4-H to train county fair judges in Hutchinson

June 21 and 28 training is $20; registration deadline is June 10th

On June 21 and 28, Minnesota Extension 4-H will hold 4-H Livestock Judge Training for individuals interested in judging county fair 4-H livestock shows. The two all-day trainings will be held at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. On June 21, training will be held for sheep, beef, rabbit and goat judging. On June 28, training will focus on dairy, swine, poultry and lama.

Participants will work on one species for the day, as well as individual class placings, ribbon distribution, State Fair line-ups and showmanship. There will also be a general session with tips on working positively with youth in livestock settings. The training is for adults already judging Minnesota county fair 4-H livestock shows as well as for beginners.

“The county fair judges training is designed to build a qualified pool of 4-H livestock judges in Minnesota and ensure the consistency of the judging process,” says Bradley W. Rugg, 4-H Fairs and Animal Science Program Director, Center for Youth Development, University of Minnesota.

The cost of the training is $20 per day. Additional information and registration materials can be obtained at http://www.fourh.umn.edu/programs/AnimalScience/2008CountyFairLivestockJudgesTraining.html or by calling Karen Nelson at 612-624-8197.