This Week in Gillespie 4-H

March 23, 2026

*New Gillespie 4-H News*

Gillespie County Council Applications- DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Gillespie County Council applications are now open. In order to run for a council office, applications must be filled out and returned on time. Applicants who will be in high school for the 2026-2027 school year may apply.  You will need to sign up for an interview time when you turn in your application.

Deadline: April 3, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association - High School Leadership Camps

TSCRA High School Leadership Camps! Leadership Launch, held May 27-28 in Austin, offers students firsthand exposure to industry professionals and elected officials while learning about the legislative process and key issues impacting ranchers and landowners. Cattle Raisers Roundup, set for July 19-24 in West Texas, offers an immersive, hands-on look at the beef industry from pasture to plate. Both programs, supported by the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation, are designed to inspire and equip the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

MORE INFORMATION

2026 4-H Beekeeping Essay

The Texas 4-H Beekeeping Essay contest is an opportunity for youth with an interest in beekeeping to put their knowledge to paper and win big prizes. Essays are due April 12th via 4HOnline. The 2026 topic is: The Power of Pollen. For this essay, a 4-H student should answer these questions: How is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? If so, are those changes affecting bees? When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity? 

Deadline: April 12, 2026 via 4HOnline

Friendly Reminders

Livestock Reminders & Validation

• Houston & Austin passes have arrived and are available for pick up at the Extension Office.

• County Stock Show FLOOR checks are available to pick up at the office.

• Fort Worth checks are at the office and can be picked up when thank you notes are turned in.

• Grandstand thank you lists have been emailed to exhibitors who made the sale. Make sure to check your inbox!

• March 30th - DEADLINE to order 2027 Turkey and Sheep and Goat , Steer & Heifer Validation Tags

• 2027 Turkey Orders- OPEN
  It’s time to order your turkeys for the 2027 Stock Show season! These turkeys will be eligible to be shown at the Gillespie County, Grandstand and Major Stock Shows Cost: TBA (we will release the cost once we know, but plan for about $5.00 per bird)Minimum order is 25 poults per exhibitor and maximum order size is 75 poults per exhibitor or per family. We will contact you as soon as we can start to accept payments.

Order Deadline: March 30, 2026     MORE INFORMATION

• 2027 Steer & Heifer Validation Tag Orders- OPEN
  ALL tags will be $26 in person, and $28 online. San Angelo Stock Show Requirement: All market lambs and goats must be Texas-bred and have a TLBA/TGBA tag recorded on validation paperwork and in the animal’s ear to be eligible. Steers validated in June are eligible through Spring 2027 shows. This is the ONLY steer validation opportunity. There are two validations for heifers - June and October.

Tag Order Deadline: March 30, 2026 MORE INFORMATION 

• 2026 State Fair and 2027 Sheep & Goat Tag Orders- OPEN

ALL tags will be $26 in person, and $28 online. San Angelo Stock Show Requirement: All market lambs and goats must be Texas-bred and have a TLBA/TGBA tag recorded on validation paperwork and in the animal’s ear to be eligible. Steers validated in June are eligible through Spring 2027 shows. This is the ONLY steer validation opportunity. There are two validations for heifers - June and October.

Tag Order Deadline: March 30, 2026 MORE INFORMATION 

Project Updates

Livestock Judging
Several livestock judging camps have been posted - we recommend if you want to livestock judge that you attend a camp this summer.
Blinn College Camp - May 26 - 28th & May 29 - 31st  (deadline to register April 1) 

Redlands Community College - May 26 - 27th

Texas Tech - June 14 - 16th

Meat Judging
Texas Tech Meat Judging Camp Information has been posted - see Meat Judging page for more details. 

WT TAMU Meat Judging Camp - July 30 - 31st
See Meat Judging Page for more details  

Sheep and Goat Project
Aggieland Lamb and Goat Camp will be July 10th - 12th at the Brazos Expo Center in College Station, TX (Registration opens March 25th @ 3:30 p.m. - Save the Date and set an alarm if you plan on registering) 125 spots available for sheep and goats each.

