What University of Illinois Extension Does
University of Illinois Extension is the university's outreach arm, and for most Illinois families it is the front door to 4-H, garden help, farm questions and local workshops. Its Who We Are page says staff serve communities through 27 multi-county units across the state, with local educators and campus specialists delivering programs in person, regionally and by distance learning. Statewide headquarters is at 101 Mumford Hall, 1301 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801. The page reports more than 831,000 program attendees, 249 weekly educational sessions and more than 13,000 online course participants.
Program Areas
Extension organizes its work around eight strategic priorities: Community, Economy, Environment, Food and Agriculture, Health, Partnerships, Technology and Discovery, and Workforce Excellence. Topic areas that matter to farm and rural families include:
- Beef cattle, soil, plants, insects and invasives
- Forestry, fruit trees and vegetable gardening
- Rainfall management and disasters
- Cottage food and food preservation
- Local government education and community planning
- Energy and family topics
Its impact areas include Agriculture and AgriBusiness, Natural Resources, Environment and Energy, Community and Economic Development, Health and Community Wellness, and SNAP-Education.
Finding Your Local Office
The Where We Serve page lists 31 offices. Twenty-seven are county-based units that together cover all 102 Illinois counties, and four are non-county facilities: Commercial Ag Field Crops, Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, the Northwestern Illinois Agricultural R&D Center and the Orr Agricultural R&D Center. Units are named for the counties they serve, so you look for yours by county. Examples:
- Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell
- Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion
- Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago
- Lake and McHenry
- Logan, Menard and Sangamon
- Madison, Monroe and St. Clair
- Cook County, which is the only single-county unit
Most units cover three to five counties, so your fair book, club list and enrollment forms usually come from a unit office that may sit one county over. Each county on that page links to its unit's own site, where you find staff, hours and contact details. A staff directory is linked from the same page.
4-H in Illinois
Statewide 4-H information lives at 4h.extension.illinois.edu, and local rules come from your unit. As one example, the LaSalle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair book says general eligibility is ages 8 to 18 as of September 1 of the previous year, with Cloverbuds at ages 5 to 7. The same book requires projects to be enrolled by April 1, with livestock enrollment due on or before the animal's possession date, and online fair registration through FairEntry from June 1 to June 22 (LaSalle County fair book). Because every county sets its own dates, read your own book before you plan.
Livestock Training and Rules
Lake County's 4-H livestock page shows how the rules usually work. It says YQCA is required for beef, dairy, goat, sheep and swine exhibitors, at $13 in person or $12 virtual, and QAEC is required for horse, poultry, cats, dogs and rabbits and small pets, once in a member's career for at least one species. The deadline for both is June 1 to show at the 4-H fairs (Lake County 4-H livestock). Beef, dairy and swine need a USDA official "840" ear tag that can be read visually and electronically, and fair staff check tags with a reader at check-in. That page was marked pending approval, so confirm the current version with your office.
County Shows and State Events
The Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell show page is a good picture of what a unit runs. In 2026 it lists a pet show, a general show, horse and dog shows, livestock shows, master showmanship and a youth project auction in Tazewell on July 29. Peoria County livestock shows ran at the Stark County Fairgrounds in Wyoming, with a livestock auction at Raber Packing Co. in West Peoria.
At the state level, the Illinois 4-H General Project Show runs August 14 to 16, 2026 in the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, per the event page. Award-winning 4-H members display general projects, the junior livestock show runs alongside it, and a food drive in the building gives cash prizes to the top three counties. The State Livestock Judging Contest was held April 27, 2026 in Urbana with 250 youth, up 38 percent, per an Extension news release.
Help for Producers and Gardeners
You do not need a 4-H child to use Extension. Staff and specialists answer questions on crops, beef, trees, insects, soil, plants and food safety, and the university runs online courses. Bring photos, samples or records when you call, because specifics get better answers.
Why Local Matters
Because units cover several counties, programs and staff are shared, and events can land in a neighboring county. Peoria County's 2026 livestock shows, for example, were held at the Stark County Fairgrounds in Wyoming. Ask your unit where each event is held before you load the trailer.
How to Get Started
- Find your county on the Where We Serve page and open your unit's site.
- Parents: ask which clubs are open, the project enrollment date and the YQCA or QAEC deadline.
- Exhibitors: get the county fair book and mark entry, tagging and weigh-in dates.
- Producers and gardeners: use the staff directory to reach someone who covers your topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Illinois counties does Extension serve?
All 102, through 27 multi-county or county units, per its Where We Serve page.
What ages can show in 4-H?
It varies by county. LaSalle County uses ages 8 to 18 as of September 1 of the previous year, with Cloverbuds at 5 to 7.
Is YQCA required?
Lake and LaSalle counties require it for beef, dairy, goat, sheep and swine exhibitors, so check your own book.
