Growing Through Responsibility: 2025 Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show Recap
On March 29, 2025, youth from across the Florida Panhandle came together to celebrate months of dedication, learning, and hands-on experience through the annual Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show hosted by UF/IFAS Extension. More than just a poultry show, this event reflects the core values of 4-H—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—in every pen, project book, and presentation.
Head: Learning by Doing
The 4-H Chick Chain Project begins months before the show, with youth receiving baby chicks in the fall. From day one, they commit to learning everything they can about poultry breeds, nutrition, safe handling, biosecurity, and daily care. Through record books and activities like the Skill-a-Thon and Avian Adventures, 4-H’ers apply critical thinking and build knowledge in animal science and agriculture.
Skill-a-Thon Winners: Junior: 1st – Julia N. (Calhoun), 2nd – Issac M. (Holmes), 3rd – Henry F. (Jefferson) Intermediate: 1st – Sawyer K. (Gadsden), 2nd – Edward S. (Jefferson), 3rd – Kiera B. (Calhoun) Senior: 1st – Cayman B. (Calhoun)
Avian Adventures Winners: Junior: 1st – Lilah H. (Gadsden), 2nd – Collin O. (Washington), 3rd – Aubrey M. (Washington) Intermediate: 1st – Brylee H. (Gadsden), 2nd – Tate C. (Jackson), 3rd – Julia M. (Santa Rosa) Senior: 1st – Andrew M. (Santa Rosa), 2nd – Emmit A. (Holmes), 3rd – Felicity M. (Calhoun)
❤️ Heart: Confidence and Compassion
At the heart of 4-H is youth development—teaching young people to care for something beyond themselves and to take pride in their accomplishments. Showmanship is where this shines the brightest. Youth not only present their birds, but also demonstrate patience, sportsmanship, and pride in their work. They cheer for each other, encourage their peers, and grow in confidence with every word.
Showmanship Winners: Junior: 1st – Saylor W. (Washington), 2nd – Kara O. (Gadsden), 3rd – Julia N. (Calhoun) Intermediate: 1st – Kaydence A. (Holmes), 2nd – Julia M. (Santa Rosa), 3rd – Landon B. (Calhoun) Senior: 1st – Andrew M. (Santa Rosa), 2nd – Felicity M. (Calhoun), 3rd – Emmit A. (Holmes)
Hands: Practical Skills for a Lifetime
From building coops to managing a feeding schedule, 4-H Chick Chain participants gain real-world experience and valuable life skills. They also have the chance to learn about entrepreneurship and animal husbandry through competitions like Best of Breed and Production classes.
Best of Breed:
Australorp – Remington G. (Holmes)
Brahma – Lucas S. (Washington)
Cochin – Rowan C. (Gulf)
Maran – Cannon B. (Washington)
Orpington – Blake M. (Washington)
Plymouth Rock – Joseph B. (Gadsden)
Rhode Island – Jud P. (Holmes)
Sussex – Aubrey M. (Washington)
Wyandotte – Jackson J. (Washington)
All Other Breeds – Felicity M. (Calhoun)
Production Champions:
Grand Champion – Emma W. (Washington)
Reserve Champion – Easton S. (Calhoun)
Health: Building a Better You and a Better World
The Chick Chain experience promotes responsibility, goal-setting, and personal growth. Caring for animals daily encourages healthy routines, attention to detail, and a deeper understanding of how humans and animals thrive together. It also promotes community involvement, connecting youth with agriculture and food systems in meaningful ways.
Overall Champions:
Reserve Champion – Caroline F. (Wakulla)
Grand Champion – Felicity M. (Calhoun)
As this year’s Chick Chain season wraps up, we’re reminded that 4-H is more than ribbons and rankings—it’s a journey of personal growth, skill-building, and connection to the world around us.
Interested in being part of the next Chick Chain project? Enrollment for the 2025-2026 4-H year begins in September 2025! Reach out to your local 4-H agent to learn how to get involved and start your own poultry adventure.
To view or download photos provided by Chris Lauen, Holmes County 4-H Agent, and the Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Commitee, view the online photo gallery by clicking the following website link: 2025 NWD 4-H Chick Chain.
4-H baked goods handbookParticipating in the North Florida Fair’s 4-H baked goods division offers young bakers a chance to showcase their culinary skills. With various divisions and classes, participants can submit items such as yeast breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and more. This article is an overview of the rules, and includes a checklist and resources to help you prepare your baked goods exhibit for the North Florida Fair.