Sheep Capital Lamb and Goat Camp - July 31 - August 2, 2026, San Angelo TX
Registration Opens May 1st by Mail - Limited to the first 80 paid campers More Information  

Horse Project
Validation

2026 Texas 4-H Horse validation is now done through https://4h.texasshowpass.com/login  Validation is open and required for ALL horses showing at a County or State level in the 4-H horse project.

Validation Deadline: April 15, 2026

Vet Science
Food Animal Medicine Career Day Camp The Texas A&M Vet Science Certification Program is hosting a Food Animal Medicine Career Day camp designed for 11th and 12th grade students ONLY, who are interested in food animal medicine. This program will provide hands on learning at a large animal vet clinic, presentations on feedlots, and presentations from 4th year vet students.

Deadline to Register: May 9th at 9:00 am

Register at: https://aevm.tamu.edu/summer-camp/  

Swine Project
Texas Pork Producers applications and registrations are open for youth programs including:
Texas Pork Youth Retreat - June 11- 14th (Students entering 7th - 12th Grade)
ChopTalk Advocacy Academy - June and October (Students must be 17 - 21 to apply)
Texas Pork Junior Ambassador Program - 2026 - 2028 Cohort (Students must be 17 - 21 to apply)
More information can be found on the Texas Pork Producers Website.

Cattle Project
Save the Date

The Gillespie County Race Day Classic Steer show will be held August 1-2, 2026!

STEM Project/Robotics

4-H Programming AI Foundations Virtual Coding & Programming 

Virtual learning opportunity for youth! 4-H Programming AI Foundations Coding Program Virtual Sessions
This FREE two-day class, hosted by Prairie View A&M University Extension, will increase awareness and engagement in STEM while teaching how artificial intelligence can strengthen learning and build work-ready skills.
Tuesday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 21  -- 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time
Virtual | No experience necessary
Registration deadline: Friday, April 3, at 4:00 PM. Participants only need a device and internet access. Register here https://forms.gle/AMn1GTgJmtnPkaXU9.

 Texas Tech Raider Robotics Academy

Raider Robotics Academy is a series of summer robotics camps provided by the Whitacre College of Engineering Outreach & Engagement Program. These summer camps provide an opportunity for K-12 students to experience what it means to be on a robotics team and learn about the different robotics programs we provide!  Camp dates - Grades 4th-6th: May 26th-30th, Grades 7th & 8th: July 7th-11th, and Grades 9th-12th: July 21st-  25th.

REGISTER HERE

Photography Project
Farm Bureau Photography Contest

Texas Farm Bureau Photo Contest - Deadline to enter June 1st
MORE INFORMATION

2026 Texas 4-H State Photography Contest

This is a senior-only qualifying contest where photos qualify directly from COUNTY to STATE. Registration opens through 4H Online April 1, 2026.

MORE INFORMATION

Shooting Sports

Gillespie 4-H Shotgun Project
First practice will be  March 25, 2026, at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Complex in Kerrville from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Practices will be weekly on Wednesdays through May 13th. A parent or legal guardian MUST attend each practice. (Must be pre-registered to participate)

Mitchell County Indoor Archery Tournament
Mitchell County is hosting an  indoor archery tournament on April 18, 2026, at the Mitchell County Ag Barn in Colorado City, TX. Grades 3rd-12th can compete. For more information and contest rules/ entry forms, contact Nikki Watlington at (325) 242-0086

Deadline: April 10, 2026

Tom Green Co. 3-D Archery Shoot
3 youth & adult divisions: Bare Bow, Recurve, NASP & Compound Aided. Buckles awarded for first in each division. Registration at 9:00 am. For more information contact Eric Tanner at (325) 262-3155

Date: April 11, 2026

Wool Judging

Kimble County Wool & Mohair Judging Contest

Kimble County is hosting a Wool & Mohair Judging contest in Junction, TX. The registration fee is $12 per contestant. Call (806) 789-5600 for more information and to register.

