Families & Members
Fair Entry
Record Books
Animal Projects
Intent to Sell
Weigh-In
Horse Project
Registration Forms
Fair Forms
Club Leaders
Financial Reports
Completion Reports
Families & Members
Stay Active in San Juan County 4-H
Whether you’re new to 4-H or returning for another year, there are a few important steps to remain eligible for activities, events, recognition, and fair participation.
Important Dates for Families
- October 1 – Enrollment Opens
- April 30 – Enrollment Deadline
- June 1 – FairEntry Opens
- July 15 – FairEntry Closes
- August – Fair Entry Days & San Juan County Fair
Annual Membership Requirements
Complete 4-H Enrollment
- Enrollment opens October 1 each year.
- Members must enroll or re-enroll annually through the Washington 4-H enrollment system.
- Enrollment should be completed by April 30 to fully participate in the current 4-H year.
Participate in a 4-H Club or Approved Program
- Members are encouraged to actively participate in meetings, activities, community service, and project learning opportunities throughout the year.
Engage in Project Learning
- Choose projects that match your interests and participate in hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and events related to those projects.
The Big Three
If you can remember only three dates, remember April 30 (Enrollment Deadline), June 1 (FairEntry Opens), and July 15 (FairEntry Closes). These dates affect most San Juan County 4-H members planning to participate in the fair.
Planning to Exhibit at the Fair?
Members who wish to exhibit projects at the San Juan County Fair should complete the following additional steps:
- Enroll in the appropriate project areas.
- Review project-specific requirements and deadlines.
- Register exhibits through FairEntry when registration opens on June 1.
- Complete all exhibit registrations by July 15.
- Submit your “My 4-H Year Record” by August 1 to the Extension Office.
- Attend the appropriate entry day and check-in procedures before the fair.
Record Books & Year-End Recognition
4-H members are encouraged to document their learning experiences throughout the year.
- Keep records of project activities, goals, and accomplishments.
- Complete any county record book or achievement requirements by established deadlines.
- Participate in county recognition opportunities and achievement events.
For livestock, horse, and other project-specific requirements, visit the appropriate project section below.
New to 4-H?
Welcome! New members and families are encouraged to:
- Join a local 4-H club.
- Attend club meetings regularly.
- Connect with project leaders and volunteers.
- Review the Family Guidebook.
- Ask questions. 4-H is designed to help youth learn by doing, and every member starts somewhere.
Animal Projects
Requirements for Livestock & Market Animal Exhibitors
Members enrolled in beef, sheep, goat, swine, rabbit, poultry, and other animal science projects must meet additional ownership, identification, and exhibition requirements to participate in the San Juan County Fair and other animal project activities.
Annual Livestock Checklist
- Meet ownership deadlines for your species.
- Complete FairEntry registration between June 1 and July 15.
- Submit all required livestock auction paperwork by July 1 (market animals only).
- Complete your My 4-H Year Record by August 1 & any additional project records.
- Attend designated fair entry and weigh-in days.
- Participate in judging contests and exhibition requirements during the fair.
Market Beef
Ownership Requirements
Ownership date: Minimum 120 days prior to fair.
Weight Requirements
Standard Beef: 950 lbs. minimum
Alternative Beef: 700 lbs. minimum, 1,000 lbs. maximum
Additional Requirements
Approved identification required.
Market Auction paperwork due July 1.
Market Lambs & Meat Goats
Ownership Requirements
Ownership date: Minimum 60 days prior to fair.
Animal Requirements
Official USDA Scrapie Identification required.
Weight Requirements
Market Lambs: 110-160 lbs.
Market Meat Goats: 60-110 lbs.
Additional Requirements
Market Auction paperwork due July 1.
Market Swine
Ownership Requirements
Ownership date: Minimum 60 days prior to fair.
Weight Requirements
200-300 lbs.
Additional Requirements
Must be born on or after January 1 of the current fair year.
No cryptorchid male animals permitted.
Market Auction paperwork due July 1.
Poultry, Rabbit & Small Animal Projects
Ownership Requirements
Dog & Cat Ownership Date: Minimum 60 days prior to fair.
