ANIMAL SCIENCE PROJECTS
Beef
Dairy
Dairy Goat
Meat Goat
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
Beef
Dairy
Dairy Goat
Meat Goat
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
Beef
Dairy
Dairy Goat
Meat Goat
Poultry
Rabbits
Sheep
Swine
State Fair trips will be available. Exhibits will be judged during Livestock Encampment and 4-H’ers may exhibit both an animal (if awarded a trip from the county show) and a Science of Animal Educational Exhibit. NOTE: Llama-Alpaca, Poultry and Rabbit promotional and educational posters are an exhibit item at the state level and may be entered as a poster in each respective area.
Breeding Heifer – Spring calf January 1 – May 15, 2025
Breeding Heifer – Fall calf September 1 – December 31, 2024
Breeding heifer – Summer Yearling May 1 – August 31, 2024
Breeding heifer – Junior Yearling January 1 – April 30, 2024
Breeding heifer – Senior Yearling September 1 - December 31, 2023
Cow/calf Calves must be born between January 1 - May 15, 2024
Prospect market calves January 1 – May 15, 2025
Market beef January 1 – August 31, 2024
Dairy steers January 1 – August 31, 2024
Beef - Registered & Commercial Spring Calf
Beef - Registered & Commercial Fall Calf
Beef - Registered & Commercial Summer Yearling
Beef - Registered & Commercial Junior Yearling
Beef - Registered & Commercial Senior Yearling
Beef - Cow and Calf Pair
Beef - Heifer Calf
Beef - Steer Calf
Beef - Market Steer
Beef - Market Heifer
Beef - Pure Breed Dairy Steer
Beef - Crossbred Dairy Steer
Beef Showmanship
Beef Interview
Beef Cloverbud
Spring Calf March 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Winter calf December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Fall calf September 1 – November 30, 2024
Summer yearling June 1 – August 31, 2024
Spring yearling March 1 – May 31, 2024
Winter yearling December 1, 2023– February 28, 2024
Fall yearling September 1 – November 30, 2023
Milking Yearling Born Sept 1, 2022 or later that has freshened & in milking form
Junior two year old March 1 – August 31, 2023
Senior two year old September 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Three year old cows September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022
Four year old cows September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021
Aged cow Born before September 1, 2020
Dry cow Dry cow of any age
Dairy - Spring (Junior) Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Summer Jr. Yearling
Dairy - Spring Jr. Yearling
Dairy - Winter Sr. Yearling
Dairy - Fall Sr. Yearling
Milking Yearling
Dairy - Jr. Two-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Sr. Two-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Five-Year-Old and Older Cow
Dairy - Dry Cow
Dairy - Spring (Junior) Calf
Dairy - Winter Calf
Dairy - Fall Calf
Dairy - Summer Jr. Yearling
Dairy - Spring Jr. Yearling
Dairy - Winter Sr. Yearling
Dairy - Fall Sr. Yearling
Milking Yearling
Dairy - Jr. Two-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Sr. Two-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Three-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Four-Year-Old Cow
Dairy - Five-Year-Old and Older Cow
Dairy - Dry Cow
Dairy Showmanship
Dairy Interview
Dairy Cloverbud
Junior Kid Doe April 1 – June 30, 2025
Senior Kid Doe January 1 – March 31, 2025
Dry Yearling Doe (never kidded) January 1 – December 31, 2024
Milking Yearling Doe January 1 – December 31, 2024
Milking Two Year Old Doe January 1 – December 31, 2023
Milking Doe - 3 Years and under 5 Years born in 2021 or 2022
Milking Doe - 5 Years and older born before 2021
Dairy Goat Jr. Doe Kid
Dairy Goat Sr. Doe Kid
Dairy Goat - Dry Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking Yearling Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 2 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 3 - 4 Year Old Doe
Dairy Goat - Milking 5+ Year Old Doe
NOTE: For safety reasons all dairy goats must be dis-budded/dehorned.
Regrowth of less than ONE INCH allowed.