Understanding Divisions and Classes
Bakers are categorized into three divisions based on age:
Junior Division (8-10 years old)
Intermediate Division (11-13 years old)
Senior Division (14-18 years old)
Classes range from yeast breads to decorated cakes and cookies, giving participants plenty of flexibility to enter their best work. Here’s a breakdown of the categories:
Classes 1-5: Yeast Breads and Rolls
Classes 6-9: Quick Breads
Classes 10-18: Cakes (including layered, pound, and fruit/vegetable cakes)
Classes 19-20: Decorated Cakes (non-professional)
Classes 21-24: Cookies
Class 25: Candies and Confections
Classes 26-30: Pies
Class 31: Tarts
Class 32: Healthy Alternatives
Entry Rules
No refrigerated or highly perishable items are accepted.
Exhibitors may submit only one entry per class, and all entries must include a recipe.
Judging will evaluate appearance, texture, and flavor.
No commercially prepared mixes allowed.
Entries must be in disposable containers covered with plastic wrap, and recipes should be attached to the bottom.
Checklist for Preparing Your Exhibit
Ensure your baked item fits within the appropriate class and meets quantity requirements (e.g., six cookies or one whole cake).
Attach the complete recipe (without your name) to the bottom of your exhibit container.
Cut pies or cakes as instructed, leaving cut surfaces exposed.
Cover all exhibits with clear plastic wrap, avoiding perishable fillings or frostings.
Drop off your entry on time at the UF/IFAS Leon County Extension office.
By following these steps, you can confidently prepare a baked goods exhibit that reflects your skills and creativity. Good luck with your North Florida Fair entry!
Participating in the North Florida Fair provides 4-H youth with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills through photography and poster exhibits. As part of Department 201, Classes 10 and 11, these exhibits can express a wide range of interests while demonstrating the effort and knowledge gained through 4-H projects. Whether you’re entering a photo that captures a moment or designing a poster that tells a story, this article will help you prepare your exhibit to meet fair standards, enhance your presentation, and have fun in the process!
Understanding the Guidelines
Before creating your exhibit, it’s essential to understand the specific rules and expectations for photography and poster entries.
Class 10 – Photography: This category includes original photographs taken by the exhibitor. Photos can be color or black-and-white, and subjects can vary (nature, people, animals, etc.). The photos must be mounted on mat board, with no frames allowed. The maximum size is 11×14 inches, including the mat.
Class 11 – Posters: Posters must communicate a clear message about a 4-H project or activity. They should be designed on poster board no larger than 14×22 inches. Posters can include drawings, photos, or other forms of graphic design, but they must be original work created by the exhibitor.
Both classes require that all work be completed within the current 4-H year and must reflect what the youth has learned from a 4-H project or activity.
4-H youth enter photography to be judged.
Steps to Prepare Your Photography Exhibit
Choose a Subject: Think about what inspires you. Popular subjects include landscapes, animals, or everyday objects seen in a new light. The photograph should tell a story or capture a feeling.
Composition and Lighting: Good composition is essential. Follow basic photography rules like the rule of thirds, symmetry, and framing. Pay attention to lighting, ensuring your subject is well-lit but not overexposed.
Editing and Printing: Minor adjustments in exposure, contrast, and cropping can make a big difference. However, the photo should remain natural and not heavily altered. Once satisfied, print the photo on high-quality paper.
Mounting the Photo: Mount your photo on mat board, ensuring the total size (photo and mat) does not exceed 11×14 inches. The mat should complement the photo but not overpower it. Be sure there are no frames or glass covering.
Steps to Prepare Your Poster Exhibit
Select a Topic: Choose a 4-H project or activity that you want to share with others. It could be related to an animal project, science experiment, or community service.
Create a Layout: Plan your poster by sketching out where text and images will go. Make sure the poster is easy to read from a distance, with bold titles and clear visuals.
Design Elements: Use a combination of images, drawings, or graphics to illustrate your message. Colors should be vibrant but not overwhelming. Keep your text minimal and focused on key points.
Materials: Use sturdy poster board, markers, paints, or printed graphics. Avoid using glitter or anything that could fall off or damage other entries. Posters should be neat and easy to handle.
Check List for Preparing Your Exhibit
Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re ready to submit your entry:
Photography Exhibit:
Photo fits within the 11×14-inch size limit (including mat).
