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University of Minnesota Extension reports strong 4‑H participation and dairy program success
Summary
University of Minnesota Extension staff reported growth in 4‑H participation, highlighted Wabasha County’s large dairy program and county fair results, and introduced interim educator Rose Grover and upcoming 4‑H events.
Lisa Dirks, regional director with University of Minnesota Extension, updated the Wabasha County Board on 4‑H summer programming, county fair results and volunteer contributions. Dirks said youth exhibiting numbers have rebounded since the COVID downturn and noted Wabasha County’s dairy program is among the largest in the state.
Dirks reviewed the top project areas, explained how livestock exhibit counts influence the number of state‑fair trips available to youth, and described the county’s livestock ribbon auction as a “ribbon auction” (buyers purchase ribbons, not animals). She said auction premium splits send a majority of buyer proceeds to youth exhibitors (blue ribbon ~46.5% to youth; reserve ~60%; grand champion ~73%) with portions supporting 4‑H and the fair board.
Dirks thanked adult volunteers and highlighted volunteer leader Kayla Sexton and the county’s dairy judging achievements, including a national win at Dairy Expo in Madison. She said 62 Wabasha County youth attended the state fair as exhibitors this year across livestock and general projects and highlighted a notable general project featuring a dehydrated‑curry food project.
Rose Grover introduced herself as interim 4‑H educator (on assignment through December) and summarized recent activities including a Halloween event and planning for the Nov. 9 awards banquet.
Board members asked no substantive follow‑up questions and expressed appreciation for staff and volunteers. No board action was taken.
