4-H in Jersey County

What's it like in 4-H?

In 4-H, you get to decide what topics and projects interest you most. You make 4-H what you want it to be. Work on many projects or focus on one or two. Choose what events sound fun to you, and do them. In 4-H, you have an important role in making your community a better place to live, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a club, you’ll figure out what’s needed most in your neighborhood and find ways to help.

In 4-H, you’re part of a family working together. At club meetings, you’ll learn how to get along with others as you build your skills and help your community. In 4-H, you’ll meet adults who care about you and want to help you succeed. 4-H matches you with mentors who will coach you in areas like problem solving, communicating, and teamwork. 4-H introduces you to potential careers and then gives you the training to get the career you want.

Explore a 4-H Club near you.

A smiling girl taking a selfie with a snowman. A green 4-H logo in the lower right corner.

4-H Winter Photo Contest

Capture the magic of winter and take a picture with a winter theme for our Winter Photo Contest!
A marquee-style sign with glowing light bulbs that spells out "TRIVIA NIGHT" in gold, featuring a green 4-H clover logo in the bottom right corner.

Jersey County 4-H Trivia Night

Put your knowledge to the test, enjoy a night of friendly competition, and help raise funds that support local youth programs, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Two young people participate in a livestock skillathon identifying various cuts of meat displayed on tables. A green 4-H clover is in the bottom left corner.

4-H Livestock Skillathon

This contest will give youth the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in various aspects of livestock management.
A herd of cattle in a green pasture. On top of image is the YQCA - Youth for the Quality Care of Animals logo

YQCA Training

4-H members exhibiting a live animal at the 2026 4-H shows in one of the following project areas are required to complete this training every year: Beef, Dairy, Goat, Sheep, Swine
First aid kit displayed on a wooden background. A green 4-H clover in the upper left corner.

First Aid and CPR Workshop

This workshop will cover essential life-saving skills, including basic first aid techniques and CPR, giving participants the confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations.
A man in a plaid shirt and cap uses a tablet while standing between large tractors. The image features a yellow leaf icon and white 4-H logo in the corners.

4-H Agriculture Career Exploration Trip

The tours will highlight careers, trends, and technology related to the ag field. Members will learn firsthand from professionals currently working in the agriculture industry.
A young girl in a yellow raincoat kneeling in a grassy field of wildflowers. A black 4-H logo in the bottom left corner.

Wildflower Walk

In this guided wildflower walk, participants will explore local landscapes, learn to identify native wildflowers, and discover why these plants matter to pollinators and ecosystems.
An adult and a child wearing aprons work together at a woodworking bench filled with tools. The 4-H logo is in the top right corner.

4-H Woodworking Workshop

Join Jersey County 4-H and the JCHS Ag Department for a Woodworking Workshop. Learn woodworking skills and create a project to take home!
Newsletters

Febraury 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025

2026 4-H Fair Show Schedule

March 26
Public Speaking at 6 PM at Farm Credit Illinois of Jerseyville

June 6
CJMM Horse Show at Gillespie Lake Horse Arena
Rainout date June 13 

June 11
CJMM Pet Shows at Montgomery County Fairgrounds
Small Pet Show at 3 PM
Cat Show at 3:30 PM
Dog Show at 4:30 PM 

July 11
Rabbit Show at 8 AM
Poultry Show at 10 AM
General Projects Show 2 PM
All shows will take place at at Exhibit Building

July 12
Livestock Weigh-In at 1 PM
Master Showmanship at 5 PM

July 13
Swine Show at 8 PM
Sheep Show following Swine 
Goat Show following Sheep
Beef Show at 12: 30 PM
4-H Foundation Appreciation Dinner at 6 PM
Livestock Auction at 7 PM

All shows are open to the public. July shows are held at the Jersey County Fairgrounds Show Barn unless otherwise noted (100 W. Fairgrounds, Jerseyville, IL 62052).

Fairs and Shows

Login instructions for FairEntry

Awards

Required Trainings to Show Livestock

  • YQCA – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (required for beef, dairy, goats, sheep, and swine)
  • QAEC – Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification (required for dog, cat, poultry, rabbit, small pet, and horse)
  • Due May 1 in order for you to show livestock at your local county 4-H fair.

For More Information