Events

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

Registration is open!

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…

4-H U: Dream. Plan. Do. | Belvidere

Not sure what's next after high school? Let's figure it out together. For incoming grades 9-12. Open to the public. You do not need to be in 4-H to attend. 4-H U: DREAM. PLAN. DO. is a hands-on…

Business Succession for a Strong Rural Community: Worker Co‑ops as a Transition Strategy

Learn how worker cooperatives offer a practical, built-in solution to rural business succession.

Rural communities across the country are facing a growing succession crisis as long‑time business…

State 4-H: The Art of Coping

Registration is open!

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

Save the date!

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

Registration is open!

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.,…

Battery Storage Planning and Safety for Local Governments

Battery storage is charging up in Illinois, raising important questions for communities about how to safely site these new systems. Get a better understanding…

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…

Opportunity Zones in Illinois

Recent Opportunity Zones 2.0 legislation introduces rolling 10-year designations, stronger incentives for rural investment — including a 30% reduction in capital gains tax — stricter income…

Take Charge of Your Health Webinar Series Spring 2026

Strengthen your health with practical tools for managing chronic conditions.

Learn to thrive, not just survive, with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. Explore how to…