4-H offers a wide variety of competitions that give youth the chance to develop skills, showcase their talents, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Competitions are open to enrolled 4-H members and are typically divided into the following age groups:

• Cloverbuds (ages 5–7) – non-competitive, participation-based (please note: not every competition offers a Cloverbud division)

• Juniors (ages 8–10) – competitive

• Intermediates (ages 11–13) – competitive

• Seniors (ages 14–18) – competitive

All ages are determined by the youth’s age as of January 1 of the current year. These age divisions represent the general breakdown across most 4-H competitions; however, some contests may combine divisions (for example, Juniors and Intermediates) or adjust age groups depending on the event.

Parents and volunteers play an important role in supporting 4-H competition teams. Families may start their own competition groups, but the adult leading the group must first become an approved 4-H volunteer through Union County 4-H. In addition, all groups and competition teams must be approved by the county 4-H office before participating.

To be eligible, all youth must be registered and active in 4-H Online for the current year. Some competitions may also have additional requirements such as project records, training sessions, or qualifying events.

Participation in 4-H competitions not only encourages youth to explore their interests but also helps them grow in areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that last a lifetime.

Nature and the Outdoors

Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)

WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program) is a hands-on, science-based contest that teaches youth about wildlife conservation, habitat management, and ecology. Participants learn to identify wildlife species, evaluate habitat types, and make real-world management recommendations for improving wildlife environments. Youth can compete individually or as part of a team, applying what they learn through field experiences and written activities. The contest is divided into Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions, with top teams advancing from the county level to state and national competition. WHEP helps youth develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation for North Carolina’s natural resources.

NC 4-H Forestry Contest

The NC 4-H Forestry Contest gives youth the opportunity to explore the world of forestry and environmental science through hands-on learning and teamwork. Participants study tree identification, forest management, timber measurement, and forest ecology while developing problem-solving and observation skills. Youth compete as individuals or teams in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions, applying what they’ve learned in both classroom and outdoor settings. Top teams from the state contest advance to represent North Carolina at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational. This program helps youth build confidence, learn practical conservation skills, and discover career paths in natural resources and environmental stewardship.

NC 4-H Horticulture Judging

The NC 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest challenges youth to expand their knowledge of plants, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals through judging and identification activities. Participants evaluate plant quality, identify specimens from multiple horticultural categories, and take a written knowledge test that deepens their understanding of plant science. Youth may compete individually or as part of a team in Cloverbud, Novice, Junior, and Senior divisions. This contest helps participants sharpen their observation skills, apply science concepts in real-world ways, and gain confidence through friendly competition. Top performers from across the state are recognized for their achievements in horticulture knowledge and skill.

Cooking and Healthy Living

Dinah Gore 4-H Healthy Food Challenge

The Dinah Gore 4-H Healthy Food Challenge is a fast-paced, team cooking competition where youth work together to prepare a healthy dish using a surprise ingredient and pantry items. Teams of three to four 4-H’ers have 40 minutes to create their dish, clean up, and then present it to judges, explaining the health benefits and nutrition of their meal. This contest not only strengthens cooking skills, but also teaches teamwork, healthy living, and public speaking. Youth compete in age groups (8–10, 11–13, and 14–18), with top regional teams advancing to the state competition.

Creative Arts

4-H Entertains

4-H Entertains is the 4-H talent showcase, giving youth the chance to share their creative skills—whether through music, dance, drama, or another performance talent. Acts first perform at County Activity Day, where up to two are selected to represent Union County at District Activity Day (DAD). From there, outstanding acts may be chosen to perform at the state-level talent show during 4-H Congress in July.

Union County 4-H Creative Arts Expo

The Union County 4-H Creative Arts Expo is an annual celebration of creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Youth submit original artwork across a variety of mediums, including photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, sewing, digital art, woodworking, and more. Entries are judged within age groups, and every participant’s effort is recognized. Cloverbuds receive special participation ribbons, while older youth compete for awards and scholarship bucks that can be used toward camps or 4-H activities. The Expo is held each September, with artwork displayed for the public to enjoy during the 4-H Art & Club Showcase. It’s a great opportunity for youth to share their talents, build confidence, and explore the arts in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Dr. Kim Ingold NC 4‑H Photography Contest

The Dr. Kim Ingold NC 4-H Photography Contest offers youth a creative way to express themselves and sharpen their photo-skills. Participants may submit original images in categories such as 4-H in Action, Nature’s Beauty (no animals), Animals, and Black & White across divisions from Cloverbuds (ages 5–7) up through Senior youth and adults. Winning photos are showcased in a digital gallery, during National 4-H Week, and at the NC State Fair. All entries must be taken by the youth during the contest year and submitted online with proper labeling and registration via 4-H Online.

