State Still Working to Make 4-H Opportunities Available

BY KAY SHIPMAN, FARMWEEKNOW.COM

Illinois 4-H and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will offer something different for young people who traditionally compete at the Illinois State Fair in mid-August.

On June 12, Gov. J.B. Pritzker canceled the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois 4-H is planning virtual judging for thousands of 4-H’ers who represent their county 4-H programs in state competition, State 4-H Director Lisa Diaz, told FarmWeek.

IDOA is working to offer an expo for Illinois livestock exhibitors ages 8 to 21 in September. On Tuesday, Costello said plans weren’t final yet for a new junior livestock contest in Springfield. Asked if horses would be included in the expo, the director answered, “All details are currently under review.”

Two counties recently gained experience with virtual showing and judging of projects. “Sounds like it’s going really well. We’re seeing a great response from families,” Diaz said, noting 450 4-H exhibitors were participating.

University of Illinois Extension switched all in-person events through July 31 to virtual ones or postponed them. Online 4-H project and livestock shows are being offered via FairEntry, a digital exhibition platform.

Around the state, some county 4-H shows start in late June with the majority set for July, Diaz noted. Exhibitors selected through virtual competitions to advance to the state contest will have already uploaded their projects and information, she pointed out. “Once it’s uploaded, there are no extra steps for the kids,” Diaz said. Public speaking and demonstration contests will also move online with submission of video recordings to the state. While Illinois 4-H has used FairEntry for years, this would expand its usage and more features are being built, Diaz said. For example, Illinois 4-H would like to publish the final judging results so the public may view them. She added Illinois 4-H is still recruiting judges for the state contests and events. The state 4-H director advised 4-H exhibitors, leaders and parents to expect judging to take more time than in the past. “There are thousands and thousands of kids. We’re not going to do it in three days like at the State Fair. It will be spread across several weeks in August,” she said.

Costello assured 4-H’ers IDOA would fund and distribute premiums and ribbons as it has in the past. “At the agency, we’re trying to do everything we can for the ag community, especially for the kids,” Costello said.

Diaz urged adults to support 4-H’ers during this unusual time.