Poultry, Rabbit, Cavy Ownership Date: Minimum 45 days prior to fair.
Additional Requirements
Poultry must meet current age and weight requirements.
Rabbits must meet breed standards and exhibit health requirements.
All animals must comply with fair health and identification standards.
Important Animal Project Dates
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| April 30 | Deadline to Enroll in 4-H |
| June 1 | FairEntry Opens |
| July 1 | Auction Paperwork Due |
| July 15 | FairEntry Closes |
| August 1 | My 4-H Year Record Due |
| Fair Entry Day | Animal Check-In & Weigh-In |
| Fair Week | Herdsmanship, Exhibition, & Showmanship |
New livestock families should carefully review species requirements, weight standards, ownership deadlines, and identification requirements before purchasing animals intended for exhibition or sale. Purchasing an animal does not automatically guarantee eligibility for exhibition at the San Juan County Fair.
Horse Project
Requirements for Horse Project Members
Members enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project must meet annual enrollment, horse certification, and participation requirements to exhibit at the San Juan County Fair and participate in horse project activities.
Annual Horse Project Checklist
- Submit a Horse Certificate for each horse used in the project.
- Submit lease agreements if exhibiting a leased horse.
- Complete FairEntry registration between June 1 and July 15.
- Submit all required fair and horse project paperwork by established deadlines.
- Complete your My 4-H Year Record by August 1 & any additional project records.
- Attend required horse project evaluations, clinics, and fair activities.
Horse Certification Requirements
Horse Certificates
- A current Horse Certificate is required for every horse participating in the 4-H Horse Project.
- Horse certificates must be submitted by the county deadline.
- Only certified horses may participate in county and fair horse activities.
Leased Horses
- Members using a leased horse must submit a completed lease agreement.
- Lease paperwork must be approved before participation in horse project events.
New horse project families are encouraged to contact the Horse Project leadership team before purchasing or leasing a horse. Project leaders can help explain certification requirements, lease agreements, fair participation expectations, and available learning opportunities.
Fair Participation Requirements
Members planning to exhibit at the San Juan County Fair should:
- Enroll the horse in FairEntry.
- Review current fair class offerings and rules.
- Verify that all horse certifications and lease paperwork have been approved.
- Participate in scheduled fair activities and classes.
- Follow all county and fair animal health requirements.
Important Horse Project Dates
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| April 30 | Deadline to Enroll in 4-H |
| May 15 | Horse Certificates & Lease Agreements Due |
| June 1 | FairEntry Opens |
| July 15 | FairEntry Closes Horse Fair Paperwork Due |
| August 1 | My 4-H Year Record Due |
| Fair Week | Herdsmanship, Exhibition, & Showmanship |
Learning Opportunities
The 4-H Horse Project is about much more than showing at the fair.
Members are encouraged to develop skills in:
- Horsemanship
- Horse care and management
- Safety
- Sportsmanship
- Leadership
- Recordkeeping
- Public presentation
Need More Information?
Visit the Horse Project page for:
- Horse Certificate forms
- Lease Agreement forms
- Fair class information
- County horse project announcements
- Educational resources
Club Leaders & Volunteers
Supporting Safe, Effective, and Successful 4-H Clubs
Volunteer leaders play a critical role in providing positive youth development experiences and helping members succeed throughout the year. In addition to supporting club activities, leaders are responsible for completing annual reporting, financial management, and program compliance requirements.
Annual Leader Checklist
- Maintain an active and approved Washington 4-H volunteer enrollment.
- Complete required volunteer screenings and trainings.
- Conduct regular club meetings and educational activities.
- Maintain accurate club financial records throughout the year.
- Submit annual club reporting and financial documents by established deadlines.
- Support member enrollment, project participation, and fair preparation.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all youth and families.
Club Financial Responsibilities
Treasurers and club leaders should maintain accurate records of all club income, expenses, and property throughout the year.
Annual Financial Review
- Conduct a club financial review or audit following completion of the 4-H year.
- Prepare and submit the Annual Financial Summary.
- Review club inventory and property records.
- Retain supporting financial records as required by Washington State University Extension and Washington 4-H policies.
