In the 2nd Annual 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge, winning Minnesota 4-H teams researched and developed a portable livestock vaccine warmer, a GPS ear tag, and fuel and fertilizer from school lunch food waste.

Fourteen 4-H teams participated in the event which culminated with a visit in late June to the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus to present their research and solutions for agriculture-related issues. The Science of Agriculture Challenge, the first of its kind in the U.S., is part of an effort to create excitement about agriculture and expand the pipeline of youth studying agriculture and pursuing agriculture-related careers.

Solving a farm challenge. 4-Her’s from Dakota County (left to right), Erik Lundstrom, Haakon Larson and John and Peter Breimhurst—took first place in the second annual Science in Ag Challenge.

Over a nine-month period, the youth worked with adult mentors and agriculture experts to identify agriculture-related issues in their communities and develop science-based solutions using science and engineering practices. At the St. Paul event, the 4-H’ers had their projects judged. They also took campus tours to explore agriculture and science opportunities at the university and met with agribusiness leaders.

Taking first place in the ag challenge was the Dakota County 4-H Vaccine Warmer Team. Team members are Peter Breimhurst, John Breimhurst, Erik Lundstrom and Haakon Larson. The team was coached by Ann Lundstrom and Gary Larson.

The team met with dairy farmer Paul Liebenstein and asked him about challenges he faced on his farm.

“Paul brought problems to our attention and we brainstormed solutions,” Larson said. “We had to get a problem that could be solved with our resources and time. The problem we chose was vaccines—rBST, supplements and other injectables—freezing in the winter.” When vaccines freeze, they lose their efficacy.

So the team started looking at ways to protect vaccines from cold weather. Their idea? To develop a portable vaccine warming pouch for farmers to wear.

The team determined the bag size by looking at other types of bags farmers already have and how they use them. They decided to make it to be easily worn on a belt. They chose a durable fabric for the bag’s interior and added a thermo reflective layer that separates the heated interior from the outside.

“To warm the inside of the bag, we used a couple small heating elements that are powered by rechargeable batteries,” said Peter Breimhurst. “They are durable and the ability to recharge makes them eco-friendly instead of using one-time use heating packs.”

The team plans to market the insulated heated bag in the near future.                                 

“We have a few modifications yet before we are ready to start manufacturing it.” Breimhurst added.

Overall, the experience was enjoyable and educational for the team.

“We learned a great deal about each other,” Breimhurst said. “We all have our own strengths and I think we learned that we work really well with each other, especially under pressure. Plus, we learned more about our own strengths through the process as well.”

Added Lundstrom: “Peter has a very strong research background and was very good at using technology. John has a good business sense due to his work in a business. Haakon is very good at science and math which helped greatly for running our tests and calculations. I had lots of connections with people around the ag industry and other connections, [such as having access to a] seamstress and an engineer.”

Taking second place in the ag challenge was the Meeker County 4-H Ear Tag Team, consisting of team members Andrew Massmann, Casey Gohmann, Abbey Schiefelbein and Bailee Schiefelbein. The team was coached by Sheri Gohmann. The team developed a GPS ear tag for livestock so farmers can track livestock remotely to ensure they are safe and in the pasture.

Taking third place was the Le Sueur County 4-H Food Waste Team, comprised of Anna Prchal, Brian Prchal and Tyler Fromm. The team was coached by Jodi Prchal. The team researched how to reduce and reuse food waste from school lunchrooms. They developed ways to turn food waste into fuel and fertilizer.

The top three teams were awarded scholarships that can be used at any accredited university, college or trade school. First place team members received $1000 each, second place received $750 each, and third place received $500 each.

The Science in Ag Challenge program exposes youth to a wide variety of ag-related issues that they can have a role in solving, says Josh Rice, U-M Extension agriculture specialist who heads up the ag challenge.

“According to a report by the USDA, between 2015 and 2020, there will be about 57,900 jobs annually for graduates with bachelor’s or higher degrees in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment,” Rice said.

This year’s 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge was made possible by sponsorship provided by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council, Agstar Financial Services, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Pentair, Minnesota 4-H Foundation, U-M College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, American Crystal Sugar, CoBank, Rahr Corporation, Minnesota Farmers Union and South Central College.

To learn more about the program, go online to z.umn.edu/4HScienceofAg