What University of Idaho Extension Does
University of Idaho Extension brings the university's research to farms, ranches, gardens, schools and towns. Its home page says it gives Idahoans access to more than 200 University of Idaho faculty and staff in local communities, including county educators, Extension specialists and 4-H coordinators. It reports offices in 42 Idaho counties, a presence on three federally recognized tribes' lands, and 10 College of Agricultural and Life Sciences research and Extension centers. If you have a question about a crop, a calf, a weed, a well or a youth project, this is where Idaho families are pointed first.
Program Areas
Extension organizes its work into seven areas, each with its own page under uidaho.edu/extension:
- 4-H: youth development, projects, clubs and contests.
- Food Production Systems: cereals, potatoes, beef, dairy, small farms, soil health and integrated pest management (food page).
- Forestry and Natural Resources: forestry, logger education and rangeland conservation (natural resources page).
- Horticulture and Small Farms: landscapes, gardens and pest identification (horticulture page).
- Water: water quality, irrigation, drought and nutrient management (water page).
- Community Development and Health and Wellbeing round out the list.
Finding Your County Office
The county directory lists 46 county and reservation entries in alphabetical order, from Ada and Adams to Washington, plus Fort Hall, Nimiipuu and Schitsu'umsh reservation offices. Each has its own page at an address built like uidaho.edu/extension/county/ada or uidaho.edu/extension/county/bear-lake. Phone numbers and hours are on those county pages, so check there before you drive. The directory entry for Boise County points to the Gem County page, so confirm with the office if you live there. To reach a specialist by topic, use the people directory, or send a question through Ask an Expert.
4-H in Idaho
Extension describes 4-H as the nation's largest youth organization and says UI Extension reaches over 75,000 Idaho youth a year, with 4-H available in every Idaho county. The statewide 4-H Policies and Procedures set the ground rules:
- 4-H age is a member's age on January 1 of the 4-H year, which runs October 1 to September 30.
- Cloverbuds are ages 5 to 7, Juniors 8 to 10, Intermediates 11 to 13 and Seniors 14 to 18. Members 8 to 18 can take part in all programs, including competitions.
- Youth can enroll any time of year, but local deadlines still apply to fairs and camps.
- Medical accident insurance must be purchased every year, and an annual state participation fee applies, with scholarships for families in hardship.
- A regular club needs at least five members from at least three families.
- Members show a project only in the county where they are enrolled, although they may also exhibit at regional or state fairs.
Event registration pages link to 4h.zsuite.org, and the Western Idaho Fair uses ZSuite for record-book interviews and ownership proof, so ask your county office how it handles enrollment this year.
Livestock Projects
The same policy handbook sets minimum ownership and feeding periods for market animals: goat and lamb, 70 days owned and 60 days fed; hog, 100 days owned and 80 days fed; and beef, 150 days owned and 130 days fed. Breeding animals (beef, dairy, goat, sheep, swine) need at least 90 days of ownership including primary care, and horses need 90 days of ownership or lease. Leased animals need a signed lease returned to the county office by the ownership date. Cloverbuds may take part in lap-animal projects such as rabbits, cavies, chickens, small dogs and mini goats, but not large-animal projects. Your county fair can be stricter than the statewide minimums, so use its own book. The Western Idaho Fair, for instance, requires market beef to be weighed and tagged at least 150 days before the fair weigh-in.
Statewide 4-H Contests
The state events page lists these contests:
- Livestock judging: the Saturday after Labor Day during the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot, ages 8 to 18, with teams qualifying at a county event. Senior winners can represent Idaho at the Western National Roundup in Denver in January.
- Livestock Skill-a-Thon: open to all 4-H teens, whether or not they own livestock.
- Livestock Quiz Bowl: teams of four plus an optional alternate, up to three teams per county.
- Dairy judging: held in June in the Treasure Valley, with senior winners eligible for the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, in October.
- Horse contests: held annually in July, including the Idaho horsemanship award.
- Shooting sports: ages 8 to 18, with ages 14 to 18 able to qualify for the national championships.
The page also links to Know Your Government, the LEADS program and the State Teen Association Convention, and lists the 4-H Youth Development office at 208-885-6321.
Help for Producers and Gardeners
Beyond youth programs, Extension publishes a peer-reviewed publications catalog, runs workshops and events listed on its events page, and offers online courses for learning from home. Producers can look for potato, cereal, beef and dairy information in the food program, and growers and homeowners can find pest identification and garden help in horticulture.
How to Get Started
- Find your county page and note the office's current hours and contact details.
- Parents: ask which 4-H clubs are open, what the county enrollment steps are, and when the fair entry and weigh-in dates fall.
- Producers: use the people directory or Ask an Expert to reach a specialist in your crop or species.
- Bring photos, samples or records when you ask a question. You will get a better answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Idaho counties have Extension offices?
UI Extension reports offices in 42 Idaho counties and says its 4-H program is available in every county.
What ages can join 4-H?
Cloverbuds are 5 to 7, and members 8 to 18 take part in all programs, with age figured as of January 1.
Can I enroll in 4-H in the middle of the year?
Yes. Youth can enroll at any time, but fair and camp deadlines are set locally.
Where is the state 4-H livestock judging contest?
It is held the Saturday after Labor Day during the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot.
Idaho Listings Covered by This Guide
- Boundary County 4-H Market Swine Weigh-In
Spring weigh-in where 4-H and FFA members check in market hogs for the county fair, breeders first. Held each year; the most recent weigh-in was Saturday, May 16, 2026.
