Washington County 4-H Newsletter
July 16, 2026
Welcome Lani Xiong to Washington County!
Lani (pronounced LAH-nee) Xiong has accepted the position as 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator in Washington County. Lani graduated from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in Public Health and Community Health Education.
Since 2021, Lani has served as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Health and Wellness Coordinator with University of Minnesota Extension's Department of Family, Health, and Wellbeing. In this role, she promoted healthy eating, active lifestyles, and food resource management among limited-resource families and communities. Her work included delivering hands-on nutrition education, leading cooking demonstrations, building community partnerships, and empowering families to make healthy choices within their budgets. While working with Extension, Lani earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, further strengthening her passion for community-based education and youth development.
In her free time, Lani enjoys cooking and trying new foods, tending to her garden, traveling, and learning about different cultures. She especially enjoys exploring how food, traditions, and community bring people together, and is always excited to discover new experiences and perspectives.
Lani is excited to join Washington County 4-H because she believes young people learn best through hands-on experiences. She looks forward to helping youth discover new interests, develop leadership and life skills, build meaningful connections, and gain the confidence to make a positive impact in their communities.
Rabbit Project Summer Practices continue July 19
Fair season is almost here! Join us at the rabbit barn for some fun, learning, and hands-on practice with your rabbits.
Practice Dates
- Sun, July 19: 3–5 PM
- Mon, July 20: 4–6 PM
- Sun, July 26: Practice & Cage Assembly from 3–5 PM
We'll be practicing rabbit agility, showmanship, and rabbit knowledge to help everyone feel confident and ready for the fair. Whether you're brand new to rabbits or have been showing for years, there's something for everyone!
We're also excited to announce that two brand-new agility events will be making their debut this year. Want a sneak peek? Come to practice and be among the first to try them out!
New this year: We're adding one Monday evening practice on July 20 to give members who can't usually attend Sunday practices a chance to join the fun.
Cloverbuds are welcome to participate with the help of an adult.
Stay up-to-date on important dates, practices, weather, and project news by joining the Rabbit Project BAND group: https://band.us/n/aca6b51fc9s6W
Pleasure Schooling Clinic - July 20
Only a few spots remain! Washington County is offering a Pleasure Schooling Clinic on July 20th at the Washington County fairgrounds from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We are excited Tina Langness will be our expert clinician. She is an active 4-H Judge in MN, WI and IA, as well as a Professional Horsewoman through AQHA, APHA, PtHA and PHBA. She has a long career in training, showing, judging, and conducting clinics. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to ask questions and get instruction on what you can do better, but also learn what judges are looking for, how classes are scored, how deductions are determined, and what tack and equipment is required in 4-H pleasure classes. You will have the chance to run through some schooling classes; for example, get experience learning and riding a pattern class, showmanship tips, and learn the difference between Western Pleasure and Ranch Pleasure. Bring your questions. Register now to secure your spot! Deadline to register is 5 p.m. July 17th. Registrations will be limited to 15 riders. If we do not have a minimum of five registrations, we will have to cancel the clinic. Tell your friends and get a chance to ride in the main arena before the County fair 4-H horse show! We will also be available to answer questions from parents and 4-Hers about day of show procedures, entry office procedures, rules and requirements for showing at the county fair 4-H horse show.
Sign up today! https://z.umn.edu/PleasureHorseClinic
Read your 2026 Washington County Fair Information/Premium Book!
The county fair is almost here! The county fair is the highlight for the majority of 4-H’ers and their families! You won’t want to miss the fun, friendships and learning that the fair experience offers! Everything you need to know about the fair can be found in the 2026 Washington County Fair Information/Premium Book found here; https://z.umn.edu/WashCoPremiumBook
If you have questions, contact our office at mnext-washington@umn.edu
Judge's Assistants Needed
We are still looking for Judge’s assistants in both general project and livestock areas! Being a Judge's Assistant is a highly rewarding job and a great way to learn more about the variety of projects that can be completed in 4-H such as photography, invention, clothing, and crafts. Judges assistants are needed on July 25th from 9:45 am-12:30 pm and from 12:45-4:00 pm for general projects/Dog Show and from July 29th-August 2nd for livestock. Judges assistants help keep the project book updated with ribbon placing, help organize the projects, and make sure the judge has enough ribbons and supplies. We are in need of more judge’s assistants, so if you are available throughout the fair, please click this link to sign up!