Livestock & Agriculture 

Dairy Quiz Bowl

The NC 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl challenges teams of youth to test their knowledge of dairy production, dairy foods, and the dairy industry through written exams and buzzer-style question rounds. Teams typically include four members (with up to two alternates) who work together to answer team questions and then compete individually in fast-paced toss-up rounds. Questions range from science and animal care to industry knowledge, making this contest both educational and exciting. The winning Senior Division team from North Carolina advances to represent the state at the National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl at the North American International Livestock Exposition, with travel supported by the NC Dairy Youth Foundation.

Dairy Skillathon

The 4-H Dairy Skillathon is a hands-on contest designed to teach youth about the dairy industry through practical problem-solving and identification activities. Participants may compete as individuals or as part of a team, working on challenges such as identifying dairy products, feedstuffs, and milking equipment, evaluating forage samples, and even judging dairy cattle. The contest is offered annually in conjunction with the Dairy Quiz Bowl, with both Junior and Senior divisions available. Counties may enter full teams, form multi-county teams, or send individual participants. Dairy Skillathon is open to youth ages 9–19 who are enrolled in 4-H and provides an exciting way to combine science knowledge with real-world agricultural skills.

Dairy Judging

4-H Dairy Judging teaches youth how to evaluate dairy cattle while also strengthening communication and decision-making skills. Through team practices and contests, youth learn to compare animals, defend their reasons, and work together as a team. Along the way, they build friendships and gain experiences that last a lifetime. Local 4-H and FFA teams compete in the North Carolina Youth State Dairy Judging Contest, with the top 4-H teams earning the chance to represent North Carolina at national events, including the All-American Dairy Judging Contest and the National Youth Dairy Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. This contest helps youth deepen their knowledge of animal science while preparing for leadership and future opportunities.

Poultry Judging

4-H Poultry Judging teaches youth how to evaluate live hens, market poultry, and eggs while building decision-making and communication skills. Participants work individually or on teams to judge past production hens (with oral reasons), grade ready-to-cook poultry carcasses and parts, and evaluate eggs for quality inside and out. The contest helps youth learn about food science, animal production, and quality standards in a very hands-on way. Youth compete in Junior (ages 8–13) and Senior (ages 14–18) divisions, with the top Senior team advancing to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference. Poultry Judging is an excellent opportunity for youth to combine science with real-world agriculture skills.

Chicken and Rabbit Showmanship

Chicken and Rabbit Showmanship contests give youth the chance to demonstrate their knowledge of small livestock while practicing responsibility and animal care. Participants are judged on how well they handle and present their animal, their understanding of breed standards, and the health, cleanliness, and condition of the animal itself. These contests highlight not only showmanship skills but also the day-to-day care and preparation that go into raising animals. Showmanship builds confidence, communication skills, and pride in good animal husbandry.

NC 4-H Shooting Sports Program

The North Carolina 4-H Shooting Sports Program teaches youth responsibility, safety, and leadership through hands-on training in disciplines such as archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, pistol, and wildlife/hunting skills. More than just a competition, the program focuses on the total development of young people by building self-confidence, teamwork, and strong youth–adult mentoring relationships. All instruction is led by 4-H certified volunteer instructors who are trained in both shooting disciplines and youth development. Youth can join local shooting sports clubs, participate in county-level activities, and advance to regional and state tournaments. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where youth can gain practical skills while also enjoying healthy competition.

Union County 4-H Livestock Show

The Union County 4-H Livestock Show gives youth the opportunity to exhibit their animals while developing responsibility, showmanship, and animal care skills. Open to youth under 19 (as of January 1 of the show year), the event includes classes for market and breeding animals, with all participants automatically entered in their age-appropriate showmanship division. Cloverbuds (ages 5–7) may participate in showmanship for experience and receive participation ribbons. Strict animal health regulations are enforced by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to ensure the safety and well-being of both youth and livestock. Exhibitors may enter up to two animals per show, and all male animals must be castrated. The Union County show is also part of the 4-H Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit, giving participants additional opportunities to earn recognition. This event highlights the hard work and dedication of 4-H youth while providing a supportive environment for them to showcase their livestock projects.

