4-H Contests
Weber County 4-H offers many different contests each year. To participate in 4-H Contests all youth must be currently enrolled in 4-H. Each event will require pre-registration a week prior to the contest by calling the 4-H Office at 801-399-8202. Our 4-H staff tries to conduct the county contest as similar to the state contest as possible, utilizing the same rules, time allowances and judge’s sheets. However, limitations in facilities, scheduling, etc. may require some modifications to the contest at the county level.
County-Level Contests:
For each county contest, click on the contest link above for specific contest details. It will explain how the event will be conducted at the county level, provide judging sheets, etc.
- Each county contestant will earn blue, red, or white ribbons based upon Danish system judging.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected in each grade division.
State Level Contests:
State guidelines may vary from the way the contest will be conducted at the county level. Only 4-H members in 9th-12th grade who qualify in the county contest are eligible to participate in state competition. As you prepare for state competition, refer to the state contest guidelines to get specific contest details.
National Level Contests:
For many of the state contest categories, there is national level competition at the Western National Roundup, held in Denver in January each year. The following contests have national-level opportunities: horse judging, horse bowl, livestock judging, livestock bowl, Family & Consumer Science Demo, 4-H public speaking, impromptu public speaking, consumer bowl, and fashion review. As you prepare for national competition, refer to the Western National Roundup site to get specific contest details. Our state events may have slightly different guidelines.
Consumer Decision Making
Contest Date: March 25, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual or team of 3 to 4
Registration Deadline:
Contest Description: The Consumer Decision Making contest provides an opportunity for youth to demonstrate deductive reasoning and public speaking skills as they evaluate various consumer products and explain their decisions. This contest allows youth to learn and grow in a setting where friendliness and fairness prevail.
Judging:Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Cooking Challenge
Date: April 15, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual or team of 2
Registration Deadline: 1 week before the contest
Cooking Challenge Description: The Cooking Challenge is an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their culinary knowledge and skills. Youth participants have 40 minutes to create a dish highlighting a specific ingredient and then present their dish to a panel of judges.
Time Limits: 40 minutes
Judging Criteria:
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good ): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
Demonstrations: "All 4-H Projects"
Date: May 10, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual or teams of two. To be eligible for state competition, all team members must be in 9th-12th grade.
Registration Deadline:
4-H Demos Description: Using posters, displays and other visual aids, youth prepare and deliver a presentation on any topic. Youth may choose to use either a demonstration format or an illustrated talk. In a demonstration format, the child shows or demonstrates the steps to make a final product. In an illustrated talk, the member provides information about a topic, without actually demonstrating how to make a product. Youth can give their demonstration on any 4-H project topic.
Time Limits:
- Juniors and Intermediates: 5-10 minutes
- Seniors: 10-15 minutes
Equipment: The following equipment will be provided. Youth will need to provide all other equipment.
- Table
- LCD projector and laptop (If youth plan to utilize the computer, they should bring their PowerPoint presentation on a flash drive.)
- Extension cord
- Floor easel
Resources:
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red, or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good ): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
Demonstration: Horse
Date: TBD
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual or teams of two. To be eligible for state competition, all team members must be in 9th-12th grade.
Registration Deadline:
Description: Using posters, displays and other visual aids, youth prepare and deliver a presentation on a horse-related topic. Youth may choose to use either a demonstration format or an illustrated talk. In a demonstration format, the child shows or demonstrates the steps to make a final product. In an illustrated talk, the member provides information about a topic, without actually demonstrating how to make a product.
Time Limits:
Juniors and Intermediates: No minimum (5-minute minimum is recommended); 10-minute maximum.
Seniors: 10-15 minutes
Contest Guidelines:
- The subject matter must pertain to the horse industry. Demonstrations or presentations not appropriately related to the horse industry can be disqualified at the discretion of the judge.
- Presentations may be either a demonstration or illustrated talk format.
- No live animals may be used.
- Contestants may use notes. However, excessive use of notes may be counted against the contestant. This will be at the discretion of the judge.
- A public address system will not be used in the contest.
- Creative audio-visual aids may be used, but the contestants must be involved in making or designing them.
- During the competition, the contestants may introduce themselves by name, state and presentation topic.
- Contestants should cite their major reference materials at the end of the presentation. This time will not be counted in the allotted time.
- Only the judge may ask questions of the contestant. Question time will not be counted in the allotted time. The contestant should repeat the question, then answer it.
Resources:
- VHS/DVD: Check out our 4-H demonstration video from the 4-H office.
Judging Criteria: Demonstration is judged using this criteria.
Awards: Each youth receives a certificate and earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
Fashion Revue Contest
Date: April 26, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade (as of September 1st) Cloverbud members age 5-7 are invited to model in the 4-H Fashion Review. Because Cloverbud members will not be judged, they do not need to submit their garment early.
