More than 650 youth in132 teams from across Minnesota participated in the 4-H State Project Bowl, the second largest 4-H event of the year, on April 6 in Sauk Rapids. The 4-H State Project Bowl challenges teams of three to six youth to test their knowledge on a variety of animal science and agriculture topics including dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, lama, poultry, rabbit and wildlife conservation.

Nearly 250 teams of youth participated in regional competitions held throughout the state in March with top teams qualifying to compete in the state bowl. Each competition includes junior and senior divisions. Teams are quizzed in one-on-one and open rounds.

The first participant with the correct answer earns points for their team. 4-H State Project Bowl winners in dairy, general livestock, horse and poultry go on to national project bowl competitions.

“Through 4-H State Project Bowl, youth build communications skills, and gain deeper knowledge and interest in agriculture-related areas,” said Amber Greeley, Extension 4-H program manager. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, future areas of study in college, and eventual careers.”

“I enjoy Project Bowl because I have learned everything from animal breeds to diseases,” said Riley Hetzel a member of the second place Mower County Sr. General Livestock Project Bowl Team. “I also love that I can apply what I have learned in project bowl to other projects or for caring for my animals at home.”

Results from Mower County Project Bowl Teams included:

• First Place: Mower/Olmsted Sr. Lama – Isaac Beck, Kylie Stafford, Noah Anderson, Kayley Anderson and Dyllon Lohmann, Coaches were Lori Beck and Lori Corbin.

• Second Place: Mower Sr. General Livestock – Riley Hetzel, Ryan VanPelt, Gloria Hansen, Garrett Lahann and Isaac Drees. Coach was Bob Balgeman.

• Fourth Place: Mower Jr. General Livestock – Saddlebacks – Katherine Thome, Andrew Timm, Jenna Hetzel, Cayden Goslee and Kaden Case. Coach was Julie Holst.

• Fourth Place: Mower Jr. Rabbit – Renae Clark, Haylie Meyer, Amy Smith, Natalie Crouch, Benjamin Riley and Abby VanPelt. Coaches were Steffanie Stundahl and Alisha Meyer.

• Fourth Place – Mower/Olmsted Jr. Lama – Megan Ocel, Eli Anderson, Conner Lohmann and Adi Kolhoff. Coaches were Shannon Anderson and Kris Kohloff.