How a first-time 4-H state fair exhibitor prepares her lamb for the competition

Thousands of Minnesota youth are bringing their animals to the State Fair this year along with their families, their 4-H clubs or FFA chapters. It’s a big lift to prepare an animal to be judged for a ribbon at the fair, and the Minnesota State Fair foundation has a grant program for first-time fair goers, the BELLE grant. BELLE stands for “Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience.” The grant helps pay for travel, animal show supplies and feed for the animals. It also helps set up the first-timers with a mentor.

12-year-old Madelyn Donnelly and her mentor Allison Van Nurden, who is in her first year of college — and last year of 4-H. They both brought their lambs to the Minnesota Public Radio stage at the Minnesota State Fair to talk to MPR News host Nina Moini about their experience as mentor and mentee.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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