WSU Extension > San Juan County WSU Extension > 4-H > 2026 San Juan County 4-H Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day Strengthens Youth Skills and Community Connections

2026 San Juan County 4-H Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day Strengthens Youth Skills and Community Connections

A group of children and adults gathered inside a covered barn with wooden and metal animal pens, observing small goats and sheep.

Unit

WSU Extension – San Juan County 4-H

Event Date & Location

Saturday, May 30, 2026 – San Juan County Fairgrounds

Audience

4-H Members and Their Families

On May 30, 2026, WSU Extension San Juan County 4-H hosted the Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day, bringing together youth, families, volunteers, and community partners for a dynamic day of hands-on learning. Designed to prepare participants for the upcoming fair, the event combined technical skill development, creative exploration, and leadership practice across multiple project areas. The event showcased the breadth of 4-H programming while strengthening connections between youth and the broader community.

Key Takeaways

  • 29 4-H members engaged in hands-on learning
  • Youth built skills in livestock, still life, and public speaking
  • Local leaders and partners connected with 4-H programming
  • Participants reported high satisfaction and growth

Issue

Youth in San Juan County benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that build leadership, technical knowledge, and life skills; however, access to structured, experiential programs that integrate multiple project areas and engage entire families remains limited. In rural and island communities, geographic isolation and fewer locally available programs can make it more difficult for youth to access diverse educational experiences, particularly those connected to agriculture, STEM, and career pathways.

4-H programs play a critical role in addressing this gap by providing experiential learning environments where youth can develop confidence, responsibility, and practical skills. Events like livestock weigh-ins are essential milestones in the 4-H program year, serving not only as a required step for fair participation but also as an opportunity for youth to build foundational skills in animal care, record keeping, and project management.

At the same time, there is a growing need to create opportunities that go beyond single-project learning. Youth benefit most when they are exposed to a range of disciplines—including livestock, small animal, still life, and communication skills—while also engaging with peers, mentors, and community members. Additionally, increasing community awareness of 4-H programming remains a priority, as public understanding and support are critical to sustaining youth development initiatives.

The 2026 Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day was designed to address these needs by combining required project benchmarks with expanded opportunities for skill-building, career exploration, and community engagement in a single, accessible event.

By the Numbers

  • Approximately 50 total attendees
    • 22 Youth Members
    • 7 CloverBud Members
    • 14 Parents
    • 11 Volunteers
    • Participants from all four ferry served islands
  • Animals Weighed-in
    • 4 Goats
    • 3 Sheep
    • 2 Cows
    • 1 Pig
  • Showmanship Clinics in:
    • Goats
    • Cavies
    • Poultry
  • Countless paintings, educational posters, and memories made!

Response

The 2026 Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day provided a comprehensive, multi-project learning experience designed to engage youth across interest areas while building practical skills and confidence.

Livestock Learning

Participants completed official livestock weigh-ins and practiced essential animal handling and showmanship skills. A 4-H Alumni led goat showmanship clinic provided peer-to-peer learning, while all livestock participants had opportunities to build confidence working with their animals in a supportive environment.

Small Animal Education

Youth in small animal projects learned what to expect in showmanship, how to prepare for the fair, and practiced handling techniques. The session emphasized readiness, responsibility, and presentation skills.

Still Life Exploration

Still life participants engaged in creative, hands-on activities including educational poster creation, photography, writing, and traditional art. These experiences encouraged creativity while helping youth begin planning their fair entries.

Career Connections

A featured presentation by a local meat processing professional introduced youth to career pathways in agriculture, followed by an interactive Q&A. This session connected project work to real-world opportunities and workforce awareness.

Judging & Presentation Skills

Participants took part in a multidisciplinary judging clinic covering livestock, small animal, and still life evaluation. Youth also had opportunities throughout the day to practice public presentations, strengthening communication and confidence.

Community Engagement

The event welcomed community members and local leadership, including the County Manager and a County Councilmember. Youth were encouraged to share their 4-H experiences, fostering meaningful connections and increasing community understanding of 4-H’s impact.

A group of children and an adult sit and stand around a long table covered in a light green tablecloth, engaged in an arts and crafts activity with markers, paper, and various craft supplies.

Youth Craft Activity

Children and community members gather around a table during an interactive, hands-on educational workshop. The participants are focused on an arts and crafts project using markers, construction paper, and recycled materials, highlighting community engagement and youth learning programs.
Four young boys leading and handling small goats on leashes inside an outdoor metal-fenced enclosure on a sunny day.

Hands-On Agricultural Education

Youth participants practice leading and handling goats within an outdoor training pen. This interactive activity highlights agricultural education, animal husbandry programs, and youth leadership development in a farm or fairground setting.
Two young boys and a woman standing at a table, interacting with guinea pigs during an educational presentation.

Small Animal Care and Education

An instructor and youth participants present small animals during a community workshop. The interactive session focuses on teaching children about responsible pet ownership, small animal care, and husbandry skills in an engaging, supportive environment.

Impacts

The 2026 Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day resulted in meaningful skill development, increased confidence, and strengthened community connections:

  • Youth gained hands-on experience in animal handling, showmanship, and evaluation, improving readiness for fair participation
  • Participants demonstrated increased confidence in communication through presentations and interactions with peers, mentors, and community leaders
  • Youth expanded awareness of agricultural career pathways through direct engagement with an industry professional
  • Cross-project learning opportunities exposed participants to new skills and areas of interest, increasing engagement and program breadth
  • Families reported strong positive outcomes, highlighting both learning and enjoyment

Participants also indicated greater preparedness for upcoming fair activities and increased readiness to take on leadership roles within their clubs and community.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate how integrated, hands-on events can accelerate youth readiness for fair participation while building long-term leadership, career awareness, and community connection.

Partnerships & Support

This event was made possible through the generous support of the Honeywell Charitable Foundation and strong collaboration with San Juan County Parks and Fair staff, whose partnership helped prepare the facilities and create a welcoming environment for participants. Local leadership presence further strengthened connections between 4-H youth and the broader community.

Quotes

It was the best weigh-in event ever

4-H Volunteer

Thank you so much, it was so fun to see my boys learn

4-H Parent

It was incredibly rewarding to see so many 4-H families come together, not just to prepare for the fair, but to actively engage in learning, practicing their projects, and sharing their experiences with the community. Events like this really highlight the strength of our program—youth supporting one another, families investing in their growth, and the community seeing firsthand the impact of 4-H.

Clinton Gauthier, San Juan County 4-H Coordinator

By integrating technical skill-building, leadership development, and community engagement, the Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day continues to build a strong foundation for youth success at the fair and fosters long-term growth as confident, engaged community leaders.

To learn more about upcoming 4‑H opportunities in San Juan County, visit our 4‑H webpage.