4-H Focus
WSU Yakima County Extension Office – Closed February 16th
In observance of Presidents Day, the WSU Yakima County Extension Office will be closed on Monday, February 16th, 2025. Messages may be left at 509-574-1600 and will be returned on the next business day.
Club & Program News
Opportunities for 4-H clubs, activity highlights, program updates, and volunteer needs
2026 Fashion Revue
Clothing Project members are hard at work preparing for one of the most exciting events of the year—the Annual Fashion Revue! Official packets have been sent to Clothing Project leaders and to youth enrolled in sewing, crocheting, and knitting projects.
Save the date for the Annual Fashion Revue on Friday, March 27th at 6:30 pm in the Fruitvale Grange. All participating members must also attend the judging night on Tuesday, March 24th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Yakima County Resource Center (Large Conference Room).
Love fashion but don’t sew? The Creative Consumer Division is a great option! Youth create an outfit to match a specific occasion—such as prom, sports, or the beach—without sewing. Visit our website for additional details and required forms. We can’t wait to see all the creativity on display!
Educational & Promotional Posters
Attention all 4-H Members! Promotional Posters are due to the Extension Office by Thursday, April 30th! This is a county wide 4-H contest. 4-H posters come in two categories: educational or promotional.
- Educational posters provide an opportunity for members to share information about 4-H and a wide range of projects. Unlimited pictures or words.
- Promotional posters are an opportunity for members to promote the 4-H program in a fun and positive way. One main idea, with minimum words of up to 6 words.
Find resources to make a great 4-H poster on our website!
Yakima Co-op Free Chick Day – Volunteers needed! – Saturday, March 14th
The Yakima Valley Co-op is excited to host its annual Free Chick Day on Saturday, March 14th—and they’re looking for Yakima County 4-H youth and adult volunteers to help make the day a success!
Last year, 4-H volunteers helped distribute nearly 4,000 chicks, making this a fun, fast-paced, and rewarding event. Volunteers will assist with chick and feed distribution while gaining hands-on experience in an agriculture-related setting, learning about different chick species, and serving the local community.
Yakima Valley Co-op is a proud supporter of Yakima County 4-H, and this is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to get involved and give back. If this sounds like something your club would enjoy participating in, please contact Autumn Britt at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-574-1578.
Valley Wide Country Store 4-H & FFA Education Day
Education Days are officially BACK at a Valley Wide Country Store near you! We know how much heart and hard work you put into your projects, and we want to help you make this your best show season yet.
Join Valley Wide Country Store in Grandview Washington on Wednesday, April 8th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm for an afternoon of hands-on learning where they’ll dive into nutrition essentials and expert showmanship tips.
But be sure to RSVP today to save your spot!
County Public Presentations & Demonstrations
Ready to build confidence, share what you love, and shine as a 4-H member? This year, Yakima County 4-H is offering youth to complete their county-level public presentations during County Council meetings. Creating a supportive, low-stress environment to try something new. And here’s the best part: Blue ribbon recipients automatically qualify to present at the Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup!
Whether you love teaching others, demonstrating a skill, or speaking about something you’re passionate about, public presentations are a fantastic way to build confidence, communication skills, and leadership. Sign up below!
Upcoming Presentation Opportunities
- Monday, April 20th at 6:30 PM – Yakima County Resource Center Large Conference Room – 2403 S. 18th Street, Union Gap, WA
- Monday, July 27th at 6:30 PM – Yakima County Resource Center Large Conference Room – 2403 S. 18th Street, Union Gap, WA
For guidelines, tips, and inspiration, visit the Yakima County 4-H Public Presentation & Demonstration Guidelines webpage.
4-H Presentation & Demonstration Dates Registration
Ready to build confidence, share what you love, and shine as a 4-H member? This year, Yakima County 4-H is offering youth to complete their county-level public presentations during County Council meetings. Creating a supportive, low-stress environment to try something new. And here’s the best part: Blue ribbon recipients automatically qualify to present at the Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup!
Volunteer Updates
Opportunities for volunteers, activity highlights and volunteer needs
Annual Club Packets – PAST DUE December 1st
This is your friendly reminder that your 2024-2025 end of the year paperwork was due December 1st. For your convenience, please see the end of the year paperwork checklist at the bottom.
