A (long) day in the life of a 4-H animal and its human

It’s a pig-cuddling, cow-washing, sheep-herding, manure-hauling good time to bring an animal to the State Fair. But 4-H kids from across Minnesota also work long, sweaty days to exhibit and compete at the fair, while also delighting and educating all the city kids who so rarely get to pat a pig. Head, Heart, Hands, and Health — the four Hs — help describe what it takes to get to the fair with a British shorthorn or market gilt swine or a cranky llama that does not want to be dressed up like Santa Claus.

Makenzie Mack from Hubbard County leads her sheep Molly back to the Sheep & Poultry Barn after competing in the showmanship championship.

Breckin Anderson from Wilkin County puts on his cowboy boots as he arrives with his dairy cow at the fairgrounds.

Breckin Anderson brings a bale of straw to the stall of his dairy cow, Anne.

Luella Beckendorf from Watonwan County guides Mocha, her market gilt swine, out of a trailer to a pen in the Christensen Pavilion.

Sidney Erickson from Polk County walks Pedro, her British slick shorthorn steer, around the coliseum during competition on Aug. 22.

Breckin Anderson gives his Holstein cow, Anne, a good wash on the first day of the fair.

Luella Beckendorf perches on a pen to watch other 4-H youth show pigs at the Christensen Pavilion.

It’s showtime for Mocha: Luella Beckendorf shows her market gilt swine alongside other 4-Hers.

As energy flags later in the day, Breckin Anderson shotguns a Mountain Dew Kickstart and Makenzie Mack sneaks in a snooze as her sheep Molly and Emma keep watch.

Breckin Anderson carries supplies back to his family’s trailer at the fairgrounds. (Alex Kormann, The Minnesota Star Tribune)