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•  Nielson credited volunteers and SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Advisors with the increased participation. "The greater 4-H participation at the State Fair shows that the 4-H program is stronger than ever following a year of budget cuts and reorganization of the SDSU Extension program."
•  "We actually are directing more staff time and program support to youth development at the county level as a result of our reorganization. The 4-H Youth Program Advisors across the state worked very hard to ensure a quality experience for our youth," according to Nielson.
•  The 4-H program is also relying more heavily on technology to support membership development and educational programs. "Our new 4-HOnline enrollment program, combined with the teaching capacity and information available at iGrow.org has made it easier for 4-H members to participate in our program," Nielson said.
•  Hamilton said 4-H leaders and volunteers are actively working to raise funds for a new 4-H building on the State Fair grounds. "The new Clover Hall will showcase the future of 4-H. When it's completed, it will give us even more opportunities to develop the program."
•  The new Clover Hall facility is estimated to cost $3.9 million, and will be funded through donations. Hamilton hopes it will be built in time for the 2014 State Fair.
•  New in 2012
•  New 4-H programs at State Fair include the Skill-A-Thon and Premier Exhibitor contest while numbers continue to increase in the 4-H Robotics Challenge as well. These activities serve as the learning capstone to the 4-H program year.
• Kathy Reeves, SDSU Extension 4-H STEM Specialist stated, "The Robotics Challenge may not be what you typically think about at the State Fair, but it grew by 37 percent this year and had a standing room only crowd.  Those numbers should continue to climb as a result of the training provided through the NASA Summer of Innovation grant, and a new partnership with the South Dakota Robotics Association.  The program challenges young people to solve problems by applying logical thought, team work and creativity. "
• More than 100 young people competed in the new State Fair 4-H Beef, Sheep, and Swine Skill-a-thons, which gave 4-H member the opportunity to interact with industry representatives and test their production management skills. The 2012 award winners were:
• 1st Place Beef Premier Exhibitor Andrew Adam, Yankton County, 2nd Place Collin Geppert, Brule County.
• 1st Place Sheep Premier Exhibitor Mary Nold, Brookings County, 2nd Place Austin Agler, Aurora County

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