If you have any questions please contact Ingrid Medgyesy imedgyes@umn.edu
County Fair Food Stand Sign Up! Spots still open
Washington County has a wonderful Food Stand Committee! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! All families are expected to volunteer time in the Food Stand during the fair. Shifts are available on all 5 days of the fair, vary in length, and type of work. Please read the instructions on the SignUp Genius so you understand the expectations. Cloverbuds must be accompanied by an adult! Clubs and designated project areas will receive financial incentives based on the number of youth and adults that sign up from each club! Sign-up here: 2026 Food Stand sign up genius! Extended family and friends can sign up too and designate their time to your club/project area!
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training
If you missed Washington/Dakota’s in-person training on June 12, please find another option and get certified before the county fair!
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama/alpaca must have completed Livestock Quality Assurance Training prior to the Washington County Fair. Certification is good for 3 fair seasons. To check your LQA status for 2026, log into your family account, click on member, and then click on ‘trainings’ for that member (left column). If LQA is current, it will be listed; if nothing is listed, you will need to complete the 2026 LQA training.
If you are due to be certified, there are two training options available;
Option 1 - LQA&E face-to-face Training
Participation in a face-to-face 3-hour Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) training is offered in various locations around the state. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. This training is designed for 4-Hers in 6th grade and up. Typically, Level I is designed for grades 6 - 8th, and Level II is designed for grades 9th - 13. 4-Hers completing grades 6-8 may be certified in either Level I or Level II. The determination of which Level to certify at for grades 6-8 should be based on the livestock project experience the 4-Her possesses. To find in-person options, go to: LQA & E in-person options
Option 2 - YQCA online Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online course offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. The cost of this training is $12/child and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. Since training is good for one fair season, it will need to be completed annually. This is a nationally offered program, and the registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training. To access information on how to complete the YPCA course, go to: Youth for the Quality Care of Animal Instructions LQA & E Trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care, and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training in our county will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters.
Judging Day Schedule
General project judging will be held on Saturday, July 25!
The following schedule is for general exhibits (non-animal and animal educational exhibits) at the county fair including Pet Show. All other live animals are judged separately on different days.
General exhibits are judged in the Youth Activities Building on the Washington County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 25 during the following times;
10:00 am - 12:30 pm Conference Judging
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Judges Lunch break (no judging)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Conference judging continued
4:00 pm Conference Judging ends
Exhibits are released on Sunday, August 2 at 8:00 PM. No exceptions, this is a fair rule. Taking projects early from the building will forfeit premiums. You also have the option to pick up projects Monday morning, Aug. 3 at the fairgrounds. They will be left unattended after 12:00 PM and tossed after clean up that evening at 6:00 PM.
Season Passes
Everyone pays to get into the fairgrounds! Even when you come to volunteer in the Food Stand you will need to pay admission to the fairgrounds. NO SEASON PASSES WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATES.
Daily Admission
Ages 8 and over - $12
Age 7 and under – FREE
PARKING IS FREE
ADVANCED SALE TICKETS – purchase before July 29
Pack of 5 Admission Tickets, valid any day of the fair
Ages 8 and over - $30
Ages 7 and under – Free
4-H Families - Advanced Season tickets (pack of 5- $30) will be available on Saturday, July 25th during General Project Judging in the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds. Please bring correct cash or a check (written to Washington County Ag Society) We will not have a credit card option. Or you may purchase your pre-sale tickets in the Fair Office in Building "B" on Monday, July 27, 9am - 9pm; or Tuesday, July 28, 9 am - 9 pm.
***No Pack of 5 Tickets will be sold once the fair begins.***
Individuals must present ticket to receive a wristband for re-entry as they leave.
***NOTE Any vehicle inside the fairgrounds must have a hanging parking tag! Tags will be mailed to 4-H families who are bringing animals to the fair on July 20.
