Over 750 youth from 95 counties participated in the 2023 Iowa State Fair 4-H communications events. Youth had the opportunity to show in the educational presentations, working exhibits, Share-the-Fun, extemporaneous speaking or communications posters categories.
Forty Iowa youth are beginning their new terms as State 4-H Council members. They will serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program throughout the state and in their local counties.
One hundred thirty-two youth from 23 counties participated in the Iowa 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports State Shooting Competition on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Brownell’s Big Springs Shooting Complex in Searsboro, Iowa.
More than 170 4-H members from 34 counties participated in the 2023 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. Participants were asked to evaluate eight classes of cattle, sheep, swine and meat goats, reviewing breed characteristics, physical conformation and structure, and gain efficiency.
SWITCH, an innovative school wellness initiative, has received additional funding from the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health at the University of Iowa. SWITCH is a collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development and an interdisciplinary research team at Iowa State. Currently schools may enroll in SWITCH for the 2023-2024 school year.
Iowa 4-H celebrated record-breaking participation of over 6,000 entries in 4-H livestock and horticulture entries during the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Afterward, youth exhibitors donated over 100 pounds of their vegetables to the Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines.
Iowa 4-H recognized Poweshiek County 4-H Junior Master Gardener program leader Betsy Cranston with the Superintendent's Special Award for her contributions to youth horticulture at the Iowa State Fair Junior Horticulture competition.
This year, 247 youth from 49 Iowa counties participated in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach skillathons for dairy, meat goat, sheep and swine at the Iowa State Fair. Participants identified feed samples, breeds and meat cuts while answering questions about genetics, nutrients, quality assurance, handling and welfare.
Over 3,200 static 4-H exhibits created by 2,372 youth exhibitors were displayed in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Youth showcased cumulative learning projects in agriculture and natural resources; food and nutrition; home improvement; consumer management; child development; science, engineering and technology; visual arts; photography; personal development; clothing and fashion; and sewing and needle arts.
Local schools and organizations in Crawford and Marshall counties are partnering with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to engage Latino families who have youth in middle school. The families will participate in two extension educational programs that foster career and college readiness.
