College students with an interest in serving as spokespersons for animal agriculture are urged to apply for the position of Minnesota State Fair 4-H Animal Science Speaking Up for Animal Agriculture Peer Mentor. Six positions are available.

Persons in these positions will serve as mentors to selected 4-H State Fair livestock exhibitors in all species (beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and rabbits) to encourage, model and role-play positive interactions with State Fair visitors to livestock displays.

Positions are open to college students age 18 or over with an interest and/or experience in 4-H and livestock exhibits. Other qualifications are communication, teaching and coaching skills, ability to work with a variety of adults and youth, expertise in production, processing and promotion of one or more animal species and experience as a livestock exhibitor and industry spokesperson. See the Minnesota 4-H web site Minnesota 4-H State Fair Employment for a complete job description or contact AgriFolks@gmail.com.

The program will include a one-day orientation/training led by 4-H, staff from Minnesota Farm Bureau public relations and Riverview LLP, community relations, written materials for review and coaching and daily support by staff during the State Fair.

Minnesota 4-H and Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association sponsor this program. Juanita Reed-Boniface serves as project manager.

Applicants must be available the five days of the 4-H Livestock Weekend, Aug. 21-25. Compensation will be $450-$500 based on experience in the position. Fair entry tickets, 4-H meal tickets and lodging will be provided.

To apply, applicants must submit a resume, transcript and statement describing why they are interested in this position and detail industry knowledge, communication and leadership skills that they bring to the position. Application deadline is July 10. Send completed materials to: Juanita Reed-Boniface, Project Manager, 2462 Lake George Dr. N.W. Cedar, MN 55011, or e-mail AgriFolks@gmail.com.