Man and boy taking care of a sheep

Our 4-H Impact in 2021

Issue

The world population will surpass 9 billion people by 2050, creating higher demand for food, water, productive land, and environmentally-safe practices. Producers are faced with many challenges, such as food safety, regulations, consumer attitudes, sustainability, and profitability.

Action

Nearly 16,000 individual project enrollments are related to livestock production and the care of animals where youth learn management practices to produce safe food for the growing population.

Impact

Illinois 4-H members are dedicated to feeding a nation. Illinois 4-H is providing first-time agricultural experiences to youth who are far removed from the source of the food they eat.

98%

of youth livestock conference attendees are interested in a career in the livestock industry

11,543

youth participants received 5,300+ hours of embryology instruction

15,649

animal science projects were completed by 4-H youth

National Champions

The 4-H Livestock Judging Team were named the new national champions at the

  • NAILE Livestock Judging Contest
  • National 4-H Livestock Judging
  • North American International Livestock Exposition

Illinois State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Team brought home Reserve National Champion honors at the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest.

2021 State Dairy Judging Team Photo

The Boone County 4-H Livestock Judging Team placed ninth in the nation as they represented Illinois at the American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Boone County 4-H Livestock Judging Team

The Illinois 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team placed 8th high overall at the 2021 National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest.