State contests
State contests and awards
State contests allow youth to show their skills and potentially qualify for national events. Contact your local UI Extension office to learn more on how to get involved in statewide events.
Horse contests
Eligible 4-H horse project members may compete in state level events held annually in July. All contests will be held in accordance with the Idaho youth contest horse procedures and rules. Visit the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development horse website to learn more.
Idaho horsemanship award
The Idaho horsemanship award tests knowledge and skills in horsemanship. It honors the most talented youth riders in Idaho. The award sets high goals for youths and recognizes citizenship and leadership. Any youth enrolled in an organized horse program who is age 14 by Jan. 1 and not more than age 19 during the calendar year may apply. We recommend having participated in the 4‑H horsemanship program or other organized groups such as Scouts, breed associations or pony clubs.
Shooting sports contests
State shooting sports contests are offered in designated disciplines for youth ages 8 to 18. These also serve as qualifying events for eligible Idaho youth (ages 14-18) to advance to the National 4‑H Shooting Sports Championships. State contests incorporate at least two of the three discipline events youth will encounter at the national level. Visit the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development shooting sports website to learn more.
Livestock judging contest
This contest provides an opportunity for youth to put their livestock evaluation and oral reasons skills to work. The contest is held annually on the Saturday after Labor Day during the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. Youth must qualify as a team in a county qualifying event. Open to all youth ages 8-18. Youth participate in age divisions.
Winners in the senior division will be eligible to represent Idaho at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado in January.
Review the rules to help get a team ready to compete.
- Registration (ZSuite)
- State 4‑H livestock judging rules (pdf)
- Performance scenarios (pdf)
- Sample questions and scenarios (pdf)
Livestock Skill-a-Thon contest
The Livestock Skill-a-Thon is an opportunity for young people to blend knowledge and skills from livestock judging, demonstrations, care and exhibition into one activity. The skill-a-thon is open to all 4‑H teens, regardless of their ability to own livestock, allowing them to expand their knowledge and participation. In addition, the skill-a-thon instills ethics, good sportsmanship and evaluation skills.
Please review the livestock skill-a-thon contest rules (pdf) for rules, guidelines and contest format. For questions or additional information please contact Scott Nash at snash@uidaho.edu..
Livestock Quiz Bowl
This contest provides an opportunity for youth to put their livestock knowledge to work. The objectives of this contest are:
- Stimulate learning
- Reward 4‑H members for knowledge gained
- Provide a competitive setting where friendliness and fairness prevails
- Develop teamwork, self-confidence and decision-making skills
The Livestock Quiz Bowl has one division. Each county in Idaho is invited to enter up to three teams. A team consists of four individuals and one alternate (if desired). Contestants must be currently enrolled 4‑H members through ZSuite and approved by their UI Extension office.
Contestants must be between the ages of 8-18 on Jan. 1 of the contest year. If a team has one or more members who are under 14 years of age, that team is not eligible to represent Idaho at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado.
Review the rules to help get a team ready to compete. If you have questions or need further information regarding the state livestock quiz bowl contest, please contact Scott Nash at snash@uidaho.edu.
Dairy judging contest
This contest provides an opportunity for youth to put their dairy evaluation and oral reasons skills to work. The contest will be held annually in the Treasure Valley, during the month of June.
Youth may enter teams as a county or join together with multiple counties to form a team in order to be eligible to compete. The contest is open to all youth ages 8-18. Teams will participate in either junior or senior age divisions. There will also be a showmanship contest for junior and senior age divisions.
Winners in the senior division of both contests will be eligible to represent Idaho at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, in October.
Key award
The Idaho 4‑H Key Award recognizes 4‑H members who achieve significant leadership in their 4‑H club and county. The award encourages project growth, a broad program of 4‑H activities over the years, and the development of outstanding citizens.
County awards committees review the applications to determine awards. UI Extension 4-H professionals submit the names of the key award winners to the state 4‑H office. There is no due date, so names may be submitted at any time.
Each recipient is presented a key lapel pin and certificate at a countywide event. The wearer of the Idaho 4‑H Key Award can be proud of their contributions to club and community.
Join 4-H
Find your local 4-H program.