End of the Year Paperwork Checklist
Close out 2024-2025 – PAST DUE December 1st
Please complete ALL required forms listed below and submit them to the Extension Office in person, by mail, or by scanning and emailing to Yakima.4H@wsu.edu
- Annual Financial Summary Report
- Property Inventory
- Peer Audit Report – only required for clubs with bank accounts
- Treasurer’s Binder & Secretary’s Book – only required for clubs with $1,000 + in their account, or with donations totaling over $500 this 4-H year
- Excess Funds Request – only required for clubs holding more than $5,000
- 2025-2026 Club Events & Information Registration Form
Please contact us if you have any questions (we know this paperwork can be confusing). We are happy to help. Thank you so much for all you do for Yakima County 4-H. We are so excited to see what great things your club will do this year 🍀
Yakima County Council Meeting – April 20th at 6:30 pm
All 4-H youth members, volunteers and families are invited to attend the Yakima County Council meetings. Your input is greatly needed to make decisions on up coming events. Please consider joining us on Monday, April 20th at 6:30 pm in the Yakima County Resource Center – Large Conference Room, Side A. Located at 2403 S. 18th Street, Union Gap, WA.
Yakima County Council Documents Available on Google Drive
In efforts to keep our 4-H community actively involved with decision making process, the Yakima County Council Board members and Extension Office have teamed up in making our documents transparent to all through Google Drive. All meeting agenda, minutes & budgets can be found accessed by the public at all times through Google Drive. If you have anything that you would like to add to the next meeting agenda you may contact the 4-H Program Manager, Autumn at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-574-1578.
NEW! Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours – February 9th & March 9th
The Yakima County 4-H Extension Office is excited to announce that we will be providing additional assistance to all volunteers & youth members each month, called Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours. These meetings will be offered virtually through Zoom for volunteers & youth members to ask any questions about the 4-H program or the platforms we use; including, 4-H Online, GivePulse, Online Training Modules and more. Please join us for our next meeting on Monday, February 9th or Monday, March 9th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. All Yakima 4-H Online Office Hours are scheduled for the second Monday of each month from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. — Please note, this meeting is NOT mandatory and is intended to provide additional support to the community as needed. If you are interested in attending the Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours, please reference the Zoom invite below.
- Join our Zoom from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android
- Meeting ID: 981 8567 5526
- Passcode: 196634
Teen Opportunities
Events, conferences, and scholarships just for teens
Youth Officer Training School – Now Scheduled for March 1st!
Have you heard the great news?! The youth officer training school has been rescheduled! Please join us for a fun filled afternoon on Sunday, March 1st from 12:00 – 4:00 pm in the Yakima County Resource Center Large Conference Room.
The 4-H Youth Officer Training School will offer an engaging afternoon focused on what it takes to be a successful 4-H club officer and best practices for leading effective, fun meetings. This free workshop is open to all Yakima and Kittitas County 4-H youth ages 10 and up, as well as adult supporters and volunteers—whether you have already been elected to an officer role or are considering one in the future. Participants will explore officer roles, learn how to keep meetings quick and engaging, and gain fresh ideas to bring back to their clubs. Lunch and games will be included. Please be sure to re-register for this event no later than Tuesday, February 24th if you are interested in attending. Excited for an afternoon of fun with you all!
Yakima County 4-H “Senior Sign Off” – Honor Cord Essay Application
Congratulations to all the Yakima County 4-H’ers who have reached their senior year of high school! We are so proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and grateful to have you as part of Yakima County 4-H.
As you prepare for graduation, we invite you to share your 4-H journey through the “Senior Sign Off” – Honor Cord Essay Application. This is your opportunity to reflect on your experiences and be recognized for your hard work and dedication with official 4-H honor cords to wear at graduation.
Please complete the online application in its entirety by Sunday, March 15th to qualify for 4-H honor cords.
We look forward to celebrating you and all you’ve accomplished! 🎓
Scholarship Opportunities
WSU/4-H Scholarship Application Open Now!
The application for the WSU/4-H Scholarships is open now! Enrolled 12th-grade 4-Hers who have participated in 4-H for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply for one of seven different scholarships. Details about scholarships available and application requirements can be found on the 4-H Scholarship webpage. Applications are through 4-H Online.
Applications must be submitted in 4-H Online by 9:59 PM on Sunday, March 15th. Don’t wait! Get your application started today!!
