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Forty-two local youth will represent Rock County at the upcoming state 4-H shows after their recent showings in Luverne.
Eighteen youth will participate in the livestock encampment at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 25-29. Seventeen will be at the state fair’s general encampment set for Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Seven Rock County 4-H’ers will be at the state horse show Sept. 17-20.
“The Rock County Fair this year was a great experience,” said Kelsey Maeschen, county 4-H program director. “I am so glad we were able to get together again and celebrate all of the 4-H’ers’ successes and accomplishments.”
Maeschen said the number of exhibitors and exhibits were down this year, as is the trend across the region.
Beef judge Colby Lind noted the low numbers and commented that the quality of the animals will allow Rock County 4-H’ers to be competitive at the state level.
“Do the little extras to get the most you can out of the animal that you are showing,” Lind said.
He had one suggestion as to how local 4-H supporters could increase the number of participants in the local program.
“Be a mentor to a young person to … keep the numbers up in Rock County,” Colby said.