Just one $5 bill was all it took for the Stundahl family to get involved in rabbits, and at the same time it’s somewhat amazing where a five-spot can take you.

From that point the Stundahl children began showing rabbits, the family began breeding rabbits and Diane Stundahl has been involved in advising 4-H rabbit quiz bowl teams, consisting of 4-Hers from Mower County.

“It’s kind of a game show,” Stundahl said. “Each team gets a buzzer and buzz in when you know the answer.”

For anyone outside the world of 4-H and rabbits, it’s important to point out this is more than cute bundles of fur with wiggling noses and long ears.

In one way or another, Stundahl has been involved in 4-H for around 41 years, getting her first taste when she was in elementary school.

“I started (4-H) in third grade,” she said. “We showed cattle, were in baking. We participated in almost every project area there is.”

That history carried over into Stundahl’s own family, including her three children — Steffanie, Crystal and Lisa — and her husband, Bruce.

And again the tradition of expanding into all horizon’s was the order of the day. Photography, gardening and the like all have been experienced.

Then Steffanie saw rabbits for sale at only $5 at the fair.

“That’s where it all started,” Stundahl said. “Then we started breeding rabbits. You don’t need a lot of space.”

About four years ago, Stundahl adopted the 4-H rabbit scene, including recently conducting a rabbit agility exhibition at the Mower County Fairgrounds’ 4-H Building.

Like all aspects of rabbits and 4-H in general, this was a learning experience. And learning leads directly back to the rabbit quiz bowl.

“There’s a lot to know about rabbits,” Stundahl said.

As it turns out, the Mower County teams are quite good, always placing high at the Minnesota State Fair.

“They always go to state and do very well,” Stundahl said, even though last year didn’t quite measure up to years past.

“We finished third in juniors and fourth in seniors,” Stundahl said. “There was some tough competition.”

Rabbits have almost become a lifestyle for the family. There isn’t a fair that goes by where the Stundahls are at that doesn’t include a trip to see the rabbits.

“We always check out the rabbit barns,” Stundahl said.

There certainly isn’t a lack of work for Stundahl, but at the same time, there’s little to dislike.

“I like everything,” she said. “I like being busy, I like the kids, I like rabbits. It’s a distraction from all the bad things in life.

“It’s really neat,” she said. “The kids get older and they learn to teach the other kids.”