📝 Welcome Back to the Classroom 🍎

👋 Welcome to Georgia 4-H!

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Since its beginning in 1904, 4-H continues its tradition to let youth explore their interests, discover their sparks, and engage in learning experiences that grow their social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. Through high-quality programs, youth find a sense of belonging and safe, positive relationships with caring adults. Georgia 4-H is a major partner in education. Lessons taught, experiences shared, and information presented in 4-H is based on the research of the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University. As a program of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension System, 4-H is part of the nationwide Extension network that serves children in grades 4th-12th.

In this month’s update:

1. 4-H Day at the Georgia National Fair

2. Georgia National Fair 4-H Contests

3. Archery

4. Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging

5. Cloverleaf Project Achievement

6. JR/SR Project Achievement

7. Livestock Update

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the fair in Perry, GA on Friday, October 16, 2026. Students will get to participate in a 4-H rally and see some livestock, 4-H displays, and other agriculture exhibits. If your child is in school that day, a letter will be sent to the school for an excused absence. Youth registration is FREE. Available for 6th-12th graders. Please contact our office to register by September 16.

Optional Charges:

• Ride Wrist Band - $30.00

• T-shirts - $12.00

• Food Vouchers Available - $5, $10, or $20

Both static exhibit contests and live contests are available at the fair. Static exhibits are turned in to the Extension office by September 30, and we will take them to Perry to be displayed. Live contests are mainly for families and take place during the weekends at the fair. Students will have the chance to win ribbons and prize money. Registration deadline is September 21.

GNF Rulebook: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=GeorgiaNationalFair&f=2026_4-H(2).pdf&cb=8D14B6B0

Static Exhibit Contests

Computer Graphic Design, Decorated Ag Products, Mini-Booths, 4-H Recycling, 4-H Terrarium/Dish Gardens

Live Contests

Friday, October 9: Family Patriotic Scarecrow Contest

Saturday, October 10: Family Seed Art Contest, Omelet Contest, All Variety Shows, Public Speaking Contest, Cotton Boll Speech Contest

Sunday, October 11: Pantry Pride Recipe Contest Finals, Instant Camera Photography Contest, Wild Game Dish, Peanut Contest

Friday, October 16: Patriotic Cupcake Masters Contest

Saturday, October 17: Healthy Commodity Contest, Homemade Ice Cream Contest, Pumpkin Decorating

Sunday, October 18: Pizza Contest

We are looking for new members to join our archery team. Practices usually start in October and are at one of our coaches' houses. The Indoor Archery State Competition is January 16, 2027, while the Outdoor Archery State Competition is May 1, 2027. Available for 4th-12th graders.

Stay tuned for a date for the interest meeting! Please contact our office for more information.

CBCJ is a competitive judging contest where 4-H’ers gain skills in making rational decisions when purchasing goods and services while maximizing resources. Competitors also learn about cotton as an agriculture commodity in our state and promote cotton through commercials or advertisements. All practices will be held at the Early County Extension office. After-school transportation is available through the 4-H van but notice must be given to the front office beforehand. The contest is on November 11 in Moultrie, GA.

Practice dates coming soon! Please contact our office for more information.

Project Achievement is one of the most exciting and rewarding programs offered by Georgia 4-H. Youth choose a project area of interest, research a topic, then write and present an oral presentation to others. For students in grades 4-6, this process is about hands-on learning, self-confidence, and sharing knowledge. We will be competing in Thomasville on November 21. Students can either work on their speech and posters at home or they can come to the Extension office for help. After-school transportation is available through the 4-H van but notice must be given to the front office beforehand.

For more information, visit https://georgia4h.org/cloverleaf-project-achievement-grades-4-6/ or contact the Early County Extension office.

Project Achievement is one of the most exciting and rewarding programs offered by Georgia 4-H. Youth choose a project area of interest, do project work in that area throughout the year, then research a specific topic, write a presentation, and present it to a judging panel. Beginning in the 7th grade competition process, youth are expected to produce lengthier presentations and submit a portfolio for written work.

Presentations and portfolios become longer and more involved for Senior 4-H'ers. District winners also have the opportunity to compete at the state level, at State 4-H Congress, to become a Master 4-H'er. State winners advance to National 4-H Congress.

JR/SR DPA participants will spend the weekend at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, GA, from February 5 - 7, 2027. Students can either work on their portfolio and presentation at home or they can come to the Extension office for help. After-school transportation is available through the 4-H van but notice must be given to the front office beforehand.

More Information

Junior: https://georgia4h.org/junior-project-achievement-grades-7-8/

Senior: https://georgia4h.org/about-us/resources/senior-project-achievement-grades-9-12/

This is Harper's first year showing goats and we are so excited to share her successes!

• Rock Your Stock Show: Marianna, FL

• 2nd place in Showmanship
• 4th place in Weight Class

• Peach State Labor Day Showdown: Perry, GA

• 7th place in Showmanship
• 8th place in Weight Class

If you ever have questions or need to reach out, I’m happy to help!

Ms. Mindi Dennis
4-H Agent, Early County

📧 Email: melinda.dennis@uga.edu
📞 Office Phone: 229-723-3072
🕘 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.