Five counties, one goal: Local 4-H members unite for regional livestock clinic April 18
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Thirty-three 4-H members from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties gathered April 18 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds for a multi-county Livestock Clinic and Skill-a-thon centered on hands-on learning, youth development, and the strength of community. Five Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members participated; members included Hope Whitlow, Myles Gingerich, Aubrie Stenger, Joslynn Steffens, and Ellie Stewart. Guided by the 4-H motto “make the best better,” the event brought together families, volunteers, and agricultural partners who believe deeply in the power of community to lift up youth and help them develop their Livestock skills and knowledge.
The clinic was coordinated in partnership with Lake Land College’s Agriculture Department Chair, Ryan Orrick, whose leadership helped shape a morning focused on practical learning and mentorship. Eight Lake Land College students supported the event, offering guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight as youth rotated through species stations and skill-building activities.
Throughout the morning, participants practiced selection, feeding, grooming, and showmanship using animals generously provided by local families and volunteers.
The clinic concluded with a Skill-a-thon that challenged youth to apply their knowledge of breeds, equipment, and feed samples. Senior Division honors went to Champion Brooke Schumacher, Reserve Champion Brody Barnard, and Resmiranda Small in 3rd Overall. Junior Division awards were presented to Champion Carter Storm, Reserve Champion Nora Ahrens, and Ryker Reedy in 3rd.
The program showcased the teamwork of the 4-H staff across all five counties, who worked together to plan and deliver a meaningful experience for youth. Their collaboration, combined with the generosity of community partners and volunteers, demonstrated the impact of local investment in youth and the shared belief that strong communities grow strong kids.
The event was supported by Purina, Kent, the Lake Land Livestock Judging Team, Ryan Orrick, Rural King, DeBuhr’s Feed and Seed, the Kelly Family, Blake Homann, Ashley Baumgarten and Brooke, Michael Virden and Logan, and Hallie Horsman. Their support helped create a welcoming, educational environment where youth could learn, connect, and take pride in their work.
If you would like additional information about how to volunteer or enroll your child in our local Moultrie-Douglas 4-H program, please contact 4-H coordinator, Rachel Stenger at 217-543-3755 or [email protected].
4-H
announcements
Rescheduled Emerging Leaders Meeting
New Date: Monday, April 27
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Moultrie-Douglas Extension Office
We will be checking in with Master Gardener Darla Chouinard as we continue planning our Cloverbud event in June (details coming soon!).
We will also be finishing up the Teen Teachers Program.
It’s never too late to join Emerging Leaders!
A homemade pasta dinner will be served.
Contact Rachel with any questions: [email protected] or 217‑543‑3755
Sewing Club Kickoff
Date: Monday, April 27
Time: 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Location: Arthur United Methodist Church
Contact club leader Brenda Peirce with questions: [email protected]
Good Luck to Our Public Speaking Competitors!
Sending our best wishes to Connor Swango and Jenna Welsh as they compete in the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Parkland on Saturday. We’re proud of their hard work and dedication!
Best Wishes to Our Livestock Judging Team!
Good luck to our team as they head to the State 4-H Livestock Contest in Champaign on Monday! Led by their wonderful leader, John Warriner! Team members include:
Huck Kuhns
Henry Kuhns
Myles Gingerich
Lane Hopkins
FairEntry.com Is Now Open
You can now begin making general project and livestock entries.
Dog & Horse entries due: June 3
All other entries due: July 3
Below is our fair schedule and directions for making entries.
Fair Planning Check‑In Meeting
Date: Monday, May 4
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Arthur United Methodist Church
Open to all 4-H leaders and parents who want to help this summer!
Please let Rachel know if you plan to attend — parent involvement is encouraged and appreciated!
Fair Book
Access the fair book here: https://extension.illinois.edu/ccdms/4-h-moultrie-douglas-counties Scroll down to Moultrie-Douglas Counties Fairs and Shows and click 2026 Fair Book.
Premium Checks Update
The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently shared that there was an error in issuing premium funds to local Extension offices.Because of this, there will be a continued delay in distributing premium checks from last year’s fair participation. We hope to have checks to you before the end of May.
Please reach out if you need any assistance or have questions!
Rachel Stenger Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Coordinator [email protected] 217‑543‑3755