Where is the state 4-H general project show?
In the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, August 14 to 16, 2026.
Illinois Listings Covered by This Guide
- Boone County 4-H General Projects Day
Saturday judging of 4-H general projects, open to the public for viewing from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Held each year; the most recent dates posted are for July 10, 2027.
111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, IL 61008 | 815-544-3710 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Boone County Official event details - Boone County 4-H Shows
Week of 4-H livestock and project shows at the Boone County Fairgrounds, open to the public. Held each year; the most recent dates posted are August 10-15, 2027.
8847 IL-76, Belvidere, IL 61008 | 815-544-3710 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Boone County Official event details - Bond County 4-H Beef Weigh-In
Winter weigh-in that every Bond County 4-H member planning to show a steer must attend; families may use neighboring counties weigh-ins too. Held each year; the most recent date was February 7, 2026.
840 IL-127, Greenville, IL 62246 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Bond County Official event details - 4-H Project Road Show: Livestock Photography Workshop
Free hands-on workshop led by a Bond County Fair photographer on shooting livestock at home, in the barn or on show day, using only a smartphone; ages 8 and up, registration required. Held each year; the most recent date was May 21, 2026.
925 S Midway Drive, Greenville, IL 62246 | 618-664-3665 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Bond County Official event details - AJMPU 4-H General Show (Mounds)
June general project judging for 4-H youth from Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties, free for the public to view; state fair delegates are named in early July. Held each year; the most recent date was June 4, 2026.
502 Oakley Lane, Mounds, IL 62964 | (618) 745-5200 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Official event details - Henry County 4-H Dog Obedience and Showmanship
Dog obedience and showmanship classes start the Henry County 4-H show week at the Cambridge fairgrounds, alongside general project judging that morning. Held each year; the most recent date was June 13, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Bucket Calf Show
Young 4-H exhibitors lead bucket calves into the ring at noon after morning check-in at the Cambridge fairgrounds. Held each year; the most recent date was June 17, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Swine Show
The Henry County 4-H swine show opens the big livestock day at the Cambridge fairgrounds, after hogs are weighed in earlier in the week. Held each year; the most recent date was June 18, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Beef Show
Steers and heifers are shown in the Henry County 4-H beef show at the Cambridge fairgrounds, following check-in and weigh-in the evening before. Held each year; the most recent date was June 18, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Sheep and Goat Show
Sheep are shown after the swine show and goats follow the sheep at the Henry County 4-H livestock program in Cambridge. Held each year; the most recent date was June 18, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Horse Show
Henry County 4-H horse show takes the ring on the fair's Friday morning at the Cambridge fairgrounds. Held each year; the most recent date was June 19, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show
Rabbits are judged at 8:30 a.m. and poultry at 9 a.m. at the Henry County 4-H shows in Cambridge on the fair's Saturday. Held each year; the most recent date was June 20, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Bond County 4-H Shows
Series of 4-H shows from cats, dogs and small pets on June 27 through general projects, sheep, goat, poultry, beef, rabbit, swine and dairy, closing with the dairy show on August 3. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 27-Aug. 3, 2026.
Greenville, IL 62246 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Bond County Official event details - Sangamon County 4-H Livestock Shows
Two-day junior livestock program at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds: sheep, swine and goats on Saturday, then beef, rabbits and poultry on Sunday, finishing with Round Robin Master Showmanship and a youth livestock auction.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Official event details - Sangamon 4-H Livestock Shows
Sangamon County 4-H members show beef, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine at the New Berlin fairgrounds on June 27 and 28, followed by a Youth Livestock Auction.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Sangamon County 4-H Official event details - Sangamon County 4-H Sheep Show
Sangamon County 4-H sheep show at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, starting at 12:00 PM on 2026-06-27 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Sangamon County 4-H Official event details - Sangamon County 4-H Swine Show
Sangamon County 4-H swine show at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, starting at 1:30 PM on 2026-06-27 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Sangamon County 4-H Official event details - Sangamon County 4-H Goat Show
Sangamon County 4-H goat show at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, starting at 3:00 PM on 2026-06-27 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Sangamon County 4-H Official event details - Sangamon County 4-H Beef Show
Sangamon County 4-H beef show at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin, starting at 8:00 AM on 2026-06-28 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
318 W Birch St, New Berlin, IL 62670 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Sangamon County 4-H Official event details - Washington County 4-H Shows
Washington County 4-H runs general project sessions, then small pets, dog, poultry and rabbit shows on July 5, swine, goat, sheep, beef and Master Showmanship on July 6, and the dairy show on July 8.
9623 Wall Street, Nashville, IL 62263 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Official event details - University of Illinois Weed Science Field Research Tour
Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the tour starts at 9 a.m. at Clem Farm in Champaign, showing weed-science research plots. Held each year; most recent date June 24, 2026.
