Submitted photo Alex Schroeder of Courtland is one of the recipients of the Minnesota State Fair Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) grants.

ST. PAUL — Alex Schroeder of Courtland is one of the recipients of the Minnesota State Fair Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) grants.

The BELLE program will award grants to 15 youth livestock exhibitors who commit to participating in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2021. Thanks to funding from the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, 11 large-animal exhibitors will receive $500 and four small-animal exhibitors will receive $250 each to help offset the costs of exhibiting livestock at the Minnesota State Fair. Participants will also be paired with a peer-to-peer mentor to help guide them through their showing experience.

The State Fair is committed to featuring the state’s finest agriculture, and recognizes the importance of cultivating youth experiences in the livestock industry, yet also understands that exhibiting at the State Fair can stretch the family budget. The BELLE grant program hopes to help reduce the financial barrier of attending and introduce new exhibitors to participating in the Minnesota State Fair.

The 2021 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6.