The return of the Iowa State Fair in 2021 was celebrated by many this year, including Iowa 4-H youth eager to showcase their animals. In total, more than 5,600 4-H livestock and horticulture entries were exhibited at the Iowa State Fair.

A record number of swine and meat goats were exhibited in 4-H livestock shows. Youth exhibited 1,432 animals in the 4-H Swine shows on Aug. 16 and 17, and 322 animals in the 4-H Meat Goat shows on Aug. 19 and 20.

“Youth gain so many positive skills by exhibiting in animal project areas," explains Mike Anderson, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H youth program specialist and 4-H agriculture science manager. "In all animal project areas, 4-H members can learn responsibility, sportsmanship and confidence. Important skills are also developed in animal science related to animal care, feeding, record keeping and safety through project area work year-round.”

Nearly 2,000 Iowa youth participated in 4-H livestock and horticulture exhibits during the 2021 Iowa State Fair.

“The 4-H Horticulture show had a 25% increase in entries for 2021 totaling over 330 entries, including a variety of entries from garden crops, herbs and ornamentals,” Anderson says.

For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.

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