Clearwater County 4-H Members Recognized for Herdsmanship at Minnesota State Fair

Clearwater County 4-H members were recognized for their hard work, teamwork and dedication to their livestock projects at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, earning honors in several livestock herdsmanship competitions.

Herdsmanship is an important part of the 4-H livestock experience. While youth work hard to prepare their animals for the show ring, herdsmanship recognizes the work that happens behind the scenes. Youth are evaluated on the care of their animals, cleanliness and organization of their exhibit area, teamwork and their overall presentation throughout the fair.

Clearwater County 4-H members earned three herdsmanship honors at this year's Minnesota State Fair.

In Sheep Division 1, Aubrey Riewer and Kaden Bowman earned 5th Place Herdsmanship. The pair demonstrated their commitment to keeping their animals well cared for and their exhibit area clean and organized throughout the fair.

The Swine Division team of Kamdyn Lewis, Lily Walberg, Emmalynn Bakke, Colin Haugen and Lexi Cloose also earned 5th Place Herdsmanship. Working as a team, the youth took responsibility for the daily care of their animals and maintaining their area throughout their time at the State Fair.

In the Goat Division, Macie Farr, Lydia Waldvogel and Kaylynn Waldvogel earned an impressive 3rd Place Herdsmanship award. Their recognition reflects the teamwork and attention to detail they demonstrated while caring for their goats and representing Clearwater County 4-H.

Herdsmanship awards are a great example of the many lessons youth gain through their 4-H livestock projects. Exhibitors learn that success is not simply about what happens in the show ring. It also comes from showing responsibility, working together, caring for animals and taking pride in representing their county and 4-H program.

Congratulations to Aubrey Riewer, Kaden Bowman, Kamdyn Lewis, Lily Walberg, Emmalynn Bakke, Colin Haugen, Lexi Cloose, Macie Farr, Lydia Waldvogel and Kaylynn Waldvogel on their outstanding herdsmanship accomplishments at the Minnesota State Fair!

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Kara Waldvogel-Clearwater County 4-H Extension Educator

Clearwater County Extension Office

213 Main Ave N Dept. 106

Bagley, MN 56621

218-694-6151  or email: waldv039@umn.edu