Washington State 4-H Scholarships
There are at least 7 scholarships available through Washington State 4-H members. In order to apply applicants must:
- Be enrolled and approved as a 4-H member by Sunday, March 1st;
- Accumulated at least two years of 4-H affiliation; and
- Be a senior in high school attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the fall.
4-H Dairy Endowment Scholarship
The Washington State 4-H Dairy Endowment also offers two $500 scholarships. The Washington State Dairy Endowment Scholarship is due April 1st each year. The Dairy Endowment offers scholarships to present or former 4-H Dairy Project members – one for a high school senior and one for a current college student.
YQCA 2025 National and State Report
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals – YQCA has reached a new high nationally in 2025 with 109,998 certifications and a new high for Washington state reporting 2,794 certifications. This program validates our commitment to training youth on a secure food supply, raised with welfare standards in mind and how to advocate for food animal production. These tools prove useful in assuring consumers’ confidence in food animal agricultural practices and that those practices provide a safe wholesome product for their table. Youth can use participation in this program as a marketing tool when selling their meat in the direct-to-consumer channels. The practices that they learn in this educational offering align with practices that producers implement daily. Thank you for those that participate.
Please remind seniors in high school and college students up to 21 years of age that it is time again for YQCA scholarship applications that are due to the national board by February 15th, 2026. Visit the YQCA program website where you will find information on the application process. This is also the same link for access to the YQCA program and certifications. This year there will be 10 scholarships that will be awarded from $500 to $5,000. Last year Washington had 5 applications in a very competitive pool nationally. Youth that have participated in YQCA and meet the criteria presented are eligible. Good Luck.
Maravell Gonsioroski Memorial Scholarship
In memory of a beloved 4-H volunteer, Maravell Gonsioroski, the Washington State Junior Horse Show and board members are offering a scholarship in her honor. This scholarship was created in recognition of the dedication Maravell Gonsioroski had for 4-H and for the many long hours she spent running the Washington State Junior Horse Show.
Application Deadline: Monday, June 1st, 2026
Amount of Scholarship: $1,000 (may be split between two applicants)
For more information on the scholarship criteria or to apply online, please visit the Yakima County 4-H Maravell Gonsiooski Memorial Scholarship webpage.
Hard copies of this application may be obtained by contacting the WSU Yakima County Extension Office at 509-574-1600 or by emailing Yakima.4H@wsu.edu.
Fair & Livestock News
Important updates for families participating in our fairs
2026 UI/WSU Youth Livestock Field Days
Registration is now open for the 2026 WSU/UI Youth Livestock Field Days. The events are open to all youth, and the $10 registration fee includes lunch. Adults who attend the events must also register. Spaces are limited, and these events often fill up. Register today!
- Beef – Saturday, March 7th at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds
- Swine – Saturday, March 14th at the Asotin County Fairgrounds
- Sheep & Goat – Saturday, March 21st at the University of Idaho
Tentative Schedule:
- 8:00 am – Registration Table Opens
- 8:45 am – Welcome
- 9:00 – 11:45 am – Morning Rotations
- Meat Science or Breeding 101
- Nutrition and Feeds
- Health
- Training and Showmanship *Adults and Youth will be seperated into different groups
- 11:45 – 12:15 pm – Lunch Provided (Vandal Dog, chips, cookie, drink)
- 12:15 – 1:30 pm – Afternoon Hands-on Stations
- 1:30 pm – Closing
2026 Washington 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest
We want to bring these to your attention as there are changes in the “Guidelines and Rules” document as well as the “National Team Travel” document for senior teams. Please familiarize yourself with these changes. Contest registration will open on Wednesday, April 1st. Early registration will end on Friday, May 29th at 9:59 pm, with late registration closing on Friday, June 12th at 9:59 pm. There will be no registrations accepted after the close of late registration on Friday, June 12th. We will send out more detailed information about registration and payment, which will be handled through 4-H Online, when we open the registration portal on Wednesday, April 1st. We look forward to seeing you Saturday, June 27th!
Yakima County 4-H State Livestock Judging – Sign ups
Interested in representing Yakima County 4-H at the State Livestock Judging Contest? If you missed the Zoom meeting in January but are still interested in participating, there’s still time to sign up! Please email Marcie.Oneal@live.com no later than Thursday, February 5th for more information.
