Youth Competitive Activities

One of the largest state competitive events is State 4-H O-Rama. For more information on each activity, see the State 4-H O-Rama Competitive Activity Packet.

The following is a listing of other competitive events. More information on each and many others can be found in the 4-H Events Packet. 

Arbor Day National Poster Contest: Poster contest designed to provide ideas, background information, and hands-on activities that teach how trees "work" both internally and externally.

4-H Day at the State Fair: Bicycle Rodeo, Consumer Judging, Crops Identification, Entomology Exhibits, Giant Pumpkin & Watermelon Contest, Livestock Skills Contest, and Poultry BBQ Contest.

Arkansas Beef Ambassador Competition: Presentation of a talk (with posters and props if desired) on the nutritional value, economic value, cooking principles, versatile use of beef and understanding of the importance of beef as an agricultural product. Funded by the Arkansas Beef Council and Sponsored by the Arkansas Cattle Women's Association.

Arkansas 4-H Horse Show: The purpose of this activity is to help 4-H members: 1) develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other desirable traits of character, 2) experience the pride and responsibility of owning a horse or pony, and receive training in its care, feeding, management, and related costs, 3) appreciate horseback riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation, 4) develop skills in horsemanship, and patience and understanding in handling horses and ponies, 5) gain knowledge of safety precautions to prevent injuries to themselves, others, and their mounts, 6) develop greater love for animals and a humane attitude towards them, and 7) prepare for citizenship responsibilities by working together in groups and supporting community horse projects and activities.

Beef Quiz Bowl: Teams compete with their knowledge of the principles of good beef cattle management, beef by-products, and the relationship of beef to human nutrition.

Beekeeping Essay Contest: Annual contest of essays written on designated subject. Sponsored by the American Beekeeping Federation and includes cash prizes at the state and national levels.

District and State Broiler BBQ Activities: Four district and one state BBQ competitions sponsored by the Arkansas Poultry Federation, Acres Farms and Bio Sentry. The State Senior winner will represent Arkansas at the National contest at the National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference.

Envirothon: The Envirothon is an annual competition held for high school students (9-12 grades). It is designed as a way to teach students about environmental education. Teams of five students compete in the subjects: Wildlife, Forestry, Soil, Aquatics, and a current environmental issue.

Arkansas 4-H Forestry Contest: Competitive event designed to help 4-H'ers ages 9 - 19 develop their knowledge of and skills in forestry and natural resources management. Junior and senior county teams (three or four members each) compete in events such as tree identification, insect & disease identification, tree measurement, compass & pacing, forest evaluation, and a forestry quiz. The winning senior team represents Arkansas at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in Virginia. Contact your local county Extension office or Dr. Tamara Walkingstick (501-671-2346) for details. Or go to the National 4-H Forestry Invitational Web Site.

Grassland Evaluation Program: Contest integrates knowledge of pastures, livestock, soils, wildlife, plant identification and an overall awareness of proper grassland management. High teams are eligible to attend the Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest.

Mid-South State Fair: 10-day Fair held at the Fairgrounds in Memphis, Tennessee. The five states participating include Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. A partial list of activities includes: Fashion Revue, Entomology, BB Shooting Contest, Photography Contest, Poster Contest, Livestock Judging, Food Bowl, and Agribusiness Public Speaking.

Poster Art Contest: Poster contest on an announced list of themes. The top ten Arkansas winning posters will be submitted for the Poster Contest at the Mid-South Fair.

Ross Foundation 4-H Photography Contest and Exhibit: Photography contest in black and white or color of living and non-living categories. Entries must be of the current year and must be of scenes or subjects in Arkansas. Cash prizes are given.

Sew with Cotton Contest: Statewide contest held in conjunction with the annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention. The purpose is to promote the use of cotton fabric in sewing a variety of garments. Sponsored by the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Extension Family, Youth & 4-H Education Department, and Family & Consumer Science teachers, cooperating.

Shooting Sports: Contests in .177 Pellet Rifle, .22 Rifle - Bullseye, .22 Rifle - Silhouette, Sporting Clays, Hunter Exam, Hunter Field Course, and Archery. All contestants must have a valid Hunter Education card, and must be aware that poor hunter safety practices will be the basis for disqualification. The overall state winning team may be eligible to participate in an out-of-state contest, when held.

4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program State Contest: Contest for youth ages 9 - 19 to learn wildlife habitat management concepts in both urban and rural settings in preparation for judging habitat. This program teaches youth about important ecological principles, a variety of habitat management practices, and basic life history facts for a variety of wildlife species, non-game and game animals. Participants compete in a one-day contest in various events such as interpreting aerial photographs. The winning senior team represents Arkansas at the national invitational in Wyoming in 2001. Contact your county Extension office for a manual, or Leslie Gall (501-821-4444) for details.