***NO campers are allowed on the fairgrounds until Monday of county fair week! Check out the Washington County Ag Society website for more information about camping! https://washingtoncountyfair.org/camping/
2026 Mini Minnesota Meats registration is LIVE!
2026 Mini Minnesota Meats registration is LIVE! Sign up with your team of 3-4 4-H members grades 6-13 to participate in this popular cooking competition at this year's Washington County Fair. New this year: only the first eight teams to register will be accepted!
Teams will be given one pound of ground beef, condiments, other ingredients, a grill, and miscellaneous utensils and will have 40 minutes to prepare a dish judged on flavor, presentation, and team knowledge. Teams will compete for cool prizes and the title of 2026 WASHINGTON COUNTY 4-H MINI MINNESOTA MEATS CHAMPION.
View more details and sign up your team at z.umn.edu/minimeats26.
Become an Livestock Auction Buyer
BUYERS ARE WINNERS TOO • By becoming a buyer, you reward a 4-Her for achieving excellence in production. YOU inspire youth to go on to greater success. • This is a PREMIUM ONLY auction, buyers do not get the animal. • Youth understand it is an honor to qualify for the 4-H Auction. This is your opportunity to help these youth celebrate their success and encourage them to greater heights of achievement. Livestock plays a major role in youth development and education. • Buyers lend support to the Washington County agricultural economy and the livestock industry. Animal agriculture is an indispensable base for the economy of Minnesota and the United States.
4-H Graduates at the Fair!
Start working on your posters and sharing your 4-H memories! We are looking forward to acknowledging you at this years County Fair. We would appreciate having a poster board of you displaying pics of your 4-H memories/experiences. These posters will be on display in the 4-H building during the county fair. Please bring your poster to our office in the 4-H building on General Judging Day, Saturday, July 25 between 10-4. Or the first day of the fair.
4-H Graduation application - Due NOW
Washington County 4-H youth who plan to graduate out of 4-H this year (your last year of 4-H, typically one year post high school) are encouraged to complete the 2026 Graduation Application Youth who complete the Graduation Application will be recognized during the Sunday Night Awards (August 2) at County Fair. Graduation Applications are due ASAP. Please email them to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Vegetable judging reference
We're excited to introduce the new 4-H vegetable judging reference guide a hands-on resource designed to help youth develop confidence and skill in evaluating vegetable quality like true horticulture professionals. Filled with practical judging tips and easy-to-understand standards, the guide teaches participants how to evaluate size, shape, color, maturity, and overall quality across a variety of vegetable crops. Preparing for a county fair, judging youth will gain valuable skills in observation, decision-making, and communication. This updated guide modernizes and replaces outdated materials for vegetable judging while serving as a valuable resource for youth, volunteers, coaches, and fair judges alike. The vegetable judging reference guide is intended to be used not only for participant preparation but also as a consistent reference for judges’ books and evaluation standards at local and regional events. As a shared, up-to-date resource, the guide helps strengthen consistency, learning, and enthusiasm for plant science and agricultural education across the 4-H program.
Community Impact Recognition
Have any of your projects made a positive difference in your community? Earn recognition at the county fair for your Community Impact by showing it in your exhibit and telling the judge about it.z.umn.edu/4HCommunityImpact
This is awarded by the judge, so please mention it during your conference judging.
Champion Program
Dear Friends of 4-H,
We are excited to return to the Washington County Fair for our 26th season of the Grand Champion
Program. This program recognizes youth who receive grand champion awards during their county fair exhibition, is staffed by youth and adult volunteers, and is made possible by sponsors from the community. The Grand Champion Program has grown successfully and continues its efforts in
recognition of positive goals and inspiration.
For a tax-deductible sponsorship fee of $25, the Grand Champion 4-Her in your selected project area will receive a specially designed Champion t-shirt. The 4-H champions proudly wear their t-shirts during the county and state fairs, and often throughout the entire year. If you are interested in this opportunity to sponsor a champion, please complete the attached sponsorship form. Sponsors can request specific project areas, which are prioritized by the order received.
