• Brookings, S.D. - 4-H programs recorded a 16 percent increase at the 2012 State Fair, according to Peter Nielson, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Director.
• 4-H livestock exhibits jumped to 3,624, up from 3,013 in 2011.  4-H display exhibits were at 11,320, up from 10,079 in 2011.  The Youth in Action category, which includes public presentations, special foods, judging contests, skill-a-thons, and fashion revue, increased from 1,227 in 2011 to 2,140 this year.
•  "Across the board, we saw increased participation in 4-H events at the State Fair," Nielson said.  State Fair is the equivalent of the state tournament for the nearly 8,500 4-H members across South Dakota.  The increased participation is a tribute to the importance that 4-H members put into gauging themselves against the best in the state."
•  Paula Hamilton, the president of the South Dakota State 4-H Volunteer Leader Association, agreed with Nielson's assessment.
•  "Because of the changes we've made over the past year, 4-H at the State Fair is stronger than ever. The volunteers, parents, and members all stepped up to the task and did a great job as a team. The kids doing better and learning more," Hamilton said.
•  A distinct difference that Hamilton noted this year was the visible pride that 4-H members demonstrated in their organization. "As a leader, it was rewarding to see all the 4-H shirts on the fair grounds. They were everywhere. 4-H was so much more visible. I think it speaks to the pride everyone has in the 4-H program," she said. "Because the program has changed, there is more pride and more involvement across the state. We're all motivated to improve 4-H."

(Continued on page 39)