What the Youth Ag Expo Is
The Botetourt County Youth Ag Expo is a free evening showcase of 4-H and FFA projects, hosted every year by the Botetourt County FFA Alumni and Supporters. It celebrates local agricultural education and youth achievement, and it shows the public how widely agriculture touches other industries. The most recent expo was held Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville.
Who Takes Part
All 10 Botetourt County 4-H groups and all four FFA chapters in the county are represented, and the expo has grown considerably over the years. The Botetourt County FFA Alumni and Supporters Organization sponsors trips to events and gives financial, logistical and educational support to local FFA and 4-H groups. Community organizations, the Botetourt Farm Bureau and 4-H clubs also set up displays.
What You Can See and Do
| Where | What |
|---|---|
| Agriculture shop | Live animals raised by 4-H and FFA members for their projects. The 2026 expo included two beef steers, a dairy heifer, a chicken, rabbits and a goat |
| Cafeteria | Club booths from the 4-H cooking, dairy, livestock, honey, horse and pony, robotics, shooting education and teen leadership programs, with free hot dogs and desserts |
| Gym | Archery demonstration by the 4-H Shooting Club |
| Hallway | Community organizations promoting youth involvement, leadership, agriculture, education and service |
| Exhibit | "100 Years of Virginia FFA," tracing the organization from its 1926 start as the Future Farmers of Virginia at Virginia Tech, with FFA jackets and memorabilia |
4-H Share the Fun Talent Show
The 4-H Teen Club runs a Share the Fun talent show with junior, intermediate and senior divisions. Performers earn blue, red or white ribbons and each division can name an overall champion. The 2026 acts included vocals, instrumentals, a combination act and tap dancing.
Silent Auction
A silent auction features items donated by local businesses. Proceeds support youth agricultural education programs in the county.
Who Can Attend and What It Costs
The expo is open to the public, and families and community members are welcome. Admission is free, and the cafeteria serves free hot dogs and desserts.
Where
Lord Botetourt High School, Daleville, Botetourt County, Virginia. The live animals are shown in the school's agriculture shop.
Questions
Is it only for FFA and 4-H families?
No. It is open to anyone interested in youth agriculture, and the aim is to show the broader community what students are doing.
What is the silent auction for?
Items are donated by local businesses, and proceeds support youth agricultural education programs.
Why was 2026 special?
2026 marked the 100th anniversary of Virginia FFA, which began in 1926 at Virginia Tech, and the expo featured a display of its history.
Official Links
- WDBJ7: Botetourt County Youth Ag Expo to showcase student agriculture projects
- Fincastle Herald: expo report
- Fincastle Herald: expo announcement
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Winter in the Woods 4-H Specialty Camp
Winter weekend outdoor specialty camp for 4-H youth at Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are December 5 to 6, 2026.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Fluvanna 4-H County Contest Day
Fluvanna 4-H members compete at County Contest Day, scheduled for January 16, 2027 at the Fluvanna Community Center. It is the only contest on the county 4-H calendar this season.
VA | Organizer: Fluvanna 4-H Official event details - Holiday Lake Cloverbud Camp
Summer weekend camp for young Cloverbud 4-H members at Holiday Lake in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are June 18 to 20, 2027.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Woods and Wildlife Camp
Five-day summer 4-H camp on forestry and wildlife held at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are June 21 to 25, 2027.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Loudoun County Fair
Loudoun County's annual fair in Leesburg supports local 4-H youth, with animal exhibits for members aged 5 to 19, rodeos and a Friday evening livestock auction. The 2027 dates are July 20 to 24; the 90th fair ran July 21 to 25, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.