Livestock wins big at Ogle County 4-H

By Andi Anderson

The Ogle County 4-H Fair, held from July 31 to August 4, 2024, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, brought together the community to celebrate the hard work and dedication of young 4-H members.

A total of 689 livestock exhibits were judged, showcasing the efforts of 284 4-H members from 13 clubs throughout the county.

The 4-H Fair is a national tradition that allows young participants to exhibit products resulting from yearlong studies in areas of personal interest.

The event provides a platform for these youth to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they've developed. Non-animal exhibitors also get the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with project judges, where they receive valuable feedback and suggestions for future project improvements.

At the Ogle County 4-H Fair, the competition is structured at two levels. Initially, 4-H members compete against themselves, receiving exhibit ratings based on the quality of their work.

Each exhibit—whether animal or non-animal—is assigned a blue, red, or white rating. Blue ribbons signify that the entry meets class guidelines and is of high quality. Red ribbons indicate that the exhibit is of average quality and meets some guidelines, while white ribbons are given to those that do not meet guidelines or are of lower quality.

After the initial ratings, all blue ribbon recipients enter a secondary competition to determine class champions and overall division winners.

Additionally, select blue-awarded non-animal exhibits are chosen to represent Ogle County 4-H at the Illinois State Fair, offering an even greater stage for recognition.

The success of the Ogle County 4-H Fair is due in large part to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers, including 4-H leaders, helpers, fair committee members, judges, auctioneers, and supporters.

Their dedication ensures that this annual educational event continues to provide valuable experiences for the youth of Ogle County, fostering their growth and passion for agriculture and other interests.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde