Maine State 4-H Youth Council

02/12/2026

We’re looking for 20 passionate youth to join us at the State House for Agriculture Policy Day on March 25th! Go behind the scenes of the Maine Legislature, meet with lawmakers, and help shape the future of Maine farming.
APPLY HERE: https://forms.office.com/g/iQM4Ecyzg5
📍 Where: Maine State House, Augusta
🗓️ When: March 25th (Apps due March 1st!)
👤 Who: Only 20 spots available for Ag-minded youth, age 12-18

01/09/2026

Exciting updates for this year's Maine 4-H Public Speaking Program!

Speak Up, Maine 4-H! is excited to introduce Performing Arts as a brand-new category for local and state 4-H Public Speaking events. 🎤

This category will give 4-H’ers a creative way to share their sparks center stage while building public speaking skills, from monologues to music and more! We’ve also launched updated General Guidelines and Evaluation Sheets for all categories: designed to be clearer for youth and judges, follow presentation flow, and provide more helpful feedback for presenters.

✨ Save the Dates:
📅 Virtual Public Speaking Workshop: Feb. 4 at 6 PM
📅 State Showcase: April 11 (snow date April 12)

Find full details, guidelines, and evaluation sheets on our website: https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/public-speaking/

01/07/2026

Our 2026 induction ceremony was held on January 4th. We welcomed Kendall Sparks, Anthony Dube, and Elsa Knowles onto the council! Along with a formal meeting to iron out details about our upcoming workshop, we played some Uno to get to know each other and break the ice! 🍀

12/08/2025

Just under week remaining!

Please consider supporting 4-H during your next Tractor Supply visit. 💚

It's almost Paper Clover time!

Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to prepare youth to be ready for work and life. The success of the Paper Clover campaign has raised more than $24 million to impact local youth with the technical skills and life skills that prepare them for whatever comes their way.

100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally.

Thank you for supporting Maine 4-H youth!

12/03/2025

National 4-H Animal Science Career Night!
December 18, 2025
7–8pm EST / 6–7pm CST
FREE for youth in grades 7–13 (ages 12–19)

Join us for an exciting evening with two incredible guest speakers from the animal science industry! Hear real-world career insights, ask questions, and explore future pathways in animal science.

Featured Speakers:
Mr. Jack Ward – Executive Vice President, American Hereford Association
Mr. Sam Cohen – Zoological Supervisor, Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

Register by December 17, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up or visit https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_6Jt5H9mJnKy8En4

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

11/21/2025

It's almost Paper Clover time!

Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to prepare youth to be ready for work and life. The success of the Paper Clover campaign has raised more than $24 million to impact local youth with the technical skills and life skills that prepare them for whatever comes their way.

100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally.

Thank you for supporting Maine 4-H youth!

10/10/2025

Self and Staff/Leader nominations close this Wednesday, October 15th!

Nominations are open!

The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nominees must be between the ages of 16-24 years of age and must have participated in 4-H for at least 2 years (club, independent, after school, school-based, mentoring or camp program). Nominations are now accepted from 4-H staff and directly from members.

If selected, the requirements of the Youth Council are that members be an active participant (participate in 80% of meetings) and participate in the youth council project chosen for the year. The council meets a total of 6 times per year, 4 on zoom and 2 in person.

We are currently looking for youth representation from all counties plus 4-H Camps and Learning Centers and CYFAR/Northstar/OhYea programs.

Nominations are due October 15th.
Nomination Google Form: bit.ly/me4h2025yc

10/05/2025

Happy National 4-H Week!

Don't forget, Youth Council nominations are due October 15th. The Maine 4-H Youth Council is a chance to step up, speak out, and represent 4-H across our state. As part of this leadership group you’ll connect local and state programs, amplify youth voice in 4-H, and promote 4-H events from Maine to the national stage.

Nomination Google Form: bit.ly/me4h2025yc

10/01/2025

🍀 We’re at Fryeburg Fair today!

Stop by the Agriculture Discovery Center to explore all things Maine agriculture.

🍁 🐄 🥔 🐓 🍎 🐑 🦪

06/12/2025

Maine officially kicked off Dairy Month last week with a celebratory milk toast at Witter Farm in Orono! 🐄🥛

Governor Janet Mills, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, UMaine Extension Dean Hannah Carter, and members of Maine’s dairy community gathered to recognize the vital role dairy plays in our agricultural economy and rural communities.

Witter Farm—part of the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station—is more than just a working farm. It’s a hub for cutting-edge research, hands-on student learning, and innovation in dairy care and technology. From bottle-feeding calves to robotic milking systems, students and faculty are shaping the future of agriculture right here in Maine.

💬 “Witter Farm is an incredible example of how innovation and education are shaping the future of agriculture in Maine,” said President Ferrini-Mundy.

🛒 During Dairy Month (and all year!), consider supporting Maine’s dairy farmers by choosing milk and dairy products produced right here in our state.

For the full story: https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2025/06/06/maine-kicks-off-dairy-month-at-witter-farm-to-celebrate-industry-advances/