Edgar County 4-H

10/08/2026

Spots are still available for the Poverty Simulation! Don't miss this valuable opportunity to better understand the challenges many families face every day.

If you own a business, serve on a board, are a nonprofit director, or hold a community leadership role, we invite and encourage you to participate in our upcoming Clark, Crawford, and Edgar County Poverty Simulation!

This interactive experience provides a unique opportunity to better understand the challenges faced by many individuals and families in our county. By gaining insight into the realities of poverty, participants can identify ways to strengthen services, build partnerships, and work together to create a more supportive community for all.

October 21 | 6 p.m.
Free to attend
Martinsville High School Media Center
255 W. Cumberland St.
Martinsville, IL 62442

Your perspective and participation are important as we come together to learn, discuss solutions, and explore how we can better serve our neighbors throughout the county.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful and impactful event!

Register at go.illinois.edu/unit20povsim

10/08/2026

🍀 Thursday, Oct. 8: Thankful Thursday

Help us celebrate the volunteers, educators, mentors, leaders, and others who make 4-H possible. Share a shoutout to someone who has made a difference in your 4-H experience!

10/06/2026

Ready to lead, connect, and grow? 🌊

Join us at the 2026 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference, where future leaders are made! If you’re a 7th or 8th grader in Illinois, don’t miss this action-packed weekend filled with hands-on activities, new friendships, and unforgettable leadership experiences. Build your skills in communication, teamwork, and decision-making, and discover how Illinois 4-H can help you shine as a leader.

Only 100 spots are available, and this event always fills up fast–register early to secure your place!

🗓️ November 14-15
📍 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield
💲 $215 (includes lodging, T-shirt, meals, supplies, and activities)
⏰ Registration deadline: October 19 or until full

Visit the Jr. Leadership Conference website for details and registration: go.illinois.edu/jlc_26

10/06/2026

Calling all homeschool youth! Join us for Let’s Get Growing, a fun monthly program exploring nature, plants, gardening, and the world around us. Each month features a new hands-on topic designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors. Come learn, discover, and grow with us!

Monthly Lesson from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Edgar County Extension Office

October 22-Plants and L and A Farms Trip (Cost is $7 per youth and adult paid to L and A Farms)
November 19-Harvesting and Flower arrangements with Brad's Florist
December 17-Seeds and Soil, Hydroponics
January 20-Garden Safety and Pest Control
March 18-Planning Your Garden
April 15-Plants and Stakes with Weirs Florist.

Register at go.illinois.edu/lgghomeschool

10/05/2026

💚 Monday, Oct. 5: Go Green

Wear your favorite 4-H green, snap a photo, and share your Illinois 4-H spirit on social media!

10/03/2026

Save the date! 🍀 National 4-H Week is Oct. 4-10, and we’re getting ready to celebrate all things Illinois 4-H!

Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate the young people, volunteers, families, educators, and communities that make 4-H possible and help youth build the skills they need to be for whatever comes next.

10/02/2026

Enrollment is now open for the new 4-H year!

Youth ages 5–18 are invited to join the fun and explore new opportunities through 4-H.

Register online at 4h.zsuite.org or contact our office at 217-465-8585 with questions or for assistance with enrollment.

We look forward to another great year in 4-H! 🍀

09/30/2026

Join us on October 16 for the 2nd Annual Livestock Judging Contest! Youth ages 8-18, including 4-H and FFA members, are invited to showcase their judging abilities with cattle, swine, sheep, and goats.

October 16 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Martinsville Fairgrounds
$20 per school or coach
Open to youth ages 8-18

Junior Division & Senior Division
Max of 4 per team, top 3 scores count
Stenopads are allowed

We are using Scantrons this year, so please bring clipboards and pencils.

Lunch will not be available at the event, so please plan accordingly.

Register at go.illinois.edu/unit20livestock

We look forward to seeing you there!

09/28/2026

Please join us for our Fall Awards Night as we celebrate and wrap up the 2025-2026 4-H year!

We will recognize members with the My Experience Awards, Outstanding 4-H Member Award, Outstanding First-Year Member Award, and celebrate our Clover Bud members as they move on to regular 4-H clubs.

To make the event even more special, we will be enjoying a family-style potluck dinner. Please bring a covered dish to share with everyone.

Please sign up in ZSuite so we know who will be attending and can plan accordingly.