Bureau County, IL 4-H

05/19/2026

Love getting creative? Join the 4 H Tiny Art Club and make a different mini art project each month! Youth ages 8–18 will create tiny masterpieces to fill our community’s new Free Little Art Gallery, in partnership with Princeton Public Arts. Sessions will take place at the U of I Extension – Bureau County, 850 Thompson St., Princeton, from 5–6 p.m. on July 29, Aug 26, Sept 30, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged!

Register at: https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/49532

05/14/2026

Congratulations to another one of our graduating 4-Hers!

⭐Scholar Spotlight⭐

Help us congratulate today’s 2026 scholar, Ryan Jagers!

Ryan is a senior graduating from Princeton High School this spring. He plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL, in the fall studying Ag Business and Farm Management, with plans to transfer to the University of Illinois in the future. Ryan chose this field of study because he has always found interest in agricultural technology and machinery. He grew up learning about what it takes to operate a farm from his grandpa and has continued learning from his uncle on their family operation. This summer he will intern as a drone operator to expand his knowledge in agricultural technology. In the future, he plans to implement his studies while working alongside his uncle with interest in taking over the family operation one day.

Do you know Ryan or his family? If so, tag them below!

05/14/2026

Congratulations Toby!

⭐Scholar Spotlight⭐

Help us congratulate today’s 2026 scholar, Toby Behrends!

Toby is currently attending Black Hawk College – East Campus in Kewanee, IL, but plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, this spring to continue her studies in Animal Science. Toby grew up surrounded by mentors in the cattle industry and involved in 4-H and FFA which helped shape her academic and career goals toward agriculture. Along with her academic studies at BHE, she aims to expand her industry knowledge in livestock judging while preparing to build a lifelong career in the beef industry, with a focus on cattle research and management.

Do you know Toby or her family? If so, tag them below!

05/14/2026

Congratulations to one of our graduating 4-Hers!

⭐Scholar Spotlight⭐

Help us congratulate today’s 2026 scholar, Lydia Hardy!

Lydia is a senior graduating from Princeton High School this spring. She plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, IL next fall to study Animal Science with a minor in Business. She has chosen this area of study because of her involvement in 4-H, Bureau County Farm Bureau, and FFA. She has had the opportunity to shadow some veterinarians that have helped her decision to study animal science with a focus on veterinary medicine. In the future, her goal is to obtain a degree in veterinary medicine and utilize her practice as a rural veterinarian specializing in production animals within the Illinois Valley area.

Do you know Lydia or her family? If so, tag them below!

05/14/2026

Congratulations to one of Bureau's 4-H Alumni!

⭐Scholar Spotlight⭐

Help us congratulate today’s 2026 scholar, Nolan Kloepping!

Nolan currently attends the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, studying Ag Business with focus in Prelaw. Nolan was involved in FFA and 4-H which helped him decide to further his studies in agriculture. In addition, he has always had an interest in law, so when choosing a college, finding a program that combines law and agriculture was a top priority. In the future, he plans to attend law school with goals of becoming a lawyer for an agricultural company, specifically a legal defender.

Do you know Nolan or his family? If so, tag them below!

05/14/2026

Princeton, IL — Youth ages 8–18 are invited to dig into a summer of learning and fun with the 4-H Garden SPIN Club, held at the Second Story Teen Center from May through August on select Tuesdays.

This hands-on program is designed for both 4-H and non-4-H members. Participants will explore the world of gardening from start to finish, gaining practical skills and knowledge along the way. Topics include plant nutrients, soil health, identifying and managing pests and diseases, harvesting produce, and even cooking with what they grow.

In addition to learning about gardening, youth will give back to their community by creating a blessing box. This project will provide an opportunity for participants to share fresh produce and other items with those in need, helping to make a positive impact locally.

The 4-H Garden SPIN Club provides an engaging environment where youth can learn by doing, build new skills, and connect with others who share an interest in gardening and healthy living.

Everyone is welcome—no prior gardening experience is needed!

For more information or to register, please contact [email protected] or call the Extension office at (815) 875-2878.

05/14/2026

4-H! Put your crops knowledge to the test!

Build a crop team of two to five high school youth and an adult advisor to compete in a scouting competition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this summer. Gain real-world field experience and network with university crop researchers.
This one-day competition focuses on field scouting skills and offers cash prizes to the top four teams: $500, $300, $200, and $100. Space is limited to 10 teams, and the top two teams will advance to the Midwest regional on September 12 in Champaign.

Register now: go.illinois.edu/CropScouting

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Josi and Viv from the Western Winning Wonders 4-H Club of Bureau County 4-H! Great job on your win!

05/14/2026

Beyond the Banners may be canceled, but here is another amazing opportunity for livestock enthusiasts! Learn from some of the best in the industry!

05/14/2026

UPDATE:Beyond the Banner Youth Clinic

May 30, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | Bureau County Extension office

Due to low registration, the Beyond the Banner Youth Clinic will be canceled. If you were registered for the YQCA portion, we will move the location to the Extension office at 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Due to low registration, the Beyond the Banner Youth Clinic will be canceled. If you were registered for the YQCA portion, we will move the location to the Extension office at 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton, IL 61356, beginning at 9:00 a.m. There is an additional $3 fee for this portion, payable online to YQCA when you register. The training is listed as "Beyond the Banner 2026 YQCA Training." Youth are required to take a pre-test before the event, as well as the post-test online after the in-person training.