Twenty-four 4-H’ers who won champion or reserve champion at the intermediate and senior level in showmanship at the fair earlier this week were paired with a North Dakota leader for the event. The youth then gave the leader assigned to them tips on how to show a specific species of livestock.

This year is Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller’s first year participating in the event. She was paired with 14-year-old Elizabeth Hansen and her steer Cookie.

“I was a big 4-H’er growing up but I’ve never showed livestock before so this is a new experience for me. It’s been great working with Elizabeth. She’s such a great leader and trainer,” said Miller.

“This event achieves many things. It showcases our great 4-H youth, their communication and showmanship skills, connects youth with adults in leadership roles across the state, and provides 4-H’ers the opportunity to teach someone else what they have learned in the 4-H program,” said Lynette Flage, North Dakota State University Extension associate director.

Hannah Baleme/MDN Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and 4-H member Elizabeth Hansen stand with Elizabeth's steer, Cookie, before the 4-H Showmanship Contest at the State Fair on Friday.

“It is an opportunity to cultivate public speaking, communication and leadership skills with the state’s public leaders, and is a way to connect our leaders today with our leaders of tomorrow,” said Kurt Froelich, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Stark and Billings counties.

Several North Dakota leaders took part in the 4-H Showmanship Contest.