4-H Youth Development : article
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding scholarships totaling $87,000 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their education.
The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding 70 scholarships totaling $95,000 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their educations.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On Sept. 29 the Missouri 4-H Foundation awarded 67 scholarships totaling $73,550 to 4-H youth throughout the state.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding 68 scholarships totaling $69,350 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their educations.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation marks its 75th anniversary this year with plans to highlight impacts from decades of dedication to nurturing young leaders and fostering community development across the state.
Celebrating the remarkable volunteers and supporters inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame, whose leadership strengthens youth programs across Missouri.
44 Missouri 4-H volunteers from 36 counties were inducted into the 2020 Hall of Fame for their legacy of youth service.
SEDALIA, Mo. – At the University of Missouri Extension 2023 State 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstration and Youth Equine Fine Arts and Poster contests, July 26, youths demonstrated speaking, presentation and artistic abilities while sharing their equine knowledge.
Missouri 4-H volunteers and staff are preparing for a new year, focusing on youth development, leadership, and community engagement.
Missouri 4-H has introduced the Youth Nutrition Ambassador program, where teens can lead initiatives to promote healthy eating and community wellness.
Missouri 4-H livestock judging team places 6th at Western National Roundup, earning top individual and team honors.
Missouri 4-H dairy team wins first at the All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, with all members ranking in the top 20.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H has received funding through the Union Pacific Foundation Local Grants program to support programming to raise awareness, educate and prepare youths for jobs in STEM fields.
Missouri 4-H youths showcased fashion skills at the 2024 State Fashion Revue, with winners advancing to national competitions.
University of Missouri Extension hosted the 2025 State 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Day on June 14 at the MU Animal Science Research Center. Sixty-six 4-H youths from around the state participated in activities focused on poultry and rabbits. Participants competed in Poultry Judging Contests, Poultry…
Clinton County 4-H team secures third place at the 2024 National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, showcasing top-tier livestock evaluation skills.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of 4-H members gathered for Missouri 4-H Week, an annual event held on the University of Missouri campus. This weeklong celebration features two major events for the 4-H program: 4-H Teen Conference and State 4-H Congress.
Missouri 4-H youths showcase fashion skills at the state revue, with top winners heading to the national FCS championship.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest gathered 19 youths and their coaches in late March and early April.The contest consisted of an online qualifying exam in March; the top four teams in each age division advanced to the in-person portion in April.
Drachen Koester is named runner-up for the 4-H Youth in Action Award, teaching youth statewide about native bees.
SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri State Fair offers an opportunity for members to exhibit their skills in the 4-H Building, their showmanship in the livestock arenas and their character through demonstrations. For many, this is a culminating experience that affects youths beyond just the premium and…
Eight Missouri 4-H youth competed at the 2023 Western National Roundup in Denver, placing in speaking, fashion and livestock judging.
Missouri 4-H youths from 20 counties presented speeches in multiple categories and earned awards in the state public speaking contest.
Two Missouri teens represented statewide 4-H at the national Family & Consumer Science competition, showcasing fashion and presentation skills.
Two Missouri 4-H members competed in the 2025 Western National Roundup public speaking contest, with one placing 5th in impromptu.
Youth raise 1,100+ lb of protein to provide 5,000+ meals and support food-insecure Missourians.
During the 2024 State 4-H Congress, 2024-25 State 4-H Council members were elected by their peers.
Missouri 4-H youth surpassed their goal by raising nearly 300,000 meals during a statewide food drive, helping hunger relief efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Equine Careers Tour, May 19-25, offered 40 Missouri youths the opportunity to explore careers in the equine industry through hands-on learning and professional engagement across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Canada.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, hundreds of Missouri 4-H’ers, parents and volunteers commit to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through Missouri 4-H’s Move Across Missouri challenge.
Recognition shared by Missouri 4-H youth for outstanding catches and species diversity at the 2021 sportfishing contest.
Youth in Missouri organized drives, fundraisers and community events to raise over 1.7 million meals statewide, boosting awareness and support for local hunger relief.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – 4-H clubs across Missouri have raised more than three quarters of a million meals to feed hungry families over the last three years.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri 4-H was well-represented at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 19. The team from Clinton County included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler and was coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell.
Missouri 4-H members knit and donate 72 handmade blankets to Project Linus, supporting children in need across the state.
$25,000 gift fuels expansion of 4-H nutrition advisory clubs statewide to support youth leadership, advocacy and healthy habits.
Bailey Schneider, the 2025 Missouri State Fair queen, is a 4-H alum and a junior at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For the 75th consecutive year, millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will celebrate National 4-H Week during the first week of October.
Missouri youths gathered with others from across the nation for the 2021 National 4-H Congress, Nov. 26-30 in Atlanta.
Missouri 4-H youth attended the 2024 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, connecting with peers through leadership, culture, and community service.
Missouri youths showcased poultry skills in judging, contests, and quiz bowls at the 2023 State 4-H Poultry Day.
Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.
Missouri 4-H members showcased leadership and civic engagement at the Capitol, meeting with lawmakers and advocating for youth development programs.
Missouri youths sharpen horse judging skills and compete in a state 4-H contest, gaining experience in evaluation and agriculture.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Members of the Mizzou Collegiate 4-H club have voted to create a statewide Missouri Collegiate 4-H Council. The existing Mizzou Collegiate 4-H organization will be a chapter under the new council.
Whether it’s through interactive exhibitions, educational programming or support for young leaders, Mizzou plays a proud role in helping the fair fulfill its mission to champion Missouri agriculture and inspire future generations.