In return for your generosity, sponsors will receive a certificate with their award recipient’s photograph and a written thank you card. The lasting impact earning a Grand Champion has for a 4-Her is significant. Youth dedicate time to their projects, learn lifelong skills and cherish the opportunity to display their work to the community.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request; this program and the recognition provided to 4-H youth could not be possible without the support of our 4-H community.
We appreciate you and all you do for our program!
Sincerely,
Champion Program Team
Washington County 4-H
How Do I know if I received a State Fair Trip?
State Fair Trip winner boards are located in the 4-H building on the Washington County Fairgrounds. There will be a trifold board listing the 4-H’ers who qualified for State Fair trips. A colored sticker is used to accept or decline State Fair trips. Please come to the 4-H office to confirm your trip and a staff member will assist you. PLEASE confirm your State Fair trip and pick up your State Fair packet at the 4-H office on the fairgrounds ASAP. If you are out of town (after the conference judging), it is your responsibility to connect with another 4-H family to find out if you won a State Fair Trip and complete the online registration. Completed paperwork, payment and ticket pick up is expected by Sunday, August 2. (Cash, check or card will be accepted for payments).
Meaning of colored stickers used for State Fair Trip winners.
Green - Yes! I will for sure take this State Fair trip!
Red - No, I will not take this State Fair trip.
Blue - I will take this State Fair trip if it becomes available to me.
State Fair or State Show Eligibility
Members selected to represent the county at the State Fair and State Horse Show must have completed sixth grade.
Members selected to represent the county at the State Dog Show must have completed third grade.
General Project State Fair Trips, State Dog Trips and State Horse Show trips must be confirmed and packets completed by 7:00 pm on Friday, July 31.
Livestock Trips must be confirmed and packets picked up no later than noon on Sunday, August 2.
First time State Fair participants are strongly encouraged to attend the State Fair Orientation meeting at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 1 in the 4-H building.
Livestock youth will meet in their respective barns on Sunday, August 2, at 2:00 pm to discuss State Fair plans!
-Trips for State Fair, State Horse Show, and State Dog Show will be selected from blue ribbon exhibits only.
-Judges for each project area determine who will be selected for state trips.
-Horse Trips are earned through a point system.
State Fair Exhibit Drop Off & Pick Up
*REMEMBER: State Fair exhibits may not be left at the county fair for staff to haul to the Extension Office. All exhibits will need to be taken home from the County Fair, packed, boxed, covered, etc. and brought back to the Extension Office on either Monday, August 10 or Tuesday, August 11 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Any project that is oversized, motorized, or very fragile projects will need to be transported to the State Fair by the 4-H member’s family August 24 between 9:00 - 11:00 AM to the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
State Fair projects transported from the State Fair by office staff will be available for pick up from the Extension office starting September 9 & 10 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. After that date, please schedule an appointment by emailing Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu
Join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team!
If you're in grades 7-13, we want you to join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team. The Ambassadors meet once a month at the Washington County Government Center and plan Cloverbud Workshops, Service Projects, Social events - all while building their leadership skills and having fun! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
Open House season is right around the corner!
Find new 4-H members by promoting your 4-H club and the county program at your local school’s open house! The Extension Office will provide you with an “open house kit” that includes fun giveaways, brochures, QR codes, enrollment info, and more! Email Lani at xion1389@umn.edu to learn more and reserve a kit
**Seeking 4-H Volunteers!**
Are you a family or club looking for a community service project? Consider helping us promote 4-H at the Lake Elmo Farmers Market, located at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The market operates on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, from June through October 17 (please note there will be no market on July 4, July 25, and August 1).
We will provide promotional materials, a tent, and a table, while you bring a friendly face to answer questions about 4-H. You can participate every week, every other week, or just once a month—it's entirely up to you!
If you're interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact our office at mnext-washington@umn.edu We look forward to hearing from you!
Interested in being a State Fair chaperone?
