Henderson County 4-H

06/20/2026

We know that our members take pride in keeping their swine projects healthy. Know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them to be featured by Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Youth Biosecurity Summer Spotlight
Do you know an IL swine exhibitor who goes above and beyond to help keep their pigs healthy?
Submit Your Nominations Today:
https://bit.ly/4xo9itu

06/19/2026

4-H members, don't miss your chance to compete for
one of nine $1,000 scholarships at the 4-H Superior
Young Livestock Producer Contest Skillathon!
Head to the south show ring of the Junior Cattle Barn on
the Illinois State Fairgrounds to register starting at 6pm on
Wednesday, August 12, ahead of the event. All 4-H
members who are between the ages of 14 and 18 as of
January 1 may compete. Please bring your cell phone to
participate in the contest. If you would prefer to not use a
cell phone, please alert the event organizers. Registration/Check-in: 6 pm
Test your knowledge on:
BREEDS OF CATTLE, SWINE,
SHEEP & GOATS
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ
MARKETING
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION
QUALITY ASSURANCE
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate,
please contact Shelby Carlson: [email protected]

06/19/2026

Our Fair Entry Deadline is nearly one week away. All members planning on showing at the 2026 Henderson County 4-H Fair MUST register by 11:59 p.m. on June 27 at https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/22974. Any issues should be emailed to Angel ahead of the deadline and will be handled the next business day. We recommend not waiting until the last minute so staff are available to help with any questions.

06/18/2026

Are you counting down til fair season? We are! We can't wait to see you all at our Henderson County 4-H Showmanship and Fitting Clinic following the livestock weigh-in at the Henderson County Fair. We are going back to basics and taking all the mystery out of showing to help our younger members feel more prepared for show day. We'll provide dinner as long as you provide the questions!

06/16/2026

There is still time to register for this event! Learn more about careers in animal science and earn a state-level experience for your 4-H Experience Award Application!

Join the National Association of Extension and 4-H Youth Development Professionals, Animal Science Working Group, to hear from speakers throughout the Animal Science Industry.

Speakers include Dr. Mark Hoge, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Livestock Judging Coach, Western Illinois University, and Mr. Kevin Robinson, Senior Animal Care Specialist, Sea World San Diego.

Date and Time: June 18, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m. CST

Registration: Register by June 17 10:59 p.m. CST at go.illinois.edu/CareerNight

06/15/2026

The 4-H Dog Show was held on Sunday, June 14, at the Warren County Fairgrounds Pattee Building. The participating counties were Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren. Henderson County results: Beginner Novice 1 Champion and Jr Showmanship State Fair Delegate-Brooklyn Van Winkle of the Terre Haute Superstars 4-H club, with her dog Sparky. Beginner Novice 2 and Novice Champion and Jr Showmanship State Fair Alternate-Ellie Mae Shaner, of the Stronghurst Hustlers 4-H club, with her dog Kjarlighet. Congratulations to our 4-H members and dogs alike. Henderson County members are coached by Dayne Gittings, 4-H Volunteer.
4-H members are required to attend at least 6 dog training sessions. For more information about 4-H Dog Obedience, contact the 4-H office at 309-924-1163.

06/12/2026

How Do You Prepare for the Henderson County 4-H Fair?
July 27-4-H General Project Show; check in at 7:30-8:45am at the Neff Building on the Henderson County Fairgrounds, Stronghurst, IL
July 27-30-Livestock Shows with Livestock Weigh-in from 3-5pm on July 27.
• Make sure you have attended at least four 4-H club meetings and completed a talk/demo about a project area. YOCA (annually for swine, beef, sheep and goat) & QAEC (one-time for companion animals ) needed to be completed by May 1.
• Check your 4h.zsuite.org/profile account to see what projects you signed up for in 2025-26.
• Go to fairentry https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/22974 and use your previous profile or if you are new to 4-H create a profile. You must specify on what you are bringing to the fair. This must be done by June 27, 2026, to show your projects at the 4-H show.
• Check your fair book to see if your project requires a project publication. Order the project publication through the 4-H newsletter.
• Check your monthly newsletter. This newsletter is sent to your email at the beginning of each month from [email protected] (Angel Wright’s email). This newsletter has all the links to everything you need above.
• Contact Angel Wright with any questions: 309-924-1163 or [email protected]

06/12/2026

The FFA State Convention was held this week in Springfield. Congratulations to state degree recipients Keaton Ruebush (Swine) and Ruby Gittings (Goat). The FFA Degree is the highest honor that the state association bestows on a member. Ruby and Keaton maintained four years of records that demonstrate proficiency in their respective areas of study.
# historically, a state degree is earned by fewer than 3% of state members.

06/06/2026

Thank you to the volunteers, 4-H members, and families for your support of the Henderson County 4-H BBQ in 2026.

06/05/2026

It's a full house out here in Stronghurst for the 4-H BBQ. We are here until 7 so there is still time to stop at the most exciting place in Henderson County!