Facebook Post with Exhibitor Photos

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) continued its support of Minnesota 4-H livestock exhibitors at the 2026 Purple Ribbon Auction during the Minnesota State Fair, sponsoring 25 market animal exhibitors from across the state. 

The sponsorship is one of many ways MFBF invests in youth leadership development, helping young people build the skills and experiences to become future leaders in agriculture. 

"The Purple Ribbon Auction is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Minnesota's 4-H livestock exhibitors," said MFBF President Dan Glessing. "We're proud to recognize these individuals and their member families after months of hard work and dedication to their projects. Their commitment reflects the bright future of agriculture in our state." 

Below is a complete list of exhibitors sponsored by the Minnesota Farm Bureau: 

Grand Champion Market Sheep
 Lane Fruechte – Lincoln County 

Reserve Champion Market Sheep
Allison VanNurden – Kandiyohi County 

Reserve Champion Market Swine
Kiera Thompson-Ohren – West Otter Tail County 

Beef
Bennett Kohls – McLeod County
Jack Heeter – West Otter Tail County
Jace Taylor – Faribault County
Haley Fossum – Mille Lacs County 

Dairy Steers
Royce Jax – Mower County 
Lawson Jax – Mower County
Vince Bechtold – Wright County 

Market Swine
Wyatt Herman – Washington County
Hazelee Hettver – Chippewa County
Aubree Schmidt – Brown County
McKenzie Mitteness – Swift County
Taylor Larson – Murray County
Hayden Prestegard – Faribault County
Lexi Carey – Blue Earth County 

Sheep
McCoy Marthaler – Lyon County
Lanie Chambers – Steele County
Sylvia Chapman-Nesseth – Jackson County
Hailey Chambers – Steele County
Alivia Fruechte – Lincoln County
Libby Larson – Dakota County
Leah Christianson – Lyon County
Graham Meder – West Otter Tail County