Photo is mounted on a sturdy mat board (no frames or glass).
Title or brief description attached (optional but recommended).
Original work completed within the current 4-H year.
Poster Exhibit:
Poster is no larger than 14×22 inches.
Clearly communicates a 4-H project or activity.
Text is large and easy to read.
Includes original drawings, photos, or graphics.
Neat, with no loose materials or glitter.
Filling Out the Entry Form and Tag
Once your exhibit is ready, you’ll need to complete an entry form and tag for the North Florida Fair. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
List the exhibit under Department 201, and choose Class 10 (Photography) or Class 11 (Posters).
Include your name, age division, and county.
Turn in your completed entry form to your local UF/IFAS Extension office on or before October 1st. They will assign tag numbers for each of your exhibits.
Exhibit Tag:
Section: 201
Class: 10 for Photography or 11 for Posters
Lot: Your age division
Exhibit: Brief description of your entry (e.g., “black-and-white photo of dog” or “poster about dairy project”)
Exhibitor: Your name
Address: Your county
Make sure the tag is securely attached to your exhibit. Keep the claim check so you can retrieve your entry after the fair.
Additional Resources
To help you prepare your photography or poster exhibit, check out these useful resources:
By following the rules, paying attention to detail, and letting your creativity shine, your photography and poster exhibits will be ready to impress at the North Florida Fair. Good luck!
The North Florida Fair is a wonderful opportunity for 4-H youth to showcase their hard work, and that includes Cloverbuds! Youth aged 5 to 7 as of September 1 in the current 4-H year are eligible to participate in Florida 4-H and submit entries to the fair. This article covers the how and why of helping Cloverbuds prepare exhibits for the North Florida Fair.
Cloverbud clubs provide a great introduction to 4-H, offering younger members a chance to engage on a smaller scale. While Cloverbuds cannot compete in many 4-H events, they are invited to submit up to three entries to the North Florida Fair. Every Cloverbud who enters will receive a participation ribbon, which is a source of excitement and pride for them. Seeing their own work displayed alongside a variety of other entries can inspire new interests and creativity. Cloverbud entries should reflect what the youth have learned during a 4-H meeting, project, or activity from the past year. The North Florida Fair embraces our 4-H youth and encourages all of them to submit entries in the youth fair, this includes Cloverbuds! Youth ages 5 to 7 as of September 1 of the current 4-H year are eligible to participate in Florida 4-H. The entry rules are listed under Department 210, 4-H Clubs, and Class 16.
Why Cloverbuds Receive Recognition Instead of Placings
Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, are in an early stage of youth development where the focus is on exploration, learning, and participation. At this age, children are still developing important social and cognitive skills, and competitive events can sometimes lead to unnecessary pressure. Instead of rankings or placings, Cloverbuds receive participation ribbons to encourage them to engage without the stress of competition. This approach ensures that young children are motivated by fun and personal growth, rather than comparison to others, which is more appropriate for their developmental stage.
Step 1- Fill out your entry form
Download and complete the entry form and turn it in to your local UF IFAS Extension Office on or before October 1st. Your local 4-H Agent will assign tag numbers to your exhibit and ensure that your form is turned in to the North Florida Fair Office. Your local 4-H agent will also let you know when and where to bring your exhibits.
Step 1- Preparing your entry tag– You will want to fill out your exhibitor’s form with all the items you plan to enter in the North Florida Fair. When filling out your exhibit tag, be sure to write the red tag number on your Fair Entry Form. Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 16
Lot- This will be your age division; write Cloverbud
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: painted pumpkin)
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county
Once your tag is filled out, you will want to make sure that it is securely attached to your exhibit. Use the perforations at the bottom to remove your claim check- this has your exhibit number on it. You will want to keep track of your claim check to find your exhibit once the fair is over.
Creative Cloverbud Projects: A list of simple project ideas that can be used as fair entries, such as painted crafts, small posters, and beginner gardening projects.
Planning your North Florida Fair entry is a great way to begin the new 4-H program year. Whether you are a new or returning 4-H member, the decisions about what to enter and which category to choose for your entry may seem like big challenges. For new and returning members, Class 13 may be a great option! Class 13 is the Tabletop Exhibits entry category.
What is a Tabletop Exhibit?
This winning board explained elements of the 4-H skateboarding club.
