Jefferson County IL 4H

08/28/2026

What an amazing monarch adventure! Participants explored the incredible life cycle of monarch butterflies, from tiny eggs to beautiful butterflies. They had the opportunity to observe real monarch chrysalises up close, learn why milkweed is essential to monarch survival, and participate in a fun, hands-on activity to reinforce their learning.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting journey into the world of pollinators. We loved seeing so much curiosity and enthusiasm for nature!

08/24/2026

4-H Award Applications & Livestock Records Due October 16!

Don't miss your chance to be recognized for all your hard work and accomplishments this 4-H year! Award applications and livestock records are due to the Jefferson County Extension Office by October 16.

Find award applications at: 🔗 https://extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/explore-jefferson-county-4-h

Scroll down to Local Resources > Member Records and Awards.

You’ve put in the effort all year; make sure you get the credit you deserve!

08/14/2026

REMINDER: The Entry Deadline for the Show of Champions is August 16.

General Projects Show of Champions: Open to state fair delegates, state fair alternates, project champions, and inspire award recipients.

Small Pets/Poultry/Rabbits, Dairy & Livestock Show of Champions: Open to members who stood first in a class, breeding or market champions, and inspire award recipients.

Final schedules will be released in mid-August. Find more information in your 4-H Show Book on page 23. Contact your local 4-H program staff for questions.
Register here: https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/23287

08/12/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Hook Us Together Fishing Tournament Champions

🐟 Mason Hicks (Jefferson County 4-H)
Largemouth Bass Champion

🐟 Kayin Hampton (Jefferson County 4-H)
Crappie Champion

Way to go, Mason and Kayin! Your hard work, patience, and fishing skills paid off. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to celebrate your success!

URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that

08/07/2026

While the 2026 Jefferson County 4-H shows may be over, the lessons learned and connections made through 4-H continue throughout the year. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our members, parents, volunteers, superintendents, judges, sponsors, and supporters for the time, energy, and dedication you invest in our youth.

The 4-H shows are about much more than ribbons and awards. Through their projects, members develop responsibility, leadership, communication skills, sportsmanship, confidence, and a strong work ethic. They learn how to set goals, overcome challenges, and serve others, preparing them to make a positive impact in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Thank you for investing your time, encouragement, and support in our young people. Your impact reaches far beyond the show ring and helps strengthen both our youth and our community.

This is Jefferson County 4-H!

08/07/2026

Congratulations to all of our poultry exhibitors for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.

Grand Champion Poultry: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Miscellaneous Breeding Poultry: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Egg Production: Charley Schaefer
Reserve Grand Champion Egg Production: Sierra Mellott

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Charley Schaefer
Reserve Champion: Elizabeth Shands

Intermediate Showmanship
Champion: Paula Deroe-Jones

08/07/2026

Competition was strong at the Jefferson County 4-H Rabbit Show as exhibitors brought their best animals to the show table. Congratulations to all who participated and earned top honors!

Grand Champion Market Pen: Jordan Hayes
Reserve Grand Champion Market Pen: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Rabbit: Jordan Hayes
Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit: Jordan Hayes

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Elizabeth Shands
Reserve Champion: Jordan Hayes

Intermediate Showmanship
Champion: Madelynn Catalfamo
Reserve Champion: Patricia Williams

Junior Showmanship
Champion: Maggie Williams
Reserve Champion: Emma Gajewski

08/07/2026

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors who participated in the Jefferson County 4-H Goat Show! Exhibitors showcased the results of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and animal care. We are proud of all of our youth and their accomplishments in the show ring.

Dairy Goat
Champion Doe: Charley Schafer
Reserve Champion Doe: Charley Schafer
Champion Buck: Oliver Stanhouse
Reserve Champion Buck: Emma Gajewski

Miniature Goat
Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott
Reserve Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott
Champion Buck: Mason Hicks
Reserve Champion Buck: Sierra Mellott

Meat Goat
Champion Doe: Ladd Clark
Reserve Champion Doe: Gracelyn Clinton
Champion Buck: Ladd Clark
Reserve Champion Buck: Gracelyn Clinton

Market Wether Champions
Ultra-Light Weight Champion: Charley Schaefer
Ultra-Light Weight Reserve: Garon Schaefer
Light Weight Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Light Weight Reserve: Oliver Stanhouse
Medium Weight Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Medium Weight Reserve: Oliver Stanhouse
Heavy Weight Champion: Ladd Clark

Overall Champions

Grand Champion Doe: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott

Grand Champion Buck: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Buck: Gracelyn Clinton

Grand Champion Market Doe: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Grand Champion Market Doe: Cooper Degenhart

Grand Champion Market Wether: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Market Wether: Cooper Degenhart

Champion Homegrown: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Homegrown: Ladd Clark

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Reserve Champion: Charley Schaefer

Junior Showmanship
Champion: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Champion: Ladd Clark

Inspire Award: Ledger Newton

08/07/2026

Congratulations to all of our exhibitors who participated in the Jefferson County 4-H Sheep Show! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your projects were on full display.

Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Matthew Haile

Grand Champion Ram: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Ram: Clara Kozsuzek

Grand Champion Ewe: Matthew Haile

Grand Champion Market Lamb: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Ava Tolley

Champion Homegrown: Matthew Haile

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Matthew Haile
Reserve Champion: Clara Kozsuzek

08/06/2026

Congratulations to our Swine Show Winners! We are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship displayed by all of our exhibitors at this year's Swine Show. Your commitment to caring for and presenting your projects truly showed in the ring.