Annual Reporting Requirements
Club leaders are responsible for ensuring the following reports are submitted on time:
- Annual Financial Summary
- Annual Financial Review or Audit
- Property Inventory (if applicable)
- Club Continuation or Renewal Documentation
- End-of-Year Club Reporting Requirements
Leader Tip
Successful clubs communicate often. Sharing key enrollment, project, and fair deadlines throughout the year helps families stay engaged and prevents last-minute surprises during fair season.
Supporting Member Success
Club leaders are encouraged to:
- Welcome and mentor new families.
- Communicate regularly with members and caregivers.
- Encourage record book completion and goal setting.
- Promote county, state, and national 4-H opportunities.
- Help members prepare for fair participation and project exhibitions.
- Foster youth leadership, citizenship, and community service opportunities.
Important Club Leader Dates
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| October 1 | New 4-H Year Begins |
| October – November | Club Planning & Program Year Startup |
| December 1 | Annual Financial Summary Due |
| December 1 | Financial Review / Audit Due |
| December 1 | Property Inventory Due (if applicable) |
| March 1 | Animal project clubs must be established |
| April 30 | Member Enrollment Deadline |
| June 1 | Non-animal project clubs must be established |
| September 30 | Annual Club Completion Reporting Due |
Resources for Club Leaders
Club leaders may find additional support on the resources for clubs and volunteers page.
Annual 4-H Calendar
October
- 10/1: Welcome to the new 4-H year! Enroll on 4-H Online
- 4-H Kick Off and Appreciation Events
November
- Regional Teen Rally Events
December
- 12/1: Club Financial Paperwork due refer to WSU Club Financial Information
- Second Sunday in December 4-H Leadership Conference located at WSU Everett Campus
February
- Know Your Government Conference in Olympia
April
- Whatcom County Youth Fair
- 120 days prior to Fair Ownership Deadlines
- Market Beef – You must own your market beef animal by this date to qualify to auction your animal at the San Juan County Fair.
May
- 90 days prior to Fair Ownership Deadlines
- Horses, Breeding Beef, Alpacas, Llamas, Dairy (except replacement Heifers)
- 5/1: Pierre Franklin & Keys Family Awards of Merits open for Applications
- 5/15: Horse Certificate and Horse Lease Agreement forms are due to your County Extension Office.
- San Juan Youth Fair & Public Presentation Day
- Showmanship Clinic & Spring Weigh-in
June
- 6/1: Fair Entry is open for Fair registrations Online Fair Entry Registration
- 60 days prior to Fair Ownership Deadlines
- Swine, Lambs, Goats, Cats, Dogs, replacement Heifers.
- Teen Conference in Pullman, WA – WSU Campus
July
- 7/1: Auction Paperwork Due.
- 45 days prior to Fair Ownership Deadlines
- Rabbits, Cavies, Poultry. This deadline also applies to participation in the auction at the San Juan County Fair (turkey trio, alternative poultry trio, broiler trio, rabbit fryer trio, pullet production trio).
- 7/15 Fair Entry will close at 9:59 PM
- 7/15: Applications for the “Keys 4-H Award of Merit” and the “Pierre Franklin 4-H Award of Merit” due
- San Juan County Community Service Day to prepare for San Juan County Fair
August
- 4-H Fair Schedule
- 8/1: My 4-H Records & Any Additional Project Records Due
- 8/1 Camping Forms due to Fair Office – Fees waived for 4-H
- 8/15: Entry Day for all Still Life (except Food, Horticulture, & Table Setting)
- 8/18: Entry Day for following Departments: Food, Horticulture & Table Setting – due by 4:00 p.m..
- 8/18:
- Final weigh-in day. Livestock members will submit Producer Affidavits and Health Records for their market animals.
- 8/19-8/22: Fair Open to the Public
- Sunday of Fair – Leaders Council Meeting to determine individual award winners in the Marie Boe 4-H Building
September – October
- 9/30: End of 4-H Year. Club leaders submit renewal forms.
- 10/1: Welcome to the new 4-H year! Enroll on 4-H Online
- Volunteer Training, Awards Ceremony – Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony
- 10/1 – 10/7 First week in October is 4-H Week
- Month of October Kick-Off Events