4-H Dairy Showcase: An Innovative Alternative to Auction Based Recognition for Livestock Programs

1. 4-H Dairy Showcase: An Innovative Alternative to Auction Based Recognition for Livestock Programs Patrick J Jirik Extension Educator, Volunteer and Partnership Development Bradley W Rugg Director, Animal Science and Fair Programs

2. Youth Enrolled in MN 4-H

3. 2010 MN 4-H Animal Science Enrollment Total 2010 AnSci Enrollment = 27,916

4. MINNESOTA 4-H UNIQUE GIVENSState Fair • 6,500 4-Hers participate at the State Fair, most with overnight lodging and meals. • 2,500 4-Hers participate with Livestock Exhibits. • All State Fair 4-H participants “win” a trip with their project. This is done through a State Fair line-up selection process done at the completion of project judging at County Fair. • 4-Hers are allowed to bring only 1 animal and 1 General Project to the State Fair. • 4-Hers must have completed the 6th grade to compete at the State Fair.

5. MINNESOTA 4-H UNIQUE GIVENSState Fair – AnSci Projects • All State Fair Livestock participants participate in an interview process to gauge knowledge and growth. The top 20% receive polo shirts and the top 2% receive director’s chairs. • All State Fair Livestock participants must be certified in MN 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics. • Minnesota 4-H offers lease opportunities for most species in the breeding classes. • County species delegations participate in a 3-4 hour intensive consumer awareness program designed to educate fairgoers on any aspect of the respective species.

6. MINNESOTA 4-H UNIQUE GIVENSAuction • 4-H Auctions are held in 86% of all counties. • Over $1.3M generated annually at MN 4-H auctions. • Average auction – over $19,000; some grossing over $70,000. • Auctions must begin with a 4-Her delivered statement indicating participation in the auction is a “privilege – not a right.” • All auctions are premium only – no animals are sold. • Only purple, blue and red ribbon winners are allowed. • No Cloverbuds. • A minimum of 20% of each auction dollar must go to the 4-H program.

7. State Fair Purple Ribbon Auction Results

8. DAIRY SHOWCASEHow it was born… • Three years of research: tracking scholarship vs. competition in livestock. • Increasing inquiries from Dairy leadership in terms of Auction participation. • A series of meetings with the Auction Committee to consider inclusion. • A strong desire to focus on scholarship above competition.

9. Champion Steer vs. Kern Scholarship Comparison • 2010 Champion Steer • Award based solely on State Fair placing • $14,600 – 20% = $11,680 paid to the 4-Her • Total paid immediately – no strings attached • No other 4-H activities or leadership required • 2010 Kern Scholarship • Award based on well rounded 4-H career including leadership • $1,500 per year X 4 years = $6,000 maximum • Paid out over 4 years if 4-Her maintains a 3.0 GPA. 4-Her must reapply each year of eligibility

10. AUCTION ISSUES WE WANTED TO AVOID • Expectation of exceptional breeding and/or high price paid to be competitive • ‘Last minute’ dollar expectation that often comes with participation • ‘Strong arming’ potential and current buyers • An auctioneer approach vs. opportunity to showcase accomplishments

11. Showcase Scorecard

12. Showcase Profile

13. HOW DID WE DO?

14. Sheep Interview Results

15. Sheep Auction Participants

16. Swine Interview Results

17. Swine Auction Participants

18. Beef Interview Results

19. Beef Auction Participants

20. Dairy Showcase Model

21. QUESTIONS AND DIALOG

22. Thank YOU!