Cloverbuds

Grade K-2

About the Project

4-H Cloverbuds do many of the same projects as older 4-H’ers, but in a way appropriate to their age. Cloverbuds explore and learn in a non-competitive environment by doing fun activities of their own choice, like making cookies or doing a craft project, with the guidance of parents or other helpful adults. The Cloverbuds project can help broaden the member’s understanding of 4-H, get them excited about the possibilities in 4-H, practice speaking skills while telling others about their projects, learn how to evaluate their own work, celebrate accomplishments, and make a connection with other youth and families in 4-H.

Parent involvement

We love having parents involved! Parents should encourage youth to complete as much of the project by themselves as possible. If a parent needs to do most of the work, then the project is likely too hard for the member. At the fair, you may be with your Cloverbud. Stand in the background letting the members answer the questions. Your job is to tell the member how proud you are of them after the experience and ask them to tell you what the judge said. Having them tell you about the experience will help them remember how to improve.

Preparing for the fair

Practice judging at home before you go to the fair. Some sample questions could be:1. Tell me about what you did this year in 4-H.2. What did you like best about your project?3. What would you do differently next time?4. What things would you do the same?5. If you were going to teach someone else how to do this project, what would you tell them?6. What was the hardest part?

Cloverbud Requirements

Cloverbud projects follow the same rules and procedures for registration and exhibition as regular projects with the exception of the following:

Cloverbuds classes receive participation ribbons.
Cloverbuds do not need to be LQA&E certified, nor do they need to turn in animal ID forms for animal science projects.
Cloverbud animal exhibitors follow 4-H dress, health, and safety rules for each species.
When animals and Cloverbuds are together at 4-H activities, an adult/responsible person (adult/teen leaders, parents, etc.) must be in control of the animal (handling or leading) at all times including pets. This is Minnesota 4-H policy.
Cloverbuds should use animals that are already being exhibited at the County Fair by a family member if possible, or bring their animals only on show day.
Cloverbuds using their own animals for poultry or horse will still be required to provide health papers (horse - coggins test/poultry - statement of origin or pollorum test certificate).

Cloverbuds Judging

The Cloverbud program provides opportunity to explore and actively learn in a noncompetitive environment. Developmental research supports noncompetitive activities and participation recognition.

You have a judge just for your projects
The judge will ask you to tell them about your project.
The judge may also ask you questions about the project and give you ideas for next year’s project.
You will receive a recognition ribbon for Cloverbuds.

Cloverbud Livestock Judging

When Cloverbuds present their livestock to the judge, they will be asked what they learned in the project, how they cared for their animal, and prepared for the fair. This will be a “show and tell” where the members share their animal with the judge. The exhibits will not be evaluated with blue, red, or white ribbons, but rather a “Cloverbud Ribbon.” This gives these members a county fair experience without competition.
When animals and Cloverbuds are together at 4-H activities, such as fairs and shows, a parent/responsible person will be in control of the animal (control means to handle and lead the animal). This includes feeding, watering, and changing bedding for the animal.

Cloverbud Projects

When animals and Cloverbuds are together at 4-H activities, an adult/responsible person (adult/teen leaders, parents, etc.) must be in control of the animal (handling or leading) at all times. This is Minnesota 4-H policy.

Cloverbud General Exhibit - Any exhibit showing something learned in the Cloverbuds project. Could include an item made, scrapbook, poster, or report.

Limit one entry per class below:

Cloverbud Communication – may enter any of the projects in the communication section
Cloverbud Livestock Demonstration
Cloverbud Livestock Posters – Cloverbuds may participate in any of the poster classes for livestock species (registration found under each regular livestock page)
Cloverbud Beef - calves only
Cloverbud Dairy - fall, winter, or spring calves only 4-H’ers who show in this class cannot show in the open class “Youth Division/Dairy Darling Show.”
Cloverbud Dairy Goat
Cloverbud Poultry
Cloverbud Rabbit
Cloverbud Lamb Lead
Cloverbud Swine
Cloverbud Dog
- - For the Dog Class: All exercises will be performed on leash and will include grooming, feeding, proper care and exercise for dogs, and going for a walk with their dog. This class will not be basic obedience, allowing Cloverbuds to remain eligible for Beginner classes when they reach the appropriate age. A Cloverbud may repeat this class as long as they are enrolled as a Cloverbud.
Cloverbud Horse - Classes will be shown on Thursday starting at 7:00 p.m. Exhibitors may use any horse or pony suitable for a young rider.
- - Cloverbud Showmanship at Halter - Judged on the understanding of positioning themselves for showmanship at halter; the judge will ask basic questions about how the 4-H’er cares for his or her horse or pony.

Cloverbud Lead Line - Judged on basic position in the saddle, hand position, leg position, seat position, and back position. (Lead rope must be attached to the shank of the bit while the rider is showing so the horse is controlled by an adult or 4-H member, age 16+.) The class will walk and trot both directions and horse will be asked to back in the lineup.
Cloverbud Barrels - Member will be led around the barrels by another party.

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