Central Washington Junior Livestock Show
Important Announcement from the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show
“The Central Washington Junior Livestock Show Board of Directors acknowledges the ongoing tribal housing development situated west of our show facilities. The safety and well-being of our exhibitors and spectators remain our highest priority. We are actively engaged in communication with all relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation and ensure appropriate measures are in place.”
The Central Washington Junior Livestock Show Meeting
The Central Washington Junior Livestock Show holds meetings every 3rd Thursday of the Month from January through May. Anyone is welcome!
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 pm in the Livestock Show Office.
Animal Ownership Timelines
It is that time of year when youth are purchasing their animals for the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show. Reminder this is a market show and animal age should reflect current market standards. Animals must be under the 4‑H Youth Member’s regular care and management for the following periods prior to the shows:
| Animal | Ownership Timeline |
|---|---|
| Lambs | 60 days |
| Swine | 90 days |
| Steer | 120 days |
Central Washington Junior Livestock Show Calendar & 2026 Important Dates
Listed below are important dates and event details for those exhibiting at the 2026 Central Washington Junior Livestock Show. For more information on the show please refer to the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show website or Facebook page.
| Date | Event Details |
|---|---|
| Thursday, February 19th, 2026 (2/19/2026) | Show Meeting in the Show Office at 7:00 pm |
| Thursday, March 19th, 2026 (3/19/2026) | Show Meeting in the Show Office at 7:00 pm MANDATORY meeting for leaders and advisors |
| Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 (3/31/2026) | FINAL ENTRIES are due. Please see website for instructions. |
| Thursday, April 16th, 2026 (4/16/2026) | Show Meeting in the Show Office at 7:00 pm |
| Saturday, April 25th, 2026 (4/25/2026) | Clean Up Day – Show Ground 9:00 am 4-H, FFA and Parent Help Needed |
| Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (5/3/2026) | Record Books Turn into office Window between 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Weigh-in Day. Swine – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Steer – 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Lambs – 3:00 pm |
| Monday, May 4th – Wednesday, May 6th (5/4/2026 – 5/6/2026) | Classification, Fitting and Showing, and Sale Day |
| Thursday, May 7th, 2026 (5/7/2026) | After show clean-up day |
Equine News
Updates and opportunities for horse project members
Equi-Fair Schooling Show
This years Equi-Fair & open schooling show will be held on Saturday, April 4th at the INDOOR Diamond U Arena – 250 Rushmore Rd, Selah WA.
Pre-Entry for 4-H Medal Classes must be pre-entered by Saturday, March 21st.
All other pre-entries are due Saturday, March 28th to Kimberly Lansing. Phone in entries must be made PRIOR TO SHOW by calling 509-539-0247 or by emailing ms.berly@yahoo.com with the subject line “EQUI-FAIR”.
For more information on the show, classes available and pricing please look over the Equi-Fair 4-H & Open Schooling Show (PDF) or by referencing the 2026 Equi-Fair 4-H and Open Schooling Show Facebook Page.
2026 State Equine Contests
Register now for these upcoming Washington State 4-H Equine contests:
- Washington State 4-H Hippology Contest – May 2nd, Grant County Fairgrounds
- Washington State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest – May 3rd, Grant County Fairgrounds
- Washington State 4-H Equine Presentation Contest – May 16th, virtual on Zoom
New this year, an in-person “Introduction to Hippology” will be held simultaneously with the state contest. This is a fun, non-competitive introduction to Hippology. Come give it a try!
State Equine News
There has been quite some interest expressed in adding Ranch Horse Classes to our Washington State 4-H Equine Rule Book. As rules are being developed, the Committee is asking any County who has an active Ranch Horse division to send your rules. Please email to 4h.equine@wsu.edu by March 31. The goal is to have Ranch Horse Rules (Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch Rail) in the 2026-27 issue of the State Rule Book.
Horse Protection Act Update for Washington State 4-H Horses
On January 28th, 2026, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced an update on the status of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
The announcement reads: “APHIS is further postponing the effective date of the Horse Protection Act final rule, except for the section authorizing the training of horse inspectors, to December 31st, 2026.”
You may recall the initial postponement slated changes to take effect February 2026. As referenced above, that date has been further postponed to December 31st, 2026. “The delay also relieves horse show managers from new recordkeeping and reporting requirements that were slated to begin in February.” – APHIS.
What this means for 4-H horse programs is no action (e.g., amendment to 4-H show procedures) is required at this time. WA State 4-H will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates to our equine program participants as more information becomes available.
