Gregg family recognized with 2026 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Gregg family’s 4-H story began more than 70 years ago when Virgil and Edith Gregg organized 4-H clubs in Shelby County and inspired generations of young people to learn and lead. Today, four generations and 17 family members have contributed more...
Illinois 4-H alumni honored for exemplary achievements and service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five outstanding Illinois 4-H alumni were honored during the Illinois State Fair for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to the community, and loyalty to the Illinois 4-H...
Illinois 4-H youth compete in 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award contest
The 2026 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award program and state 4-H dairy judging contest were held Aug. 22 at the Illinois State Fair. Fourteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois participated in the SYDPA program, and 41 youth competed in the dairy judging contest.The purpose...
4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...
Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes Mark Ridlen to Board of Directors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ridlen, an Illinois 4-H alumnus and retired banking and financial regulatory executive, to its Board of Directors.The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board is committed to advancing...
2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...
Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...
4-H'ers and families show culinary creativity through Summer Healthy Living Challenge
URBANA, Ill.—4-H youth and their families were challenged to beat the heat this summer by creating their own healthy snacks. They could adapt an existing recipe or invent something completely new, using their creativity to prepare a cool and healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking...
Illinois 4-H shotgun team competes at record-setting National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The 2026 National 4‑H Shooting Sports Championships, held June 21–26 in Grand Island, Nebraska, marked the largest event in its 26‑year history, bringing together 767 4‑H members from 42 states for one of the program’s premier national competitions.Illinois was...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity, confidence at State Fashion Revue
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members from across the state showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style during the Illinois 4-H State Fashion Revue on June 6 at Heartland Community College.The event featured youth ages 8 to 18 competing in junior and senior divisions...
Illinois 4-H youth earns national recognition for excellence in livestock education
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H member Molly McCalla of Madison County has been awarded a $2,500 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship in recognition of her commitment to animal care, leadership, and agricultural education.McCalla was one of 12 students selected nationwide to...
From judging to food systems: 4-H youth build real-world skills at poultry contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their poultry evaluation skills during the 2026 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held April 28 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The annual contest provides youth with hands-on experience...
Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nearly 90 seventh and eighth-grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team....
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
