{"id":15036,"date":"2026-06-01T09:56:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T16:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/sanjuan\/?p=15036"},"modified":"2026-06-01T09:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T16:57:16","slug":"2026-sjc4-h-weigh-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/sanjuan\/2026\/06\/01\/2026-sjc4-h-weigh-in\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 San Juan County 4-H Livestock Weigh-In & 4-H Day Strengthens Youth Skills and Community Connections"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnit\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\tWSU Extension – San Juan County 4-H\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvent Date & Location\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, May 30, 2026 – San Juan County Fairgrounds\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAudience\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t4-H Members and Their Families\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • 29 4-H members engaged in hands-on learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Youth built skills in livestock, still life, and public speaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Local leaders and partners connected with 4-H programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Participants reported high satisfaction and growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
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    Issue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2014including livestock, small animal, still life, and communication skills\u2014while 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n

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    By the Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n