Would you like to hang out with some wonderful 4-H’ers at the Great Minnesota Get-together? We are looking for chaperones for the Washington County youth that will be heading to the state fair for livestock and general projects. Livestock Encampment is August 26 - 30, our General Encampment is over Labor Day weekend Sept. 5 - 7. We will need chaperones to commit at the county fair since paperwork is processed immediately after the county fair. ALL chaperones must be screened adults (21 years or older). To become a screened adult, go to; How to become a screened 4-H volunteer!
Code of Conduct
As fair season begins, it's important to remember that every interaction—in the barns, in the 4-H buildings, food stand, and beyond—reflects our commitment to positive youth development.
The Minnesota 4-H code of conduct is a shared standard of behavior between members, volunteers, and parents to create an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment. It helps ensure that our events are welcoming and fair for all who are involved.
Whether you’re in the show ring, helping behind the scenes, or cheering from the stands, your actions help shape the tone of the event. We ask everyone to review and honor the Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct during the fair. Together, we can create a space where youth feel supported, encouraged, and proud to be part of the 4-H program.
All Abilities Family 4-H Camp
Are you looking for a fun-filled weekend outdoors for a young person in your family who has a disability? This overnight family camp is a great place for youth with disabilities and their caregivers, parents and siblings. In other words, this is a camp for the whole family!
Who: Youth with disabilities and their families, including school age siblings enrolled in 4-H or adult siblings. Families will be housed together. As part of the camp experience, families will participate in some activities all together and there will also be various groupings of youth and/or adults for other camp activities. All youth grades 3-13 are welcome.
Location: Camp Eden Woods, 6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Date: September 18-20, 2026
Cost: $175/camper; $75/parent or caregiver.
Additional Details: Registration closes on September 4, 2026
Registration: Register in 4-H Online (https://mn.4honline.com)
Contact: Leah Larson, lars3286@umn.edu, 612-624-7752
Tasty Snacks: Make Your Own Snack Adventure
Looking for a fun and engaging way to build your youth's kitchen independence this summer? Join us for Tasty Snacks: Make Your Own Snack Adventure, a free virtual program designed for youth in grades 3-6. It’s an incredible opportunity for our young youth to learn essential life skills, practice food safety, and build confidence in the kitchen—all from the comfort of home.
This program is more than just a cooking class; it’s a chance for your youth to develop an independent mindset and helpful lifestyle skills, ensuring they are ready to make smart, healthy food choices moving forward.
Event Details
Who: Open to all youth in grades 3-6.
What: Tasty Snacks: Make Your Own Snack Adventure
When: August 10-13, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily.
Where: Virtual via Zoom (link and ingredient list sent one week prior).
Cost: FREE.
Registration: Open now and closes on August 7 in 4-H Online.
Registration Link: Sign up via 4-H Online or access details directly at https://z.umn.edu/grades3-6.
Contact: For assistance, please contact Samantha Schindler at schin143@umn.edu.
Learn about volunteering with 4-H
4-H volunteers contribute to youth thriving. They make their communities stronger and develop skills they can use in other settings. These are all great reasons to take a step to becoming a volunteer—If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start there are steps you can take to learn more:
- Complete our volunteer interest form. The info you share will be given to 4-H staff so they can work with you to find or create a volunteer role that meets your skills, interests, and availability.
- Reach out directly to your local 4-H staff to inquire about specific volunteer opportunities in your community.
Whether you join us for one day or for multiple events, we value the impact we make together for our youth and our communities! For more information contact MN4-HVol@umn.edu.
Families and youth
University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We create and support positive non-formal learning opportunities for youth. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/working-youth/contacts-families-and-youth
Food, health and nutrition
University of Minnesota Extension improves food literacy, physical activity, food safety and healthy food access for Minnesotans and the food service industry. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/food-health-and-nutrition
Yard and garden
The best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota gardeners, homeowners and hobbyists to grow healthy lawns, landscapes and gardens. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden
Roles of Local Youth Educators
Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Foods & Creative Arts projects and Food Stand.
Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Overnight/Day Camps, Dog, Goat, Cloverbud workshops.
Lani Xiong - STEM, New Families, Promotion, Outreach, and Project Workshops.
Contact information is listed below.