Dairy Goat Showmanship
Dairy Goat Interview
Cloverbud Dairy Goat
Dog - Pre-Agility
Dog - Agility Beginner
Dog - Agility Elementary
Dog - Agility Intermediate
Dog - Agility Senior
Dog - Agility Advanced
Dog – Limited Agility
Dog - Jumpers 1A
Dog - Jumpers 1B
Dog - Jumpers 2
Dog - Jumpers 3
Dog - Limited Jumpers
Dog – Rally Foundation
Dog - Rally Novice
Dog - Rally Graduate Novice
Dog - Rally Intermediate
Dog - Rally Advanced
Dog - Rally Pre - Excellent
Dog - Rally Excellent
Dog - Rally Pre- Master
Dog - Rally Master
Dog - Rally Veterans
Dog - Obedience Foundation
Dog - Obedience Beginner
Dog - Obedience Graduate Beginner
Dog - Obedience Novice
Dog - Obedience Graduate Novice
Dog - Obedience Pre-Open
Dog - Obedience Open
Dog - Obedience Graduate Open
Dog - Obedience Pre-Utility
Dog - Obedience Utility
Dog - Obedience Veterans
Dog - Obedience Brace
Dog - Obedience 4 Dog Team
Dog - Showmanship Novice
Dog - Showmanship Open
Dog - Showmanship Excellent
A dog may be shown in the dog show or the pet show, not both!
4-H’ers shall exhibit in the classes corresponding to the level of training they and their dog have received. Additional information, class requirements, and rules/regulations can be found in the Minnesota 4-H Agility, Obedience, Rally and Showmanship rules and guidelines (four separate publications) available on the MN 4-H dog project website (z.umn.edu/mn4hdogproject).
All dogs must be vaccinated according to the requirements listed on the MN 4-H Dog Project ID Affidavit and Vaccination Form.
Dog Interview
Cloverbud Dog
Horse - English Equitation - Grades 10+
Horse - English Equitation - Grades 8-9
Horse - English Equitation - Grades 6-7
Horse - English Equitation - Grades 3-5
Horse - English Equitation - Novice
Horse - English Pleasure - Grades 10+
Horse - English Pleasure – Grades 8-9
Horse - English Pleasure - Grades 6-7
Horse - English Pleasure - Grades 3-5
Horse - English Pleasure - Novice
Horse - Western Horsemanship, All Gaits, Grades 10+
Horse - Western Horsemanship, All Gaits, Grades 8-9
Horse - Western Horsemanship, All Gaits, Grades 6-7
Horse - Western Horsemanship, All Gaits, Grades 3-5
Horse - Western Horsemanship, All Gaits, Novice
Horse - Western Pleasure - Grades 10+
Horse - Western Pleasure - Grades 8-9
Horse - Western Pleasure - Grades 6-7
Horse - Western Pleasure - Grades 3-5
Horse - Western Pleasure - Novice
Horse - Pole Weaving, Grades 10+
Horse - Pole Weaving, Grades 8-9
Horse - Pole Weaving, Grades 6-7
Horse - Pole Weaving, Grades 3-5
Horse - Pole Weaving, Novice
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, Grades 10+
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, Grades 8-9
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, Grades 6-7
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, Grades 3-5
Horse - Jumping Figure 8, Novice
Horse - Key Race, Grades 10+
Horse - Key Race, Grades 8-9
Horse - Key Race, Grades 6-7
Horse - Key Race, Grades 3-5
Horse - Key Race, Novice
Horse - Barrel Race, Grades 10+
Horse - Barrel Race, Grades 8-9
Horse - Barrel Race, Grades 6-7
Horse - Barrel Race, Grades 3-5
Horse - Barrel Race, Novice
Horse - Trail Class, Grades 10+
Horse - Trail Class, Grades 8-9
Horse - Trail Class, Grades 6-7
Horse - Trail Class, Grades 3-5
Horse - Trail Class, Novice
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Grades 12-13
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Grades 10-11
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Grades 8-9
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Grades 6-7
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Grades 3-5
Horse - Ranch Pleasure Class, Novice
Horse - Showmanship Grades 10+
Horse - Showmanship Grades 8-9
Horse - Showmanship Grades 6-7
Horse - Showmanship Grades 3-5
Horse - Showmanship, Novice
Horse - Interview, Grades 10+
Horse - Interview, Grades 8-9
Horse - Interview, Grades 6-7
Horse - Interview, Grades 3-5
Horse - Interview, Novice
Horse - Assisted: Flat Class-Western or English Equitation, walk, trot with volunteer/mentors as needed
Horse - Assisted: Obstacle Game Class, Key Hole pattern, walk, trot with volunteer/mentors as needed
Horse - Unassisted: Flat Class-Western or English Equitation, walk, trot, unassisted (spotter requested)
Horse - Unassisted: Obstacle Game Class, Key Hole pattern, walk, trot, unassisted (spotter requested)
