By Andi Anderson
The 2026 Iowa 4-H Horticulture Show at the Iowa State Fair achieved a new participation record, demonstrating the dedication and resilience of young gardeners across the state. Held on August 15 in the Agriculture Building, the event welcomed 50 exhibitors from 18 counties, surpassing the previous record of 44 exhibitors set in 2024.
Participants displayed 804 horticulture exhibits across 112 classes, featuring vegetables, herbs, specialty platters, and jumbo produce grown in home gardens. Despite facing a challenging growing season marked by excessive rainfall in some areas, drought in others, and insect pressure, youth exhibitors presented a wide range of high-quality entries.
Rich Pope, 4-H Horticulture Co-Superintendent, highlighted the unusual weather conditions and their impact on crops. “This has been a really weird weather year in Iowa,” said Rich Pope, 4-H horticulture co-superintendent. “We’ve had parts of the state receiving tremendous amounts of rainfall while others dealt with prolonged dry periods. We saw that reflected in the crops exhibitors brought to the show this year.”
The event featured several standout exhibits, including a 112-pound watermelon in the Jumbo Vegetables Division. Judges also praised the quality of garlic, onions, and other allium crops.
According to Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program Leader, horticulture projects help young people develop valuable life skills. “There are a lot of skills that you learn through exhibiting produce at the 4-H Horticulture Show, such as perseverance and decision making,” said Mitchell Hoyer. “Those are skills that help youth become beyond ready to continue to lead in their communities, schools, workplaces and everyday lives.”
Youth participants shared how the program helped them grow personally. McKenna Worrell, Reserve Premier 4-H Horticulture Exhibitor from Cedar County, said, “I’ve learned that not every year is going to be a great year and it’s more about the progress you make in showing every year and learning new things.” She added, “These projects have strengthened my time management and responsibility skills because crops need attention throughout the season. You have to have a plan and a to-do list for the whole season rather than just deciding what to do each day.”
Oscar Senske of Story County emphasized the value of learning from others. “I really enjoy the culture and the people that surround the 4-H Horticulture Show,” Senske said. “The volunteers, judges and peers have so much knowledge and expertise. They can give me tips and advice on how to improve specific crops in the future.” He also said, “Time management is a really significant life skill I’ve gained from horticulture projects. Knowing when to pick certain things is really important because you want them at their best when they get to the fair.”
Owen Ness of Story County added, “My favorite thing about showing horticulture at the Iowa State Fair is meeting people from other counties and talking about their projects and how the weather has affected what they bring. I’ve learned that you’ve got to work hard in your garden, and it will pay off at the show.”
Among the major awards, Nolan Jonas of Boone County was named Premier 4-H Horticulture Exhibitor. Special recognition was also given in classes such as the America 250 Red, White and Blue Platter, Salsa Tray, and Vegetable Container Display.
Beyond competition, exhibitors donated approximately 325 pounds of fresh produce to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Des Moines. Kerri McAlexander, Iowa 4-H Volunteer, said, “While some exhibitors come back to take their vegetables home for personal use, many of the 4-H youth want to share their produce with the families staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses. This gives the families some fresh food in addition to the daily meals prepared for the evening mealtime.”
Encouraging future participation, Senske said, “You can really pick up on a lot just by going to one show. Whether it’s a local, county or state fair show.” The event highlighted not only horticultural excellence but also leadership, community service, and lifelong learning among Iowa’s youth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Education