Purpose: To request that the Michigan State 4-H Dog Program reconsider their decision regarding the
2026 State 4-H Dog Show and consider changing the policy for all future shows for years to follow.
Issue: The Michigan State 4-H Dog Program has scheduled the 2026 State Dog Show for September
19th, 2026, which is after the start of a new 4-H year (4-H years start on September 1st of each year).
Having the State Dog Show after September 1st automatically makes any 4-H youth whose 4-H age of
19 years old as of January 1st

, in eligible to show even if the youth was able to successfully show at

their local county fair the same calendar year.
Proposal: The 4-H youth with the Monroe County 4-H Dog Program strongly believe that all 4-H
members who are eligible to show at their county fair for the current calendar year, and who did show
at their county fair, should be allowed an exception by the state to show at the State Dog Show for the
same calendar year. We firmly believe these dedicated 4-H members should be given the opportunity
to finish out their 4-H career at the state show.
Action: Attached you will find a petition with the signatures of Monroe County 4-H youth, leadership,
and parents/guardians who strongly agree that 4-H members who are finishing their final year of 4-H
be permitted to show at the Michigan State 4-H Dog Show in September.