If you have questions, please reach out to Kim Baker, State 4-H Equine Coordinator: 425-520-3908 or kim.baker@wsu.edu
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) Outbreak – December 15th Update
” Good Morning 4-H Folks-
I want to share the latest information regarding the recent EHV-1 situation in Washington. At this time, there are still only two confirmed EHV‑positive cases in the state, and importantly, neither has shown neurologic signs. The horses in those two cases were released from quarantine on December 3rd and the last message from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) says they both tested negative on blood and swab. Our WSU Vet Med Extension program has stated that the cases do not appear to be spreading further from the show where they originated. Based on this, the risk of continued spread currently seems minimal, provided that horses from the affected shows remain under proper quarantine and are not brought to 4‑H events. Therefore, we can lift the cancel and/or postpone order from earlier for 4-H horse events.
When you let your volunteers and youth know that they may start having in-person 4-H horse events again, please encourage them to continue to follow biosecurity practices to the best of their ability. While the current risk is low, we must remember that any time horses are co‑mingled at shows, there is an inherent risk of infectious disease transmission. The latest updated from the EDCC on December 11th states that there were 60 horses that have tested positive in 8 states; the spread has slowed, but it is still popping up. The Equine Committee shared the following information with me and it is a great website to share with your volunteers and members. From the committee, here is a great video on the EHV-1 outbreak that includes disease information, common myths, disinfection recommendations and more: USEF Webinar on EHV-1 and Biosecurity | Equine Disease Communication Center.
Thank you for your continued diligence in keeping our horses and participants safe.”
Kayla Wells-Yoakum 4-H Director, WSU Extension
News You Can Use
Local events and opportunities through WSU Extension and our community partners
Yakima County 4-H Benefactor Program
You’re invited to join our community of benefactors! We seek individuals, families, and businesses that believe in the benefits of 4-H’s high quality youth development opportunities and want to show their support by making an annual donation to ensure this program’s success.
A local challenge is, not every youth who wants to join 4-H has the means to do so. Directly because of donors like you, youth in our community have access to 4-H club membership, educational workshops, programs, and leadership development events. Youth are able to engage with their peers at the local and state level to learn how make positive change in their clubs, communities, countries, and their world.
Generous donations are used in funding 4-H enrollment fee sponsorship, attendance at national summits, 4-H conference registration fees, livestock judging, basic programming supplies, postage, and other necessary materials to support the large network of dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to mentor, lead, and support 4-H youth. Your donation ensures that all youth may be provided quality programming opportunities, that encourage the lasting development of self-esteem, self- reliance, personal responsibility, civic responsibility, and leadership ability.
Find more information on how to become a Benefactor for Yakima County 4-H and support the development of leadership, citizenship, and responsibility among Yakima County’s youth by visiting our webpage.
The Art of Range Podcast
The Art of Range podcast provides education through conversation with some of the brightest minds in rangeland management and livestock production. Washington State University rangelands and livestock specialist Tip Hudson interviews researchers, ranchers, and resource professionals to bring you extended discussion on topics that are of interest to anyone in rangelands work. A new episode releases every two weeks. This project is funded by a grant from the Western Center for Risk Management Education. Tune in to an episode by going to the Art of Range website.
New! WSU Yakima Extension Office Facebook Page
Have you heard? The WSU Yakima County Extension Office is now on Facebook!
Our Extension team is proud to serve the community with a wide range of educational programs, including:
- 4-H and Youth Development
- Tree Fruit
- Farmer Suicide Prevention
- Animal and Agriculture
- Master Gardener Program
- Consumer Food Safety and Canning
Be sure to follow and like our new page to stay up-to-date on the latest news, resources, and program offerings. We’d also appreciate your help in spreading the word—share our page with friends and family so they know we’re now on Facebook!
4-H Resources & Important Links
Quick links, references, and other useful information for 4-H clubs and families
“WSU Yakima County Extension empowers our families, communities, and local partners through a network of educators and volunteers to provide research-based outreach and creative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.”
Alison White – Regional Specialist
4-H Youth Development
alison.white@wsu.edu
Autumn Britt – 4-H Program Manager
4-H Youth Development
autumn.britt@wsu.edu
Katlyn Shockey – 4-H Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development
yakima.4h@wsu.edu
katlyn.shockey@co.yakima.wa.us