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Thousands of Minnesota youth are bringing their animals to the State Fair this year along with their families, their 4-H clubs or FFA chapters. It's a big lift to prepare an animal to be judged for a ribbon at the fair, and the Minnesota State Fair foundation has a grant program for first-time fair goers, the BELLE grant. BELLE stands for “Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience.” The grant helps pay for travel, animal show supplies and feed for the animals. It also helps set up the first-timers with a mentor. 

12-year-old Madelyn Donnelly and her mentor Allison Van Nurden, who is in her first year of college — and last year of 4-H. They both brought their lambs to the Minnesota Public Radio stage at the Minnesota State Fair to talk to MPR News host Nina Moini about their experience as mentor and mentee.

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12-year-old 4-H participant Madelyn Donnelly said that facing a big day at the state fair for the first time is stressful, but luckily her lamb is a “chill dude.” She’s hoping her sheep impresses the judges, and she’s getting help from her 19-year-old mentor through a program called a BELLE grant. 

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with Nina Moini. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first.

Minnesota Now - How a first-time 4-H state fair exhibitor prepares her lamb for the competition

Two people stand on a stage with two sheep.

How a first-time 4-H state fair exhibitor prepares her lamb for the competition

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