at county fair.

• Redwood County 4-H Fair Entry
• This is the program used to register what projects members are planning to exhibit at the Redwood County Fair.
• Use your 4honline.com account information to log in
• Fair entry link is here

3. Showmanship

• All youth are expected to participate in Showmanship Class for their age group.
• Register for showmanship in Fairentry.com when you are registering your projects to exhibit at the Redwood County Fair.

4. Interviews

• All youth are expected to participate in interviews.
• Register for interviews in Fairentry.com when you are registering your projects to exhibit at the Redwood County Fair. Interview judging occurs during the Redwood County Fair.
• Sign up for your interview time with the Barn Superintendent. Typically, sign ups happen along with the barn meeting.
• The interview will happen prior to your show and age group winners are awarded during your animal species show.
• Dress code for interviews:
• Clean clothing, shirts should be without sponsorship,
• No hats, no holes
• Show clothes are not expected

5. Pre and Post Fair Clean Up

• Pre-Fair - July 8, 2026 - youth exhibiting animals at the fair are expected to attend pre-fair clean up. Clean up begins at 6 pm.
• Post Fair - Load out can begin at 7 pm on Sunday of the county fair. All youth must fully clean their area and stalls and remain on the fair grounds until their species building is clean and/or the species superintendent releases 4-H members to go.
• Note: Sunday morning of the Redwood County Fair from 7 am - 9 am youth may remove tac and other items no longer needed. Trailers must be off grounds by 9 am.

6. What is a show box, equipment needed, and what to bring? Things to consider...........

• Show box to keep equipment/tack in/grooming products
• Registration Papers
• Feed
• Water pail and hose and Feed pan

• Broom, fork, wheelbarrow

• Bedding - discuss what, if any, additional bedding is needed with your species superintendent. 4-H provides woodchips.

• Fans, extension cords, zip ties, and grooming chute (optional)

• Clean rags, livestock soap, allowable grooming products - adhesives/foams & adhesive remover (optional)

• Rice root brush, curry comb, scotch comb, blower (optional), electric clippers

• Show Stick

• Halters: Cable halters may only be used as a show halter in the show ring. Cable halters may not be used to tie cattle in the barn or in the tie-outs.

7. Clothing Suggestion: Show Clothes

Bring proper show clothes to change into. Youth may use the changing station provided for use during the fair. The preferred show wear includes:

• long pants/jeans without holes
• button-down or polo shirt
• boots/closed-toed shoes - no exceptions
• No sponsorships may be included on the clothing, No hats, and no holes
• Harnesses, pins, or magnets may be used to display exhibitor numbers on the exhibitors back. Redwood County 4-H will provide the back tag number and safety pins. Members wanting to use harnesses or magnets should provide their own.
• Youth should carry a show stick, and have a comb in their pocket. It is preferred that animals have a leather or cable show halter.

We recommend saving your county fair t-shirt for the Ribbon Auction held Saturday morning of the county fair. More information on the auction and participation requirements are typically mailed by May.

8. Animal Check in at the fair - Redwood County 4-H Process

• Animals must be checked by the county fair veterinarian prior to entering the fairgrounds per MN Board of Animal Health Rules.
• The vets are available the Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning of county fair and located in the grass parking area across from the northern most fairgrounds gate.
• Details are available in the 4-H premium book
• Cloverbuds bringing their own animal must also comply with the vet check during our county fair animal science check in.

9. Truck/Trailers:

• Trailers may come onto the fairgrounds to off load your supplies and animals to their respective barns
• Trailers must be off the fairgrounds by 10 am Thursday of county fair
• Park trailers on the grass parking lot across from the northern most fairgrounds gate. Near the ball field.
• DO NOT set hitches onto the walking path
• DO set hitches on wood or similar barrier and place on the grass to prevent the hitch from digging into the ground.
• DO Lock your trailers.

10. Animal Exhibit Release during county fair:

• Cloverbuds may take their animal home following their species show.
• All other animal science exhibits and projects are required to remain on fairgrounds through the end of the fair.
• Exhibit dismissal is 7 pm Sunday of the county fair.

If you or a 4-H participant need disability-related or other accommodations to participate in this program or have questions about the physical accessibility of the event location, please contact Stacy J at 507-637-4025 or email skjohnso@umn.edu at registration or at least 2 weeks prior to the program or event. Late notice may limit our ability to provide requested accommodations.