Egg-cellent Egg Contest

The Egg-cellent Egg Contest invites NC 4-H youth who keep their own laying hens to put their eggs to the test. Participants learn about egg quality and food science as they prepare and submit eggs for evaluation (e.g., appearance and overall quality) and compare results with other 4-H’ers across the state. It’s a fun, practical way to build record-keeping and animal care skills while celebrating great backyard flocks. Open to enrolled 4-H members with laying hens; not a member yet? Contact the Union County 4-H office to get enrolled and learn how to participate.

Horse

Horse Shows

4-H Horse Shows give youth the opportunity to compete in a variety of classes at the local, qualifying, state, and regional levels. These shows highlight horsemanship, riding skills, and knowledge of horse care while providing a fun, competitive environment. Youth who qualify locally may advance to larger events, including the North Carolina 4-H State Horse Show and even regional competitions. In addition, the North Carolina State Fair offers classes exclusively for 4-H members, giving riders another chance to showcase their abilities.

Horse Judging

Horse Judging contests teach youth how to evaluate both halter and performance classes by comparing horses on movement, balance, and overall quality. Participants place 6–10 classes, each with four horses, and then give oral reasons to a judge explaining how and why they made their decisions. This helps youth develop critical thinking, communication, and confidence in public speaking. A rookie division is available for first-time competitors, making it a great entry point for beginners while still challenging experienced youth.

Horse Artistic Expression

Horse Artistic Expression contests give youth the chance to showcase their creativity and connection to horses through a variety of artistic outlets. These opportunities include sewing and crafting horse-related items, drawing and painting equine subjects, creating posters that link words and visuals, and capturing horse photography. Youth can also express themselves through essays, creative writing, and poetry, combining their love of horses with developing strong communication skills. These contests encourage artistic growth while helping youth build confidence, learn new techniques, and share their passion for horses in unique and meaningful ways.

Horsebowl

Horsebowl is a fast-paced quiz contest where teams of four compete head-to-head using a buzzer system to answer questions about horses. Topics cover a wide range of equine knowledge, including grooming, feeding, anatomy, health, breeds, and general horse care. The contest helps youth sharpen their quick-thinking skills, expand their knowledge of the horse industry, and build teamwork in a fun, competitive environment. Horsebowl is offered at the district and state levels, with opportunities for top teams to advance to national competition.

Hippology

Hippology, meaning “the study of the horse,” is a contest that allows youth to demonstrate their overall knowledge of horses either as individuals or on a team. The competition includes four parts: a written exam with slide identification, hands-on stations, horse judging, and a team problem-solving challenge. Youth may be tested on topics like breeds, anatomy, colors, feeds, and tack. A special rookie division is available for first-time competitors, making Hippology a welcoming way for beginners to get started while still challenging experienced participants.

Life Skills

4-H Presentations (County Activity Day)

The 4-H Presentations program is one of the most recognized and valuable parts of 4-H, helping youth build public speaking, research, and teaching skills. At County Activity Day, youth give a presentation on a topic of their choice, showing or telling others what they know. Participants compete within their age group and category, and the top two in each division move on toDistrict Activity Day, with the opportunity to advance to the State Presentation Finals at 4-H Congress.

4-H Project Records

4-H Project Records are a way for youth to document what they’ve learned and accomplished in a specific project area over the course of 12 months. These records help youth set goals, track progress, and reflect on their experiences while building skills in organization and record-keeping. Project Record Books are judged by subject area and age category (8–10, 11–12, 13–15, and 16–18). Cloverbuds (ages 5–7) may also submit a record book, though theirs are not judged competitively.

4-H Portfolios

4-H Portfolios are a long-term record of a youth’s growth and accomplishments in a major project area, compiled over a three-year period. Open to youth ages 13–15 and 16–18, portfolios highlight sustained learning, leadership, and achievement within 4-H. Entries are submitted to the State 4-H Office, with winners receiving recognition and potential cash awards (based on available funding). Portfolios provide older youth with an excellent opportunity to showcase commitment and depth in their project work—skills that can be highlighted on college, scholarship, and job applications.