FAIRMONT and JACKSON, Minn. — The cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair and most County Fairs in Minnesota has greatly affected Minnesota 4-H and FFA livestock project members in 2020. Many of the youth with livestock projects have had very limited opportunities to exhibit their animals this year. This situation is why a group of youth livestock volunteers have planned the first ever Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo (MYLE) for August 19-23 in Fairmont and Jackson, Minnesota, according to Kent Thiesse, MYLE organizer.
The MYLE Beef, Sheep and Meat Goat shows will be held at the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont, and the Swine Show will be held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson. The MYLE Show is open to all Minnesota 4-H and FFA members and any other Minnesota youth between the ages of 8-21 years old as of January 1, 2020. Youth may enter multiple animals in each species. Thiesse points out that the MYLE Show is an open youth livestock show that is not directly linked to either the 4-H or FFA programs; however, Minnesota 4-H and FFA members are eligible for the MYLE Show and are encouraged to participate.
The entry deadline for the MYLE Show is July 31, 2020. All MYLE entries will take place through an online entry system. The MYLE entry form, a complete MYLE Show schedule, and other information on the MYLE Show are available on the MYLE website at: www.mnyouthlivestockexpo.com.
Thiesse said MYLE Show volunteers have been quite aware of the challenges of COVID-19 while planning the event. The show organizers have worked closely with the Jackson and Martin County Health Departments and the Fair Boards in the two counties to develop a COVID Plan that follows CDC and Minnesota Health Department guidelines, in order to protect the health and safety of the families and volunteers that choose to participate in the MYLE Show.
In order to adequately cover expenses and to be able to provide awards and prize money to the youth exhibitors in the MYLE Show, the show organizers need to rely on donations and sponsorships from businesses and individuals. Thiesse stated that several generous donations have already come in to support the MYLE Show, but more are needed. More information on the MYLE sponsorships and donations is available on the MYLE website.
Questions on MYLE Show participation or MYLE sponsorships and donations can be directed to MYLE Show organizers Kent Thiesse (507-381-7960), Steve Pomerenke (507-525-0986), or Linette Freking (507-841-0400).
— Minnesota Youth Livestock Expo
Last modified: 07/23/2020
