4-H in Mercer County

What's it like in 4-H?

4-H helps youth find their spark! Join Illinois’ largest out-of-school youth organization, where kids and teens learn by doing with fun, hands-on activities that teach skills for successful living. We can’t wait for you to join and become part of our 4-H family!

Ready to Take the Next Step? You can join one of our many community clubs and be part of our 4-H family!
Just fill out this online 4-H interest form and we'll get back to you to help you find the club that works for you!

Here are Mercer County 4-H Community Clubs you can join!

Alexis All Stars- 3rd Sunday @ 6 pm in Alexis | Leader Julie Olson, 309-482-3483
Country Kids- Last Tuesday @ 6:30 pm in Viola | Leader Ann Weber, 309-737-9518
Hamlet Handy Helpers- 2nd Sun @ 5 pm in Hamlet | Leader Brenda Close, 309-781-5949
Joy Eliza Ag- 2nd Sunday @ 4 pm in Eliza | Leader Carrie McKay, 309-513-3100
Kimel- 2nd Sunday @ 5 pm in Aledo | Leader Krystal Jungmann, 309-337-8189
Peppy Partners-3rd Saturday @ 9:30 am in Aledo | Leader Karen Dellitt, 309-587-8564
Saddle Teens- 2nd Thursday @ 6:30 pm in Viola | Leader Joyce Smith, 309-582-4151
Teen Federation- date & time varies in Aledo | Leader Annette Speer, 309-582-4679

Interested in volunteering? Fill out this volunteer interest form and we'll be in touch!

The monthly 4-H Newsletter is just a click away! Read the 4-H Insights Newsletter here

Livestock Fitting Clinic, Sat April 13

Join us at the Livestock 101 Clinic hosted by Sherrard FFA & 4-H! Date: April 13, 2024 Time: 9 a.m. Location: Mercer County Fairgrounds, Aledo, IL Cost: $15 early bird registration until April 5, $25 thereafter. Dive into showing cattle, sheep, market goats, and swine with hands-on guidance, expert assistance, mock showmanship sessions, and valuable insights into responsible animal care. Beginner-friendly with advanced material for all skill levels. Build confidence and learn essential skills. Don't miss out! Register at go.illinois.edu/LivestockFittingClinic

Mercer County 4-H Fishing Club April 20-May 25

Cast Off with Us: Join Our 4-H Fishing Club First Meeting at Central Park, Aledo! Our inaugural gathering is set for April 20th at Central Park in Aledo, starting at 9 a.m. to go over the plans for the club including the pond schedule, detailing locations, and activities. Subsequent meetings will take place on April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25 at various pond locales from 9 to 11 a.m. Secure your spot by registering through Zsuites.

4-H Goat Club: May 5-July 14

Join the Goat SPIN Club for an immersive goat experience! Meetings run Sundays May 5 to July 14, 2- 3:30 PM at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. Gain decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills while learning about goat care, management, and showing. Bring your own goat or lease one; limited leases available. Showcase your skills at the Rock Island County Show (July 19) or Mercer County Show (July 11). Register by April 29; ages 8-18 eligible. Costs: $50 for 4-H members, $20 program fee + $50 goat lease for non-members (due at first meeting). Register now!

4-H Member Resources

Here are some important links to the 2024 Mercer County 4-H Fair Show Book, Livestock Nomination Forms, the 4-H Newsletter, and the Mercer County 4-H Achievement Awards Booklet.

Mercer County 4-H Fair Book & Show Schedule

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Mercer County 4-H Fair on July 8-13 In Aledo, IL. Be sure to plan ahead and prepare your projects accordingly to showcase your hard work and dedication. You will find detailed information regarding the requirements for each 4-H project category. We encourage all participants, families, and supporters to familiarize themselves with the contents of the 2024 Mercer County 4-H Fair Book.

Read it here 2024 Mercer County 4-H Fair Book

Livestock Nomination Instructions

Here are the links to the forms, instructions and deadlines you'll need:

2023-2024 Livestock Ownership Deadlines

2024 Livestock Nomination instructions

Lambs and Goats nomination forms

Pork Premier nomination form

Horse Ownership forms

Mercer County 4-H Awards Booklet

Check out the outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions of our dedicated members, volunteers, and clubs.

Read it here: Mercer County 4-H Achievement Awards 2022-23

4-H Insight Newsletters

Check out the 4-H Insight monthly newsletter - keeping our members, leaders and families up to date on the news, events, activities, deadlines and opportunities happening each month.

March 2024 Newsletter

February 2024 Newsletter

January 2024 Newsletter