6567 Recreation Pk Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 | Organizer: University of Idaho Extension Boundary County 4-H Official event details - Boundary County 4-H Sheep Camp
One-day 4-H sheep camp in the fairgrounds indoor arena, 9 AM to 3 PM, for youth preparing market lambs. Held each year; the most recent camp was July 10, 2026.
6567 Recreation Pk Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 | Organizer: University of Idaho Extension Boundary County 4-H Official event details - Boundary County 4-H Mid-Summer Horse Show
Two-day summer 4-H horse show at the Boundary County Fairgrounds ahead of the county fair. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 17-18, 2026.
6567 Recreation Pk Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 | Organizer: University of Idaho Extension Boundary County 4-H Official event details - Lemhi County 4-H and FFA Horse Show
Youth horse show on the Saturday that opens public fair week in Salmon, following earlier 4-H and FFA working ranch horse, dog agility and rabbit shows.
Fairgrounds Road, Salmon, ID 83467 | Organizer: Lemhi County 4-H Official event details - Adams County Cooperative Weed Management Area
Cooperative weed management area covering all of Adams County, supported by University of Idaho Extension and the county weed department.
Council, ID - Bonneville County 4-H
Bonneville County 4-H runs clubs with horse, livestock and small animal projects, requires a livestock ethics class before the market animal sale, and offers camps and state events.
Idaho Falls, ID | 208-529-1390 - Canyon Wranglers 4-H Livestock Club
Silver Valley beef, swine and horse club for ages 8 to 18; in 2020 it was Shoshone County's only livestock club, with 24 members showing at the Kootenai County fairgrounds.
Kellogg, ID - Elmore County Extension and 4-H
Mountain Home Extension office running 4-H clubs in Glenns Ferry and Mountain Home, including Wranglers, Rusty Spurs and Wild Bunch, with livestock sales and horse shows.
2280 American Legion Blvd., Mountain Home, ID 83647 | 208-587-2130 - Idaho 4-H Youth Development
University of Idaho Extension's statewide 4-H program, running state events such as Know Your Government, the I-LEADS summit, the State Teen Association Convention and state contests.
875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844 Website - Magic Valley Quality Milk Producers
Jerome plant of dairy producers making ultra-filtered skim milk, cream and casein.
Jerome, ID - University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho research center at Aberdeen that holds field days highlighting potatoes and other crops of the upper Snake River Plain.
Aberdeen, ID Website - University of Idaho Caldwell Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho research and extension center in Caldwell, serving Treasure Valley growers in Canyon County.
Caldwell, ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Ada County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Ada County, offering education on Treasure Valley horticulture, small farms and the Master Gardener program, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Adams County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Adams County, offering education on ranching, forage and small acreage in the Adams County high country, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Bannock County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Bannock County, offering education on dryland grain, potatoes and 4-H in the Pocatello area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Bear Lake County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Bear Lake County, offering education on alfalfa, beef and dairy in the Bear Lake Valley, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Benewah County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Benewah County, offering education on family forestry, small farms and 4-H on the St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene Tribe lands, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Bingham County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Bingham County, offering education on potatoes, sugar beets and grain in the Snake River Plain, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Blaine County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Blaine County, offering education on Wood River Valley gardening, ranching and 4-H youth programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Bonner County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Bonner County, offering education on small farms, forestry and gardening in the Sandpoint area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Bonneville County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Bonneville County, offering education on potato, grain and livestock producers around Idaho Falls, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Boundary County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Boundary County, offering education on Kootenai Valley grain, hay and small-farm programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Butte County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Butte County, offering education on Arco-area potato, barley and range livestock programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Camas County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Camas County, offering education on Camas Prairie ranching and hay programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Canyon County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Canyon County, offering education on sugar beets, onions, dairy and horticulture programs in the Nampa-Caldwell area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Caribou County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Caribou County, offering education on dryland grain and cattle in the Soda Springs area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Cassia County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Cassia County, offering education on Mini-Cassia potato, grain and dairy programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Clark County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Clark County, offering education on range livestock and 4-H in Idaho's smallest-population farm county, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Clearwater County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Clearwater County, offering education on forestry, small farms and 4-H in the Orofino area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Custer County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Custer County, offering education on Salmon River and Pahsimeroi range cattle and 4-H programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Elmore County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Elmore County, offering education on Mountain Home-area irrigated crop and range programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Franklin County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Franklin County, offering education on dryland grain and dairy programs near Preston, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Fremont County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Fremont County, offering education on seed potato, barley and hay programs in the St. Anthony area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Gem County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Gem County, offering education on Emmett Valley orchard, hay and livestock programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Gooding County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Gooding County, offering education on dairy, sheep and irrigated crop programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Idaho County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Idaho County, offering education on Camas Prairie grain and range livestock programs around Grangeville, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Jefferson County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Jefferson County, offering education on potato, wheat and sugar beet production around Rigby, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Jerome County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Jerome County, offering education on dairy, sugar beet and bean production programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Kootenai County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Kootenai County, offering education on small farms, Master Gardeners and 4-H in the Coeur d'Alene area, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website - University of Idaho Extension - Latah County
University of Idaho Extension county office for Latah County, offering education on Palouse wheat, lentil and pea production and 4-H programs, plus Master Gardener and 4-H Youth Development resources.
ID Website
Plus 37 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Idaho directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.