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Speaking up for animal agriculture

The Minnesota State Fair is looking for young people to speak up for animal agriculture.

Juanita Reed-Boniface serves as project manager of the 4-H Speaking Up for Animal Ag program.

“We have a major gap between people who are in production agriculture and people who are consumers.  And we see the Minnesota State Fair as one of the places where we can help close that gap.”

She says college-age students interested in agriculture are encouraged to apply for one of six positions to serve as mentors to selected 4-H State Fair livestock exhibitors.

“It’s a great experience.  This will be the 10th year of the program, and every year the young people walk away from the experience with many good things to say (about) what they learned working with kids younger than themselves.  I’ve had two or three of them who have become Extension 4-H agents in their own careers.”

Applicants must be available all five days of the 4-H Livestock Weekend beginning August 25^th.