Marion County (FL) 4-H

06/03/2026

We need foster heroes. Now.🩷🩵

Our shelter is experiencing an influx of kittens of all ages, and we need foster heroes today.

These tiny, fuzzy, angelic wonders need safe, temporary homes where they can grow, thrive, and get ready for adoption. Supplies are provided. You offer shelter, care, love, and a little space in your home. In return, you get purrs, tiny paws, and a heart that feels a little fuller.

If you have ever considered fostering, this is the moment to step forward. Please hurry in today or email [email protected]. Our team is working hard to keep up with requests, so we may not be able to answer questions immediately. If you are interested, please don't wait.

📍Need help finding us?

Our address is 6405 W. Hwy 40, Ocala, FL 34482. Because our building is brand new, some map apps may not bring you to the correct location. If that happens, try entering 6405 FL-40, Ocala instead.

We're located close to the intersection of W. Hwy 40 and Airport Road. Look for the large new building with a long driveway lined with white crape myrtles. We're right next to J & J's Tack Shop.

🐾 A quick kitten reminder: Please do not "KIT-nap" kittens.
If you find a litter outdoors, resist the urge to immediately bring them to a shelter. Instead, watch from a distance and give mom time to return. If the kittens appear healthy and well-fed, their mother is likely nearby caring for them.

In many cases, staying with their mother is the safest and healthiest option. This is a nationally accepted best practice in animal welfare.

Learn more from Kitten Lady about what to do when you find kittens outdoors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V47Ej3X6e7Y

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

REMINDER.......Standards of Excellence and Project Reports are due today!!!!!

05/26/2026

Reminder Monday June 1st is the last day to turn in your project reports and standards of excellence.

05/26/2026

🐔🐣Florida State Fair Pullet Project & Silent Auction🐔🐣

Program information and rules are now available on the Ag website:
🔗 https://floridastatefairgrounds.com/competition/pullet-project-show-and-silent-auction/
Important Dates & Details
• Entry Submission Opens: June 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM
• Online Registration:
🔗 https://floridastatefair.formstack.com/forms/2027_fsf_pullet_project
Program Highlights
• One entry per chapter or club
• Limited to 25 entries (first-come, first-served)
• $50 entry fee (due at time of registration), which includes:
o 10 chicks
o 1 lb bag of chick starter feed
o Take-home box
• Mandatory Clinic & Chick Pick-Up:
Saturday, July 25, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• An excellent fundraising opportunity for your chapter or club

If you have any questions, please contact the Agribusiness Department at [email protected]

🐣The Pullet Project is officially LIVE!
Project info is posted and entries open June 3 at 12PM.
Open to ALL FFA Chapters, 4-H Clubs & YLPA Clubs!

Get the details + get ready to enter: https://shorturl.at/tIwZD

05/20/2026

🍀 Marion County 4‑H Shines at District Events! 🍀

Our Marion County 4‑H members did an outstanding job as they competed in Demonstrations, Illustrated Talks, and Share the Fun!

Their hard work, creativity, confidence, and dedication were on full display, and we could not be more proud of how they represented our county.

🎉 We’re especially thrilled to celebrate that several of our members have qualified to advance to the state competition at 4‑H University this July!

A huge congratulations to all participants for stepping outside their comfort zones, sharing their talents, and making Marion County proud. 💚

05/19/2026

April and May have been exciting months for our Marion County 4-H Horse Project youth! 🐴💚

To qualify for the Florida State 4-H Horse Show, youth participating in the Florida 4-H Horse Program must compete in one of the three Area 4-H Horse Shows. We are incredibly proud to announce that every Marion County youth who competed qualified for the State Horse Show!

🏆 Area West Participants
• Emma – High Point Champion for Speed Events and placings in Ranch Riding

🏆 Area East Participants
• Aubrey – Western High Point & Reserve Overall High Point
• Jessica – State Qualifier

🏆 Area North Participants
• Evelyn – Reserve Overall High Point & Senior Ranch High Point
• Josie – Reserve Senior Ranch High Point & Reserve Overall Record Book
• Karly – Reserve High Point Junior Hunter
• Diana – State Qualifier
• Lily F. – State Qualifier
• Lily H. – State Qualifier
• Addison – State Qualifier
• Adylan – State Qualifier

Congratulations to all of our Area North, Area East, and Area West competitors! We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, and growth these youth have shown throughout the season. Best of luck as they represent Marion County at the Florida State 4-H Horse Show July 9-11, 2026, at the Florida State Fairgrounds! 🍀🐎

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Marion County 4-H Forestry Judging Teams! This past Saturday, our youth competed in the State 4-H Forestry Contest at the UF Austin Cary Forest in Gainesville, FL. Marion County was represented by an individual junior member, and a junior, intermediate, and senior team, each consisting of four youth competitors, and we are thrilled to announce that ALL THREE teams placed 1st in their respective age divisions! 🎉

We could not be prouder of these youth and the countless hours they dedicated to studying and preparing for this competition.

🌿 Junior Team – Malachi – 2nd High Individual, Joshua- 3rd High Individual, Marcella, Emmett
🌿 Junior Individual Competitor- MJ
🌿 Intermediate Team – Eleanor- 1st Place Individual, Caleb- 3rd Highest Individual, Callie, Jax
🌿 Senior Team – Forest- 1st Place Individual, Calista- 2nd Highest Individual, Madison, Gracelynn

Forest also placed 3rd in the Nature Poetry Contest!

An extra congratulations to our Senior Team for earning the opportunity to compete at the National Forestry Contest this July in Weston, West Virginia! A huge thank you to Mr. Todd for dedicating your time, leadership, and knowledge to coaching these outstanding youth, and to Ms. Brittany for assisting with preparation and support along the way. 🌲 💚🍀

05/13/2026