Future agricultural leaders shine at 2025 Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2025 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 16. Instead of leading animals, these young members acted as judges, evaluating groupings of cattle,...
New leadership joins Illinois 4-H Foundation Board
Champaign, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. The 4-H Foundation Board of Directors is committed to advancing the Illinois 4-H program by fostering partnerships, securing resources, and...
Youth culinary event builds confidence, teamwork
Decatur, Ill. -- The Illinois 4-H Food Challenge hosted its second culminating statewide event on June 14, bringing together talented young chefs from across the state to showcase their culinary skills. This program is designed to help youth develop expertise in...
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Young Illinois 4-H members inspire at statewide public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State...
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
Foundation Grants Scholarships for Outstanding 4-H Achievement
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated...
Illinois 4-H youth selected for National Ag Day student leadership program
Washington D.C. – Matias Habib of Kendall County was selected to represent 4-H as a delegate in the 2025 National Ag Day Student Leadership Program held in Washington D.C. Sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), the...
4-H Foundation grants scholarships for outstanding 4-H achievements
Champaign, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...
Illinois 4-H teen named national event brand ambassador
Washington, DC. – Illinois 4-H member Paris Van Dyke of Clay County was chosen as a one of two national brand ambassador for Ignite 2025 following a nationwide search. The Ignite by 4-H Summit, held March 13-17 in...
National leadership summit ignites teen career readiness, skills
Washington, D.C. – Twenty-six teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place March 13-17 in Washington, D.C.The Ignite by 4-H Summit is a four-day...
Youth photography contest captures skills for the future
Champaign, Ill. – The Moments That Matter Photography Contest has announced its statewide winners, highlighting 4-H youth who used photography to tell powerful stories and showcase real-world skills. Open to 4-H members ages 8-19, the...
Mastering equine judging: Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest results announced
GALVA, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois demonstrated their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 2 in Galva, Illinois. Participants evaluated six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youth 14 years and older also competing in the...
Illinois 4-H expands shooting sports expertise with newly certified coordinators
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois 4-H has recently certified eight staff members as Level I 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinators. These individuals completed in a three-session professional development series, paving the way for future opportunities in 4-H Shooting Sports programming....
