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4-H in Jersey County

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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.

A person's hands using a crochet hook to craft a colorful floral square, with yarn balls in a woven basket. A green 4-H clover in bottom right corner.

Youth Crochet Workshop

This workshop will guide you through the basics of making Granny Squares and inspire you with the many creative projects you can make with them.

Illustration of diverse hands stacked together in unity, featuring the 4-H logo in the upper left corner.

Hands to Larger Service: Care Kits

Help us make our goal of putting together 100 Care Kits to be donated to those in need in our local communities!

Sliced loaf of pumpkin bread on a cutting board, surrounded by whole pumpkins, pinecones, and autumn leaves, with a 4-H logo in the top right corner.

4-H Pumpkin Bread Take-Home Kit

Bake and discover with this fun, fall-inspired take-home kit! Each kit will include a recipe and non-perishable supplies for pumpkin bread.

A graphic featuring gears on a blue background with a white 4-H logo in the bottom right corner.

CJMM 4-H Officer Training

Are you interested in becoming a 4-H club officer or have you already been elected? Join us for an exciting and interactive session designed to help youth explore officer roles, build leadership skills, and learn how to run club meetings effectively.

Hands crafting a macramé design attached to a wooden ring on a wooden tabletop next to a coffee cup and scissors. Green 4-H clover in bottom right corner.

Macramé for Beginners

Learn the creative skill of macramé and make a piece to take home. Workshop is open to youth ages 10-18 years.

A person using a cell phone to take an image of a fall scenery. A white 4-H clover is on the bottom left.

4-H Fall Photo Contest

Capture the beauty of fall and put your photography skills to the test by entering the 4-H unit-wide photo contest by taking a fall-themed photo!

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 Extension Office
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

Please contact your local Extension office if you need a copy of the 2026 Showbook.

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.

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