All 4-Hers participating in any 4-H sponsored mounted activity are required to wear properly fastened ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear. Helmet use is required when mounted. This policy also extends to 4-H volunteers when they are working with 4-H youth in a 4-H volunteer role during mounted activities. Additional information can be found on the Horse project page (z.umn.edu/4HHorseProject)
Horse - Cloverbud Barrels
Horse - Cloverbud Western Pleasure
Horse - Cloverbud Horse Showmanship
Horse - Training Steps 1 - 6
Horse- Horse Related, Grades 6+
Horse - Horse Related, Grades 3-5
Horse - Horseless Horse, Grades 6+
Horse – Horseless Horse, Grades 3-5
Horse - Horseless Horse Level 1, Grades 6+
Horse – Horseless Horse Level 1, Grades 3-5
Horse - Horseless Horse Level 2, Grades 6+
Horse – Horseless Horse Level 2, Grades 3-5
Horse - Horseless Horse Level 3, Grades 6+
Horse – Horseless Horse Level 3, Grades 3-5
LLama -Alpaca Fleece
LLama -Alpaca Poster - Educational or promotional poster may be selected to advance to the state fair. See state fair poster requirements under LLama -Alpaca information.
LLama -Alpaca Interview
LLama -Alpaca Cloverbud Showmanship
LLama -Alpaca Cloverbud Costume
LLama -Alpaca Cloverbud Poster
4-H Llama-Alpaca projects must be born prior to January 1, 2025
NOTE: 4-H’ers who participate in the Llama - Alpaca Costume Contest at the State Fair will receive a cash award. These payments are made in October. 4-H’ers must be grade eligible to participate at the State Fair.
Market goat
Meat market goat (wether) Nov 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Meat market goat (doe) Nov 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Dairy market goat (wether) Nov 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Wether Dam
Wether dam yearling (never kidded) Sept 1, 2023 - Aug 31, 2024
Wether dam kid Sept 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025
Meat goat breeding does
Senior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) Sept 1, 2023 – Feb 29, 2024
Junior yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) March 1, 2024– May 31, 2024
Fall yearling meat breeding doe (never kidded) June 1, 2024 – Nov 30, 2024
Senior meat breeding doe kid Dec 1, 2024 – Feb 29, 2025
Junior meat breeding doe kid Mar 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
NOTE: Pygmy Goats are classed as Meat Goats
Meat Market Goat - wether
Meat Market Goat - doe
Dairy Market Goat - wether
WETHER DAM
Wether dam yearling (never kidded)
Wether dam kid
Meat Goat - Senior Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat - Junior Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat – Fall Yearling Breeding Doe, registered or grade (never kidded)
Meat Goat – Senior Meat Breeding Doe Kid, registered or grade
Meat Goat – Junior Meat Breeding Doe Kid, registered or grade
Meat Goat Showmanship
Meat Goat Interview
Cloverbud Meat Goat
Chickens - Market pen of two males or two females
Chickens - Breeding pen of one male & two females
Chickens - Bantam Breeding pen of one male & two females
Chickens - Egg production pen of two pullets, White egg layers
Chickens - Egg production pen of two pullets, Brown egg layers
Doves - Purebred breeding pair
Ducks - Market pen of two males or two females
Ducks - Breeding pen of one male & two females
Ducks - Bantam Breeding pen of one male & two females
Geese - Market pen of two males or two females
Geese - Breeding pen of one male & two females
Guinea - Market pen of two males or two females - same breed
Guinea - Breeding pen of one male & two females - same breed
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Utility, 1 Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Fancy, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Fancy, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Pigeons - Flying, 1 Breeding Pair
Pigeons - Flying, Young bird Male or Female, 1 young bird, this year band
Turkeys - Domestic Only - Market pen of two males or two females
Turkeys - Domestic Only - Breeding pen of one male & two females
Poultry Showmanship
Poultry Poster - Educational or promotional poster may be selected to advance to the state fair. See state fair poster requirements in the Poultry Information Sheet. Posters do not need to be exhibited at the county fair to advance to the State Fair.