Champaign, IL | Organizer: University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences Official event details - Fulton County Official 4-H Horse Show
Fulton County 4-H members compete in the official horse show at the Lewistown fairgrounds ahead of fair week. Held each year; the most recent date was Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Lewistown, IL Official event details - Menard 4-H Livestock Shows
Menard County 4-H members judge goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, swine and beef over five days, July 14 to 18, at the Petersburg fairgrounds, with a youth livestock auction.
18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg, IL 62675 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Menard County 4-H Official event details - Menard County 4-H Goat Show
Menard County 4-H goat show at the Menard County Fairgrounds in Petersburg, starting at 11:00 AM on 2026-07-14 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg, IL 62675 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Menard County 4-H Official event details - Menard County 4-H Swine Show
Menard County 4-H swine show at the Menard County Fairgrounds in Petersburg, starting at 7:30 AM on 2026-07-17 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg, IL 62675 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Menard County 4-H Official event details - Menard County 4-H Beef Show
Menard County 4-H beef show at the Menard County Fairgrounds in Petersburg, starting at 8:00 AM on 2026-07-18 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg, IL 62675 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Menard County 4-H Official event details - Fulton County 4-H Dog Show
The 4-H dog show opens Fulton County Fair week at the Lewistown fairgrounds, the same Monday that livestock exhibits begin. Held each year; the most recent date was July 20, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Lewistown, IL Official event details - Fulton County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest
Top showmen from the livestock species face off in the Master Showmanship Contest during Fulton County Fair week in Lewistown. Held each year; the most recent date was Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Lewistown, IL Official event details - Madison 4-H Livestock Shows
Madison County 4-H livestock shows at the Highland fairgrounds from July 21 to 25 feature bucket calf and dairy, poultry, goat, swine, beef and sheep classes plus a Youth Livestock Auction on July 24.
2025 Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Madison County 4-H Official event details - Livingston County 4-H Show
Livingston County 4-H members display their project exhibits at the 4-H Park in Pontiac, a long-running tradition run with Extension staff and volunteers. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 15 to 18, 2026.
18142 4h Park Rd, Pontiac, IL 61764 | Organizer: Livingston County 4-H Show Committee and University of Illinois Extension Official event details - Iroquois County 4-H Livestock Shows
Iroquois County 4-H members show beef, dairy goat, horse, poultry, sheep and swine at 8 AM, then cat and dairy shows at 2 PM and a Premier Show at 8 PM at the Watseka fairgrounds.
1390 E 2000 North Rd, Watseka, IL 60970 | 217-300-2333 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Ford-Iroquois Unit Official event details - Menard County 4-H Sheep Show
Menard County 4-H sheep show at the Menard County Fairgrounds in Petersburg, starting at 8:00 AM on 2026-07-15 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
18450 Fairgrounds Street, Petersburg, IL 62675 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Menard County 4-H Official event details - Massac 4-H Swine, Beef, and Sheep Show
A one-day 4-H show in Metropolis on July 15 with swine weigh-in at 6:30 AM, the swine show at 8 AM, beef weigh-in at 10 AM and the beef show at 11 AM, followed by sheep.
4476 Korte Rd., Metropolis, IL 62960 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Massac County 4-H Official event details - Madison County 4-H Goat Show
Madison County 4-H goat show at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Highland, starting at 5:30 PM on 2026-07-23 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
2025 Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Madison County 4-H Official event details - Madison County 4-H Swine Show
Madison County 4-H swine show at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Highland, starting at 8:00 AM on 2026-07-24 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
2025 Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Madison County 4-H Official event details - Madison County 4-H Beef Show
Madison County 4-H beef show at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Highland, starting at 12:00 PM on 2026-07-24 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
2025 Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Madison County 4-H Official event details - Kankakee County 4-H Livestock Shows and Events
Kankakee County 4-H shows dairy and beef cattle, poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, swine and horses from July 29 to August 2, with a Bunnies on Parade rabbit show and a rooster crowing contest.
213 W 4000S Rd., Kankakee, IL 60901 | Organizer: Illinois Extension Kankakee County 4-H Official event details - Ogle County 4-H Swine Show
Ogle County 4-H swine show at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, starting at 9:00 AM on 2026-07-30 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
Oregon, IL | Organizer: Illinois Extension Ogle County 4-H Official event details - Ogle County 4-H Beef Show
Ogle County 4-H beef show at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, starting at 4:00 PM on 2026-07-30 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
Oregon, IL | Organizer: Illinois Extension Ogle County 4-H Official event details - Ogle County 4-H Sheep Show
Ogle County 4-H sheep show at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, starting at 5:00 PM on 2026-07-30 as part of the county's 2026 livestock show schedule.
Oregon, IL | Organizer: Illinois Extension Ogle County 4-H Official event details
Plus 57 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Illinois directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.