Folland receives a 2025 MN Livestock Breeders Association 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction Scholarship

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction Scholarship is presented each year to 4-H and FFA youth who are active members and exhibitors during the year of application. The participants are selected based on leadership experience and personal growth achievements. Additionally the scholarship rewards academic excellence and outstanding livestock production.
Committing to exceptional youth as an investment to further the agricultural industry, the MLBA/4-H Purple Ribbon Auction is proudly awarding $132,500 in scholarships to 42 outstanding youth. This year, 13 of the scholarships are $5,000, 16 of the scholarships are $3,000 in value and 13 are $1,500.
“The support from the greater livestock community is phenomenal and very appreciated,” said Steve Pooch, MLBA secretary.
Since the inception of the scholarship program there have been 696 scholarships given, totaling $1,232,000.
The funding equation for the scholarships is a combination of donations from livestock industry leaders and supporters, matched by MLBA/4-H Purple Ribbon Auction proceeds. Each year during the Minnesota 4-H State Fair a purple ribbon auction is conducted selling the premiums of outstanding youth livestock exhibits with 80% of the funds going directly to the youth and the remaining invested in the scholarship fund and expenses related to the auction.
McKinley Folland of Kittson County, sponsored by Zinpro Corporation, was one of 13 recipients to receive a $5,000 scholarship.
There were also 16 $3,000 scholarships awarded and 13 $1,500 scholarships awarded.

McKinley Folland being recognized as a $5,000 scholarship winner prior to the Purple Ribbon Auction during the 4-H Livestock Encampment of the MN State Fair.
(Submitted Photo)