Poultry Interviews
Poultry Cloverbuds
Poultry Hobby Class - Not State Fair Eligible
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Buck over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Senior Doe over 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Small Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
4 Class (small) rabbit breeds include Dutch, Florida White, Holland Lop, Jersey Wooly, Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, Rex, American Fuzzy Lop, American Sable, Dwarf Hotot, English Angora, French Angora, Satin Angora, Belgian Hare, Britannia Petite, Standard Chinchilla, English Spot, Harlequin, Havana, Himalayan, Lilac, Lion Head, Rhinelander, Silver, Silver Marten, Thrianta and Tan.
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Buck 6 - 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Intermediate Doe 6 - 8 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Rabbit - Large Breed Junior Doe under 6 months of age
6 Class (large) rabbit breeds include New Zealand, Satin, American Giant Angora, Bevern, Californian, Champagne d'Argent, Checkered Giant, American Chinchilla, Giant Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Crème d’Argent, Flemish Giant, French Lop, Hotot, English Lop, Palomino and Silver Fox.
Senior Buck over 8 months of age
Senior Doe over 8 months of age
Intermediate Buck 6-8 months of age
Intermediate Doe 6-8 months of age
Junior Buck under 6 months of age
Junior Doe under 6 months of age
Breeding Rabbit requirements apply to Running Breeds
Running Breeds include Checkered Giant, English Spot, Rhinelander and Tan
Rabbit - Single Fryer, 3 ½ to 5 ½ pounds, not over 70 days old
Rabbit - Pen of three fryers, 3 ½ to 5 ½ pounds, not over 70 days old
Rabbit Showmanship
Rabbit Poster - Educational or promotional poster may be selected to advance to the state fair. See state fair poster requirements in the Rabbit Information Sheet.
Rabbit Interview
Cloverbud Rabbit
Fall Ewe Lamb Born between September 1 - December 31 of previous year
January Ewe Lamb Born in January of current Year
February Ewe Lamb Born in February of current Year
March Ewe Lamb Born in March of current Year
Yearling Ewe Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors
Wether Dam Ewe Lamb Born on or after December 1 of previous year
Wether Dam Yearling Ewe Over 1 yr and under 2 yrs of age & not show evidence of 4 permanent incisors
Market Lamb Born on or after December 1 of previous year
Sheep - Registered & Commercial Yearling Ewe
Sheep - Registered & Commercial Fall Ewe Lamb
Sheep - Registered & Commercial January Ewe Lamb
Sheep - Registered & Commercial February Ewe Lamb
Sheep - Registered & Commercial March Ewe Lamb
Sheep - Wether Dam Ewe Lamb
Sheep - Wether Dam Yearling Ewe
Market Lamb - Speckle Face
Market Lamb - Black Face
Market Lamb - White Face
Market Lamb - Hair Breeds
Lamb Lead
NOTE: 4-H’ers who participate in Lamb Lead at the State Fair will receive a $30 cash award, provided by the Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association (MLBA). These payments are made in October. 4-H’ers must be grade eligible to participate at the State Fair.
Sheep Showmanship
Sheep Interview
Sheep – Cloverbud
Sheep Fleece
All 4-H'ers receiving a blue ribbon on their fleece may exhibit at the State Fair; no housing will be provided!
January Gilt Born in January of current year
February Gilt Born in February of current year
March Gilt Born in March of current year
Market Barrow Born on or after January 1 of the current year. Recommended farrow date in January or February
Market Gilt Born on or after January 1 of the current year. Recommended farrow date in January or February
Swine - Registered & Commercial January Gilt
Swine - Registered & Commercial February Gilt
Swine - Registered & Commercial March Gilt
Swine - Market Barrow
Swine - Market Gilt
Recommended minimum weight for State Fair is 220 pounds; maximum State Fair weight is 300. Market barrows and market gilts weighing less than 220 pounds will show in their own class “Super Lightweights” and those 301 pounds and over will show in their own class “Super Heavyweights” and will be eligible for blue, red or white ribbons and are not eligible for champions at State Fair.
Swine Showmanship
Swine Interview
Cloverbud Swine