A tabletop exhibit is either a tri-fold board or diorama that showcases your 4-H project interests. A diorama may be flat or vertical. Dioramas may be created in a shoebox or larger box or on a flat surface such as a tray. You can find ideas for your project in the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook, which you can get from your club leader or local 4-H Extension office.
Tabletop Exhibit Rules
Your exhibit must stand on its own and be no bigger than 36 inches wide by 36 inches high.
You don’t have to buy a special display board, but a tri-fold board from an office supply store is easy to use. You can also make your own board from cardboard, but foam core or plastic boards work better because they don’t bend in humidity.
Your tabletop exhibit should explain a part of your project, just like a science or history fair board.
Ideas for Tabletop Exhibits
Past exhibits have featured projects like the Chick Chain and how to set up a brooder box.
In 2023, the top prize went to a board about skateboarding safety!
You can also make a diorama—either flat or vertical—using a shoebox or tray.
5 Steps to Create Your Exhibit
Plan: Decide what your project will teach and what supplies you’ll need.
Research: Learn more about your topic so you can share accurate information.
Sketch: Draw a plan of your board to figure out where everything will go.
Gather: Collect your materials and supplies.
Create: Put your exhibit together!
Preparing your Entry Form and Tag
Entry forms are due to your local 4-H Extension Office by the 1st of October – check with your 4-H agent to confirm local dates. When you turn in your entry form, your 4-H agent will assign exhibit tags, which you will need to fill out and attach to your plant when it is time to submit for judging. Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section: 210
Class: 13
Lot: Write “A” for juniors (8-10), “B” for intermediates (11-13), or “C” for seniors (14-18).
Exhibit: A short description of your project (e.g., “How to set up a brooder box”).
Exhibitor: Your name
Address: Your county
How Your Exhibit is Judged
Your exhibit will be judged on these things:
How well it communicates your message
Quality and appearance
Accuracy and creativity
Judges will use this rubric to judge your tabletop exhibit. Judging happens the Wednesday before the Fair opens. You’ll get a ribbon based on your score, and you can see how you did on 4-H Day at the Fair (November 16). If you have any questions, contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office.
Class 4 NeedleworkSewing and needlework might seem like traditional crafts, but they are more relevant to today’s youth than ever before. These hands-on activities not only offer a creative outlet but also teach essential life skills such as planning, organizing, and critical thinking. For more information about how sewing and needlework projects teach life skills, check out this article. This post breaks down the different classes at the North Florida Fair where youth can exhibit their sewing and needlework projects, and includes helpful resources for parents, youth, and volunteers. Exhibiting project work is an essential component of a 4-H project, and allows youth to not only get recognition for their work, but receive constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Youth can enter items of clothing they have sewn in Class 2. This could include beginner items, like a pair of elastic waist shorts, to items that are more difficult, such as a button-down shirt, pants with zippers, or a dress. It does not include accessories like hats or bags (class 3), or garments that are knitted or crocheted (class 4). To prepare the item for exhibition, make sure the item of clothing is clean and pressed (no wrinkles or stains)! Garments should be placed on hangers, and the exhibitor’s tag attached with a safety pin. Judges will be evaluating clothing entries based on how they are presented (clean, neat, and on a hanger). They will also be evaluating the fabric choice and construction method for appropriateness of the garment. They also look at the inside to see if the seams are neat and pressed. Finally, the judge the garment based on creativity.
Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 2
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: yellow cotton blouse )
The sewing category is for anything sewn with fabric that you do not wear. This includes things like tote bags, pillows, blankets, or quilts. The only exception is knitted or crocheted items- those belong in class 4. Before submitting your items to the fair for judging, make sure they are clean and pressed. Judges will evaluate your item based on the fabric and construction methods you selected, as well as creativity and neatness.
Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 3
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: red and green quilted tote bag)
Needlework isn’t just cross stitch! It is any textile art that is created with a needle. This includes crocheting (example: potholders, stuffed animals, hats), knitting (example: blankets, clothing, bags), embroidery (example: cross stitch, needlepoint, decorative), and quilting (example: jackets, quilts, bags).
Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 4
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: blue knitted scarf)
Clothing construction, sewing, and needlework are fun and worthwhile ways to learn life skills. Exhibiting project work is an essential part of the 4-H project experience. And remember, 4-H has a great partnership with Joann Fabric and Craft Stores to support youth in their crafts through the Joann 4-H Rewards program. For information on how to incorporate crafting into your program, contact your local UF/ IFAS County Extension Office to learn more or follow us on Facebook.
