Ongoing Programs
4-H Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye program utilizes 4-H youth and adults to raise and provide a socialization experience for their puppies through membership and participation in 4-H clubs.
Gerry Leonarski 'Making the Best Better' Memorial Awards
The Gerry Leonarski "Making the Best Better" Memorial Awards are being instituted starting this year specifically for 4-H members enrolled in the NJ 4-H Equine Program.
Mary & Fred Kossatz Awards for Scholarly Achievement in the NJ 4-H Horse Program
This scholarship recognizes a junior and senior 4-H member who have had exemplary accomplishments in multiple 4-H Horse project activities.
Upcoming Events
Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium
March 28, 2026
The Rutgers Junior Animal Science Symposium will be held at the Cook Campus Farm, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Event includes hands-on workshops in equine, swine, sheep and goat, cattle, poultry, beekeeping, rabbit, cavy, small animals, and an animal science video contest. Registration information to follow.
4-H Animal Science Video Contest and Film Festival
March 28, 2026
Youth may work individually or as a team to create educational videos about alpacas, cats, cattle (beef/dairy), dogs, goats, herpetology, horses, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, small animals, or swine to enter in the NJ 4-H Animal Science Video Contest.
NJ State 4-H Avian Bowl
May 16, 2026
Through a quiz bowl format, 4-H'ers will be stimulated to expand their knowledge of avian facts and become proficient in poultry management. This opportunity will also give youth a chance to meet new friends that have similar poultry interests.
NJ State 4-H Goat Show
August 22, 2026
The State 4-H Goat Show is an exciting event that promotes the 4-H goat project and sportsmanship among the participants.
Past Events
NJ State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition
February 24, 2024
A fast-paced quiz competition modeled after collegiate bowl contests, where contestants use buzzers to answer point-valued questions. Through preparation and participation, 4-H members build knowledge of animal science and horsemanship.
NJ State 4-H Equine Arts Show
March 16, 2024
A creative and educational program that allows 4-H members to express their appreciation of horses through a variety of art mediums. Participants develop artistic skills, cultural awareness, and an understanding of how to create effective visual exhibits around areas of interest.
NJ State 4-H Equine Presentation Contest
March 16, 2024
An educational program where 4-H members present equine-related topics through demonstrations, speeches, and visual aids. Participants build communication skills, subject knowledge, and confidence while learning to organize and present information effectively.
NJ State 4-H Hippology Contest
April 6, 2024
A comprehensive equine science contest that combines horse judging, technical knowledge, and practical skills. Participants apply what they’ve learned through written exams, identification stations, judging classes, and team problem-solving activities that emphasize teamwork and critical thinking.
NJ State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
April 7, 2024
A program that teaches 4-H members to evaluate horses against accepted standards for balance, type, and structural correctness. Participants compare classes of horses and often present oral reasons, developing keen observation skills, confident communication, and a strong sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
May 4, 2024
Youth in the 4-H Dairy Judging Contest utilize their evaluation and public speaking skills to rank or rate individual animals and defend their ranking or placing in an oral presentation.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Clip-Off
July 20, 2024
The NJ State 4-H Dairy Clip-Off is a hands-on learning opportunity for youth in the 4-H Dairy Cattle project area to learn how to fit their dairy cattle to be show ready.
NJ State 4-H Championship Horse Show
August 23–25, 2024
A premier event that gives 4-H youth the opportunity to compete at an advanced level and connect with horse project members from across the state.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl and Art Show
March 1, 2025
Through a quiz bowl format, 4-H'ers have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the dairy industry and to form lasting friendships with their teammates. This invitational competition gives 4-H'ers throughout New Jersey a chance to interact somewhere other than the show ring. PLEASE NOTE the dairy quiz bowl competition will not be in conjunction with the animal science symposium in 2025.
NJ State 4-H Beef Bonanza
May 31, 2025
The NJ 4-H Beef Bonanza is open to all NJ 4-H members in the beef cattle project. This event will host Beef Quiz Bowl, a Beef Skill-a-thon, a Beef Art Show, A Beef Poster contest and Education classes.
NJ State 4-H Culinary Egg Challenge
June 1, 2025
This competition challenges 4-H youth grades K-13 to use eggs as the main ingredient in their prepared dish - whether that's an appetizer, main dish, or dessert.
NJ State 4-H Dog Show
June 14, 2025
The NJ State 4-H Dog Show showcases the skills of 4-H dog project members through both competitive and non-competitive classes. This event is open to all 4-H dog project members (4-H Dog Care & Training project and 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Raisers project) and non-4-H youth/adult members of Seeing Eye Puppy Raising clubs. Youth are invited to showcase their dog themed artwork in the K-9 Arts Show.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Cattle Show
August 11–13, 2025
Youth in the 4-H Dairy Cattle project learn how to care for and show dairy cattle throughout the year. At the end of the 4-H year, these individuals come together to compete in type and showmanship classes. Youth may exhibit animals they own or lease which are of any of the six Dairy Breeds.
NJ State 4-H Rabbit, Cavy, Small Animal, Herpetology, and Poultry Show
September 27, 2025
4-H members raising rabbits, cavies, mice, and other small animals exhibit their project animals at the annual State 4-H Rabbit, Cavy, Small Animal, Herpetology, and Poultry Show.
National 4-H Dairy Conference
September 28 - October 1, 2025
he National 4-H Dairy Conference is a leadership conference for 4-H dairy project members (or those with an interest in the dairy industry) held in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo.
NJ State 4-H Goat Extravaganza
January 3, 2026
The NJ 4-H Goat Extravaganza is a statewide event for members, parents, and volunteers in the goat project.
4-H Dog Discovery Day
February 16, 2026
Register by February 2! Learn about our canine companions, hear from guest speakers, test your knowledge, and have fun with new friends! Topics covered include breed histories, canine anatomy, veterinary care, nutrition, grooming, and canine careers.