4-H youth from across Northern Minnesota gathered in Little Falls on Sept. 27–28 for the 90th Annual Northeast 4-H Livestock Show. This long-standing tradition provides 4-H members an educational opportunity to showcase their animal science projects beyond the county and state fair. This year’s show brought together 322 youth from 18 counties.

To qualify, participants must have earned a blue ribbon at their county fair. The first day of the two-day event featured showmanship classes, where exhibitors are evaluated on their ability to present their animal to the best of its potential—highlighting strengths, minimizing weaknesses, and demonstrating essential show ring skills. The day concluded with a celebratory banquet for exhibitors, families, volunteers, and 4-H staff. A meal catered by Green Lantern of Brainerd was followed by the presentation of showmanship awards.

Following dinner, youth had the chance to participate in the NE 4-H Livestock Show Meats Grilling Contest, held in the pavilion behind the food trailer. Open to 4-H’ers in grades 3 and up, the contest featured teams of three or four competing in two divisions—poultry and red meat— for championship honors. Participants prepared their entries on charcoal grills provided at the event, with meat, utensils, and thermometers supplied. Teams could bring a side dish and a homemade “secret sauce” (limited to five ingredients) to complement their meat. The contest was preceded by a required food safety and meats demonstration earlier in the day, and the top teams were awarded prizes.

The second day spotlighted the animals themselves through species evaluation shows, including beef cattle, swine, meat goats, sheep, poultry, and rabbits.

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people nationwide with skills to lead for a lifetime. To learn more about joining 4-H in Minnesota, visit extension.umn.edu/about-4-h/learn-more-or-join.

2025 Show Results included:

• Cheyenne S. (Angora)

Large Breed Senior Buck- Blue

Showmanship- Blue

To learn more about 4-H in St. Louis County, contact 4-H Extension Educator Nicole Kudrle name, at 218-749-7120 and visit the website, www.4-H.umn.edu.