Events

State 4-H Awards Banquet

Celebrate our state award winners!

The Illinois 4-H Awards and Scholarship program honors an amazing group of young people who have made 4-H and their…

Gardening on a Budget

Starting a container garden can benefit your budget and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies your taste buds. Learn about…

Land Leasing Basics

Leasing farmland is so commonplace that landowners, farmers, and ranchers may only think about the lease itself once things go wrong. Prevent…

State 4-H Horse Bowl, Horse Speaking, and Hippology Contests

The 2026 State Horse Contest dates are set!  Contest rules and entry information are now available on the State 4-H website.  

The 4-H state horse judging…

Backyard Pumpkin Patch

Join Illinois Extension for a free, hands-on workshop all about creating your own Backyard Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins may be a fall favorite, but successful harvests start long before autumn arrives…

State 4-H: The Art of Coping

As the school year ramps up and finals approach, this FREE 4-H virtual workshop gives youth a chance to pause, reset, and build practical stress management skills. Through…

State 4-H Public Speaking Contest

4-H excels in preparing youth to speak confidently. The Illinois State 4-H Public Presentation Contest allows youth to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a…

Illinois 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest

The Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest for beef, sheep, swine, and meat goats will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Stock Pavilion (1402 W. Pennsylvania Ave.,…

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest

Poultry Judging Contest 2026

IMPORTANT: We will continue to follow Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) guidance regarding poultry exhibitions as the contest date approaches. Please…

4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament

The popular 4-H statewide fishing spring fishing tournament is back in 2026. This year’s tourney will again be a virtual event held between the dates of May 1 – July 31. Catch-…