Team or Individual: Individuals only
Registration Deadline:
4-H members submit their completed garment to be judged on construction, and then model their garment in a fashion show. Contestants will be judged on construction, personal presentation, and interview responses.
- Contestants (including Cloverbuds) must submit commentary at the time of registration.
- Contestants must submit completed garment to be judged on construction no later than March 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Garments modeled need to comply with the Utah 4-H dress code.
Awards:
Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good ): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Judging: Youth will be evaluated based upon the following criteria. Interview criteria Sewing Construction Judging Sheet
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest are invited to compete in State Contests.
Favorite Foods
Contest Date: February 8, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Youth can compete individually or in teams of two. To be eligible for state competition, all team members must be in 9th-12th grades.
Registration Deadline: Youth must submit their recipe at registration.
Contest Description: Contestants prepare their favorite foods dish at home. The dish can be an entrée, dessert, salad, snack, beverage, or appetizer. The contestant will bring the completed dish, set it up on an attractive place setting, interview with judges, and then the judges will sample the prepared dish.
- For the presentation of the dish, the contestant will only be allowed to display: 1) the garnished finished product on its service dish with a utensil for serving the judges, 2) placemat, and 3) centerpiece. 4-H will provide paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils for the judges to taste the sample served by the contestant. The entire presentation should center around a theme.
- The interview will take 2-3 minutes and will include questions about preparing the food, nutrition, and selection.
- Youth must bring all the equipment they will need to ensure a safe food product (cooler for a cold dish, crock pot/warmer for a hot dish).
- No food preparation tools or refrigeration will be available. All preparation needs to occur at home.
- Senior contestants will ALSO give a 5-10 minute presentation to the judges.
Favorite Foods Rules and judging rubric
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn blue ribbons in county contests are invited to compete during State Contests.
FCS Bowl
Date: March 11, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Team only
Registration Deadline:
FCS Bowl Description: FCS Bowl is a quiz bowl type competition where youth demonstrate their knowledge of family and consumer science related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.
Time Limits:
- Juniors and Intermediates: 3-5 minutes
- Seniors: 6-8 minutes
Judging: Speeches are judged using these criteria.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
FCS Skillathon
Date: March 25, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual or Team
Registration Deadline:
FCS Skillathon Description: The FCS Skillathon is an overall contest that covers skills and knowledge gained by participating in all aspects of the Family Consumer Science project. The contest consists of identification, judging, and a life skills presentation.
Time Limits:
- Juniors and Intermediates: 3-5 minutes
- Seniors: 6-8 minutes
Judging: Speeches are judged using these criteria.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
Hippology
Date: April 3, 17, 24, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 7:00pm
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline:
Description: Hippology is a comprehensive event that involves judging, knowledge, and horsemanship skills. Contestants will participate in four different phases: examination, station, judging, and team problems.
Guidelines: Hippology contest guidelines can be found here.
Awards: Each youth receives a certificate and earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest are invited to compete in State Contests.
Horse Bowl Contests
Date: March 13, 20, 27, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 7:00pm
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual competition only
Registration Deadline:
Description: Participants answer horse-related questions in a quiz bowl format. Questions will come from the following references:
- Juniors: Horses and Horsemanship
- Intermediates: Horses and Horsemanship; Horse Science
- Seniors: Horses and Horsemanship; Horse Science; Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms
Guidelines: We will follow state guidelines for this event with the following exceptions:
- Youth will compete individually rather than in teams.
- Bonus questions will go to the individual youth who correctly answered the toss-up question that goes with the Bonus Question. The individual will earn the points if answered correctly.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: The four highest scoring 9th-12th grade (as of September 1st) youth plus one alternate will make up the team that represents Weber County in State Contests.
Horse Judging
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline:
Description: Youth place halter and performance classes and give oral reasons to explain their placing.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system. Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: The top four 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) will be selected to represent Weber County during State Contests in July.
Horse Public Speaking
Date: TBD
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline:
Horse Public Speaking Contest Description: Without any props, youth prepare and deliver a speech on any horse-related topic such as health issues, showing, horse industry concerns, ethics, etc.
Time Limits: Juniors & Intermediates: 3-5 minutes; Seniors: 7-10 minutes
Judging Criteria: Speeches are judged using this criteria.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good ): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
4-H Horse Tests
Before the start of a 4-H horse show, members participate in a written test. The questions for the test come from the following 4-H horse reference manuals.
Although youth participating in the show are required to complete a test, 4-H’ers who are not riding in the county show are also allowed to take the test. To be eligible to participate in the testing program, youth must be properly dressed and take the test at the same time as a youth riding in the show. The testing schedule each year is as follows:
Each member’s top three test scores are added to determine their total points. Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place to the members with the highest scores in each grade division, along with an additional award for first place.
Livestock Bowl
Date: TBD
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1s)
Team or Individual: Individual competition only
Registration Deadline:
Description: Participants answer questions about sheep, beef, and swine in a quiz bowl format. Questions will come from the Ohio State University reference manuals for sheep, beef, and swine (available from the 4-H office).
