Local youth win big at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Last weekend, youth from across Illinois gathered at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield to showcase their hard work in the General Projects show. Young representatives from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties showcased their amazing...
Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes Mark Ridlen to Board of Directors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ridlen, an Illinois 4-H alumnus and retired banking and financial regulatory executive, to its Board of Directors.The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board is committed to advancing...
Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...
2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...
Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...
Outstanding projects earn recognition at Champaign County 4-H General Show
The Champaign County 4-H General Projects show, held at Parkland College on July 17 and 18, highlighted the creativity, dedication, and talents of local 4-H members as they presented projects spanning a wide variety of subject areas. From visual arts and photography to food, STEM, woodworking,...
Champaign County 4-H animal shows celebrate youth achievement
CHAMPAIGN, Ill - The Champaign County 4-H dog, horse, and livestock shows highlight the dedication, knowledge, and hard work of local 4-H members. Throughout the shows, exhibitors demonstrated the results of months of care, training, and preparation while showcasing their animal husbandry skills...
Vermilion County 4-H animal shows celebrate youth achievement
Georgetown, Ill - Vermilion County 4-H livestock exhibitors showcased months of dedication, responsibility, and hard work during the 2026 Livestock Show at the Georgetown Fair. Youth competed across a wide variety of species, including beef, swine, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, dogs,...
Outstanding projects earn recognition at Vermilion County 4-H General Show
Georgetown, Ill - Vermilion County 4-H members proudly showcased their talents, creativity, and knowledge during the 2026 General Projects Show held in conjunction with the Georgetown Fair. Exhibitors presented outstanding projects spanning a wide variety of project areas, including...
Outstanding projects earn recognition at Iroquois County 4-H General Show
GILMAN, Ill - Iroquois County 4-H members showcased their talents, creativity, and problem-solving skills during the General Projects Show, exhibiting a diverse range of projects that reflected months of learning and dedication. Showcasing 702 entries across project areas including aerospace,...
County 4-H Livestock Show celebrates youth achievement
Gilman, Ill - Iroquois County 4-H livestock exhibitors demonstrated outstanding dedication, knowledge, and sportsmanship throughout this year's fair, showcasing months of hard work and commitment to caring for their animals. Youth competed in a wide variety of livestock species, including beef,...
4-H'ers and families show culinary creativity through Summer Healthy Living Challenge
URBANA, Ill.—4-H youth and their families were challenged to beat the heat this summer by creating their own healthy snacks. They could adapt an existing recipe or invent something completely new, using their creativity to prepare a cool and healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking...
Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....
Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...
Outstanding projects earn recognition at Ford County 4-H General Show
MELVIN, Ill. - The Ford County 4-H General Projects Show, held on June 15, showcased the creativity, dedication, and talents of local 4-H members as they presented projects spanning a wide variety of subject areas. From visual arts and photography to food, STEM, woodworking, and environmental...
Ford County 4-H Livestock Show celebrates youth achievement
MELVIN, Ill. - The Ford County 4-H Livestock Show highlighted the dedication, knowledge, and hard work of local 4-H members as they exhibited swine, beef, poultry, and rabbits. Throughout the show, exhibitors demonstrated the results of months of care, training, and preparation...
