AJMPU REGION − From the clatter of hooves to the rustle of feathers, the 2025 AJMPU 4-H Animal Shows brought barns to life with excitement, learning, and community spirit. Youth across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties proudly exhibited their animals in shows hosted at the Massac County Youth Fair, Pulaski County Fair, and Union County Fair.
Animal shows are a long-standing 4-H tradition where youth take the lead in raising, training, and presenting animals in front of judges and the community. In 4-H, members can show beef cattle, equine, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, dogs, and even cats, gaining not only ribbons but lifelong skills in responsibility, patience, and animal care.
The 2025 season was a tremendous success, as 457 total animal projects were exhibited across the region, including 287 large animals and 170 small animals. From barn prep to showmanship classes, youth demonstrated what it means to work hard, care deeply, and lead with pride.
In addition to county fair shows, 4-H also hosts Unit-Wide Animal Shows that bring all five counties together to compete and connect. These regional events include the Cat Show, Dog Show, Poultry Show, and Rabbit Show, allowing youth to exhibit their projects in a larger setting and form bonds with members from across Southern Illinois. These shows provide additional opportunities for learning, feedback, and fellowship in a supportive environment.
One of the season’s highlights was the AJMPU Showdown, a unit-wide event including a cattle, sheep, goat, and swine show that brought youth and families together from all five counties for a day of top-tier competition, camaraderie, and celebration. The Showdown not only rewards outstanding work but builds friendships and community connections that extend beyond the show ring.
“Entering the show ring with a large animal, regardless of the placement, a youth receives courage and character. Showing helps build skills for youth to be Beyond Ready for work and life,” said Kristi Stout, 4-H Youth Development Educator.
With every halter adjusted and every pen cleaned, 4-H animal projects teach young people what it means to prepare, to persevere, and to grow. These experiences build not only blue-ribbon winners but strong, capable future leaders in agriculture, animal care, and beyond.
For more information on 4-H animal programs and how to get involved, contact your local Extension office or visit https://extension.illinois.edu/ajmpu.
WRITER: Jordi Oliver, summer intern serving Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties, jordio@illinois.edu. 618-833-6363
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.