Iowa 4-H youth impress at fair

By Andi Anderson

At the 2024 Iowa State Fair, more than 3,325 4-H exhibits created by 2,615 youth from across the state were showcased in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building.

These projects represented a year’s worth of learning and dedication by Iowa’s 4-H members, covering a wide variety of categories including agriculture, natural resources, food, nutrition, home improvement, science, visual arts, photography, and fashion.

Gail Castillo, the superintendent of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Exhibits Building, emphasized the importance of these projects in fostering lifelong learning.

“Every exhibit represents a year-long journey of exploration and growth undertaken by our dedicated 4-H members. The exhibits displayed at the Iowa State Fair highlight the educational and personal achievements of our Iowa 4-H youth and celebrate the value of continuous learning in their selected project areas,” Castillo said.

This year, numerous 4-H youth were awarded top certificates and special recognitions across various categories.

Some of the notable awards included the 4-H Innovation Award, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Award, and scholarships from Iowa State University’s Colleges of Agriculture, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Engineering. Youth from across Iowa counties received these prestigious honors for their outstanding work.

Additionally, the Iowa State Fair recognized specific youth for their contributions to creative arts, family and consumer sciences, and science, engineering, and technology.

Projects ranged from original artwork and sewing to tractor restoration and woodworking, showcasing the diverse skills and interests of Iowa’s 4-H members.

The Iowa 4-H program continues to empower young people to pursue personal and educational growth through hands-on experiences and project-based learning. The 2024 exhibits not only celebrated the hard work of the participants but also highlighted the program's role in preparing Iowa youth for future success.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university