Guidelines: We will follow state guidelines for this event with the following exceptions:
- Youth will compete individually rather than in teams.
- Bonus questions will go to the individual youth who correctly answered the toss-up question that goes with the Bonus Question. The individual will earn the points if answered correctly.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system. Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below
Next Steps: The four highest-scoring 9th-12th grade (as of September 1st) youth plus one alternate will make up the team that represents Weber County in State Contests.
Livestock Judging
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline:
Description: Youth place classes of sheep, swine, and beef and give oral reasons to explain their placing.
Guidelines: The following guidelines will be used.
Awards: Each youth receives a certificate and earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: The top four 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) will be selected to represent Weber County during State Contests.
Meat Judging
Date: TBD
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: TBD
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1s)
Team or Individual: Team of 3 or 4 and individaul
Registration Deadline:
Description: Youth place classes of beef, lamb, and hog carcass evaluation and retail identification and give oral reasons to explain their placing.
Guidelines: We will follow state guidelines for this event
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system. Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below
Next Steps: The four highest-scoring 9th-12th grade (as of September 1st) youth plus one alternate will make up the team that represents Weber County in State Contests.
Impromptu Public Speaking
Date: June 8, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline: 1 week before the contest
Impromptu Public Speaking Contest Description: Rather than preparing a speech in advance, contestants pull a topic from a hat, have three minutes to organize their thoughts and give a 3-5 minute speech about the topic. Questions will be relative to today's youth and may include current events. Examples: What has being involved in 4-H taught me? Bullying in schools – what can be done?
Time Limits: 3-5 minutes
Judging Criteria: Speeches are judged using this criteria.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good ): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
4-H Public Speaking
Date: June 8, 2023
Location: Weber County 4-H Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Eligibility: 3rd-12th grade youth (as of September 1st)
Team or Individual: Individual only
Registration Deadline:
4-H Public Speaking Description: Without any props, youth prepare and deliver a speech on the theme.
Time Limits:
- Juniors and Intermediates: 3-5 minutes
- Seniors: 6-8 minutes
Judging: Speeches are judged using these criteria.
Awards: Each youth earns a blue, red or white ribbon based on the Danish judging system: Blue (excellent): 90-100, Red (good): 75-89, White (fair): 74 and below.
Next Steps: 9th-12th grade youth (as of September 1st) that earn a blue ribbon in the county contest will be invited to compete during State Contests.
Shooting Sports
Contest Dates: July 29, 2023
Location: Weber County Shooting Sports Complex: 2446 Rulon White Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Eligibility: Currently enrolled Weber County 4-H Club members in grades 6-12 who have completed Hunter Education. Must bring Hunter Education blue card with you to the contest - no exceptions.
Team or Individual: Individuals only
Registration Deadline:
Events will include:
- Orientation, Written Test
- Range Events (Archery, .22, Shotgun)
- Outdoor Skills
Rules: Each member, parent, and guest is responsible for reading and following the 4-H Shooting Sports rules and guidelines.
Equipment: Member must provide their equipment and ammunition.
Fee: Free to club members currently enrolled in a 4-H Shooting Sports Club; otherwise $10 per club member.
Dress Code: Collared shirt or 4-H club t-shirt with 4-H patch on left shoulder, navy blue or black pants, closed toed shoes. Ear protection & safety glasses required.
Awards:
A. Each contestant will earn blue, red or white ribbon honors for their participation in the county competition. Also, a certificate with appropriate colored stickers will be awarded.
B. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place individuals in the intermediate and senior division will be recognized for each of the following:
- .22 Rifle
- Shotgun
- Archery
- Outdoor Skills
- Test
C. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place overall intermediate and senior (combined score for all five areas) will be recognized.
Next Steps: The top four seniors in 9th-12th grades will be selected to compete in the State Contests.
Events & Scoring: All contestants will compete in Outdoor Skills and the Written Test. Additionally, youth may choose to compete in any of the following: Archery, Shotgun, and/or .22 Rifle.
- The following events will be conducted: Shotgun, .22 Rifle, Archery, Outdoor Skills, and Written Test.
- Total Combined Score will be based upon the following:
- Archery – 300 points
- .22 Rifle – 300 points
- Shotgun – 300 points
- Outdoor Skills – 100 points
- Written Test – 100 points
3. Proficiency in each event will be scored as follows:
- Blue – 90%
- Red – 75-89%
- White – 74% and below
Outdoor Skills: Involves outdoor skills common to hunting, camping, survival, compass and map use, identifying safe backstops, and any of the items listed for the written test.
Written Test: Involves questions related to firearm safety, safety in the out-of-doors, shooting and hunting equipment, animal identification, and or hunting rules. The information included in the Utah Hunter Education Guide is typical of what may appear on the written test.