Missouri 4-H youths take the lead at State Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On April 28, more than 500 Missouri 4-H members, staff and volunteers gathered in Jefferson City for 4-H Day at the Capitol, focused on civic engagement, leadership and advocacy.
MU Extension salutes its volunteers
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, we celebrate the people who help University of Missouri Extension carry out its mission. From mentoring young people to restoring landscapes and guiding local programs, MU Extension volunteers extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Missouri 4-H honors volunteers
Missouri 4-H recognizes the dedication of more than 5,800 volunteers who invest time and energy to mentor and guide young people. National Volunteer Appreciation Week, observed April 19-25, is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions of 4-H volunteers.
Missouri 4-H, Missouri S&T partner to expand hands-on STEM learning
Missouri 4‑H is partnering with Missouri University of Science and Technology to bring hands-on STEM learning experiences to thousands of youths across the state, with a focus on girls in rural, underserved communities.
Support 4-H through Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians are invited to make a difference in the lives of local youths by supporting the Tractor Supply Co. 4-H Paper Clover Campaign. During the campaign, April 17-May 3, customers can visit their local Tractor Supply store and purchase a paper clover at checkout, with all donations benefiting 4-H programs.
Clover Classic Golf Tournament set for June 2
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Registration is open for the 16th Annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament, set for June 2, at the Gustin Golf Course in Columbia. The event supports Missouri 4-H, University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program.
Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
Missouri 4-H State Rabbit Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H welcomed 30 youths and their families on March 21 to its annual State Rabbit Day. The event, hosted by Melissa Stong of Bates County and Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H educator, gave families the chance to learn more about the rabbit industry through judging contests and educational sessions.
Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day
Missouri 4-H hosted its annual State Poultry Day on March 22 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center. Fifty 4-H members gathered to participate in a variety of contests and educational activities focused on the poultry industry.
Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raises more than $25K
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The fourth annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raised more than $25,000 to support the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports program March 16 at the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex. The event brought together teams and sponsors from across the state for a day of competition, camaraderie and philanthropy, said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
Youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest drew 45 youths from across the state on March 1. Participants tested their knowledge in a quiz bowl setting on the University of Missouri campus. The event was hosted with the help of the Mizzou Equine Teaching Facility and held at the MU Animal Science Research Center.
4-H State Horse Judging Contest
The Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest, Feb. 28, drew 70 youths from across the state to William Woods University in Fulton. Throughout the day, youths put their equine expertise to the test by evaluating eight classes – four halter and four performance – and delivering one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their decisions.
4-H State Meats Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 21, drew youths from 10 counties across the state. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of the meat industry by evaluating six retail or carcass classes representing beef, pork or lamb, identifying 30 retail cuts and presenting one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their placings.
Celebrating Missouri 4-H Century Families
The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized three families with the Missouri 4-H Century Family Award, which celebrates families whose combined years of 4-H membership and volunteer service total 100 years or more, demonstrating a multigenerational commitment to youth leadership, learning and community impact.
Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finishes 4th in Louisville
Missouri 4-H had an outstanding outing with a fourth place overall team finish at the Dr. George Heersche Jr. NAILE Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, Ken., Nov. 8, 2025, according to Karla Deaver, teach coach and University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist. Twenty youth teams competed.
Missouri 4-H'ers travel to Western National for contests
Missouri 4-H livestock judging team. From left, Rayleigh Birdwell, Maggie Reed, Elyse Cooley and Elliott Cooley.
Missouri 4-H youths make strong showing at national poultry contests
Missouri 4-H was strongly represented this year at the National Poultry and Egg Conference, Nov. 19–21 in Louisville, Ky. Youth members showcased their skills in the Poultry Judging, Turkey BBQ and Chicken BBQ contests.
20 Missouri youths attend National 4-H Congress
Twenty Missouri 4-H members were selected to represent the state at the National 4-H Congress, a premier leadership conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2 in Atlanta. The delegation joined more than 700 youths from over 40 states for a week of leadership development, as well as an evening of culture at the Atlanta History Center and a morning community service.
Missourian inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame
K. Russell “Russ” Weathers of Missouri has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Weathers was honored in late October during a ceremony in Atlanta for his decades of leadership and lifelong commitment to youth development.
4-H youth officers strengthen leadership and life skills at county training
More than 50 4-H youth club officers from Caldwell Lafayette and Ray counties dove into a lively leadership workshop that blended learning with plenty of fun on Nov. 16.
Missouri 4-H'ers take top awards at American Royal Livestock Contest
Missouri 4-H youth from Clinton County earned top individual honors and placed among the top teams at a national livestock judging contest.
Missouri youths compete at National 4-H Meats Judging Contest
Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.
Youths compete at Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup
Missouri 4-H youth competed in the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, earning top placements and showcasing equestrian excellence.
'Hands, for larger service'
A dedicated leader praises 4-H’s “hands for larger service” spirit, highlighting youth volunteerism through food drives, tree planting, and community building.
Youths gather for Missouri 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Sixty-plus young participants gathered statewide to sharpen public-speaking skills across five categories in this annual youth leadership event.