HALLSVILLE, Mo. – Life lessons learned in 4-H continue to help the president-elect of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Greg Buckman.
Over 1,000 Missouri youth engaged in a hands-on aerial ag challenge, using drones and STEM skills to explore modern farming innovations.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Twenty-one 4-H youth got a taste of running a small business by selling original handmade items to Missouri State Fair visitors, Aug. 10-20.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Starting this fall, Missouri 4-H will be able to reach more youths and families across the state through an easy-to-use online learning platform called Canvas that brings 4-H project-based learning directly into the home.
MU Extension again joined the celebration at the Norborne Soybean Festival in August by bringing hands-on learning and application to the “Soybean Capital of the World.”
Tim Tanner is the new director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.
Kids learn healthy cooking and nutrition skills through hands-on lessons, building confidence and smart eating habits.
New exhibition rules issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture late last year for showing cattle and swine at county fairs and exhibitions go into effect this year. University of Missouri Extension specialists say the changes encourage healthy animals.
Linda “Jo” Turner, longtime leader in 4-H youth development, will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her impact on statewide programs.
Noel Primary’s in-school 4-H club engages students in hands-on learning, community projects, and STEM activities during its first year.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Patterson Family Foundation has awarded funds to Missouri 4-H for a three-year pilot project focusing on youth workforce development, overcoming barriers to higher education and improving financial literacy.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to recognize Missouri 4-H volunteer Deedee Martin with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Martin, who lives in Pike County, is being recognized for more than 30 of service and support to…
Missouri 4-H youths learn American Sign Language to connect with the deaf community and explore new skills and careers.
Stories from Missouri youth and farmers show how generations build agricultural strength, adapt in crisis, and sustain communities together.
Faced with quarantine, Saline County 4-H youth switched to virtual entries—photos, videos and live video judging—to still take part in the fair.
Supporters responded with resilience during COVID-19 and helped raise nearly $1,000 for Feeding Missouri’s network of six food banks.
Youths statewide gathered to compete in Missouri’s annual 4-H public speaking contest, showcasing communication skills and earning awards.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – States’ 4-H International, a prominent provider of international student exchange programs, announced the appointment of Missouri 4-H alumna Shea Fitzgerald as a Young Professional Board Member. Missouri 4-H Program Director Lupita Fabregas also serves on the States’ 4-H…
Middle school students explore agriculture technologies, including drones and GPS, at a STEM-focused day camp in St. Louis.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Should parents let kids take their cellphones to school? A University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist looks at the pros and cons.
Educate teens on social media risks before events. Discuss privacy settings and alerting trusted adults if they feel uncomfortable online.
Help children sleep better with consistent bedtime routines, a calm environment, and healthy sleep habits for growth and focus.
The Closet in Edina received the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award for over eight years of service supporting youth programs in Knox County.
Three Missouri youths represented their counties at the National 4-H Conference in 2019, engaging in policy discussions and meeting federal officials.
Tiger mascots unite across universities to raise awareness and help save wild tigers from extinction.
Tonia Zeiler is honored for 13 years of 4-H volunteer leadership, supporting youth growth in Lafayette County.
Vernon County 4-H Alumni Association received the Naomi Crouch Award for over a decade of volunteer service supporting youth and community.
Missouri 4-H honors volunteers whose dedication shapes youth leadership and growth through service, mentorship, and recognition awards
More than 5,700 volunteers guide 4-H youth, helping them gain skills, confidence and resilience to be ready for leadership, careers and life.
Lila Wantland judged herself to the top of the senior division of the Missouri State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. The contest was held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland was the high individual in the intermediate division of the state contest in 2018.
SEDALIA, Mo. – The State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest looked somewhat different this year, but Lila Wantland remained consistent and led the field in dominating fashion at the Aug. 22 event held at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland repeated her 2019 win, following up 2018 and 2017 victories…
Warren County teens showcased teamwork and creativity in a Memphis food pantry challenge, preparing dishes with surprise ingredients.
Young entrepreneurs showcased innovative ideas and honed their business pitches in a competition, addressing real-world challenges with creative solutions.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – 4-H members practiced their angling skills July 24 at the Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area during the University of Missouri Extension 2021 State 4-H Sportfishing Event.
Missouri youths showcased livestock evaluation skills at the 2024 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, emphasizing critical thinking and communication.
Youths competed in contests like poultry judging, egg demonstrations, and quiz bowls at the 2024 State 4-H Poultry Day.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Eight Missouri 4-H members competed at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo on Nov. 8 in Louisville, Ky. Each member placed at the top of their respective contests at the state level before representing…
Young competitors showcased livestock evaluation skills at the 2025 Missouri 4-H contest. Top teams will advance nationally.
Nearly 100 youths competed virtually in the 2020 state 4-H sportfishing event, testing angling skills and knowledge of fish and ecosystems.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 15, drew 60 competing 4-H members from across the state.
Youths showcase public speaking, demonstrations, and artistic skills while sharing equine knowledge at a 4-H event.
Sixty-plus young participants gathered statewide to sharpen public-speaking skills across five categories in this annual youth leadership event.
Missouri youth showcased public speaking skills at the State 4-H contest, competing across categories and age levels.
Youth competed in the State 4-H Hippology Contest, showcasing equine knowledge in areas like anatomy and behavior.
Missouri 4-H youth competed in a state hippology contest, testing horse anatomy, behavior and equipment knowledge.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –The 2024 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, April 13 in Columbia, drew 27 youths, along with their coaches.
Young filmmakers nationwide presented projects and attended virtual workshops led by industry experts like sound designers and animators.