Contest Date: April 12, 2026

Invitational Wool & Mohair Contests

TAMU Animal Science & AgriLife Extension will host invitational Wool & Mohair contests throughout the state for all 4-H members/teams. Registration fees will be $25/participant per contest via 4HOnline. All three age divisions (junior, intermediate, senior) are welcome to participate. Midland- April 10, Fredericksburg (D10 Roundup contest)- April 21, College Station- May 2, San Angelo- May 8

Community Service Opportunity

Texas 4-H Council Community Service Challenge

Texas 4-H Council wants to invite you to join them in Hands Helping Heroes, the 2026 Texas 4-H Community Service Project Challenge. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and EMTs are there in life’s toughest moments. Their work takes strength, resilience, and compassion under intense pressure. This year, we’re collecting items to support first responders across Texas and say thank you for all they do. We are asking counties and clubs to collect water, Gatorade, electrolyte packets, beef jerky, protein or granola bars, professional grade first aid kits, and small toys (balls, stuffed animals, or card games). Each county will collect donations locally at the Gillespie County Extension Office.  All items are to be distributed within the same community, ensuring support goes directly to local first responders. The county with the most donations will win a banner! 

Donation Deadline: May 15th, 2026

District/State 4-H News

Texas 4-H Congress

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members going into 9th grade – through those who just graduated 12th Grade (at the time of the event).  Press Corps & Lobbyist Deadline: March 31, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

2026 Texas 4-H Spring Virtual Sportfishing Registration - OPEN

Are you ready for some spring sportfishing with the 2026 Texas 4-H Virtual Sportfishing Program? The 2026 sportfishing program information with you!  Registration is open on 4HOnline for those wanting to get a jump on registration for the spring program.

MORE INFORMATION

Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador Registration - OPEN

Looking for a new way to engage high school youth in health education, nutrition and health projects, and leadership? If so, consider becoming a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador! Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors assist County Extension agents in providing valuable health education to youth and adults within the community. 

Deadline: April 1, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program- OPEN

Through collegiate-level training and immersive, hands-on experience, students gain exposure  to many facets of the livestock industry while exploring higher education and career pathways. Ambassadors will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as stewards of the livestock, poultry, or equine industries.

Deadline: April 15, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

Texas 4-H Water Ambassador Program- OPEN

This is a unique opportunity for senior level 4-H members  grades 9th-12th, to dive into one of the most important issues facing their generation – water security. This year, up to (60) youth will be selected to serve as state water ambassadors. Those selected will begin their 12-month term of service by participating in one of two week-long 4-H2O Leadership Academies (tours) June 7-12 and June 14-18. During these experiences, ambassadors will travel through the state to learn about water resources, water rights, law & policy, conservation and much more. During the year, ambassadors participate in numerous in-person and virtual continuing education experiences and are expected to deliver water education and service in their counties and beyond. 

Deadline: April 15, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

CORE Academy Registration - OPEN

Save the Date: 2026 CORE Academy June 15-19th! 

CORE Academy is an educational and explorative opportunity for Senior aged youth to gain awareness to an assortment of possible careers. For 2026, the CORE Academy will explore the Texas Panhandle and will explore a variety of careers of hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, culinary arts, agriculture & natural resources, marketing & more. 

MORE INFORMATION

Texas 4-H Council Sock Design Contest- Last Chance!!

Texas 4-H Council is excited to host a sock design contest! The winning design will be featured on socks that will be given away at Texas 4-H Roundup. 4-H members in all age divisions, including clover kids, can design a pair of 4-H socks on the attached design form at  https://drive.google.com/.../14gatGYsByUBRFg4cx.../view...

Submit entries on the design template WITH the accompanying entry form to callie.cline@ag.tamu.edu. The winner will be chosen via voting on Facebook, and the winner for each age division will win a 4-H swag bag .

Entry Deadline: March 23, 2026

Lone Star 4-H Splash Camp Registration - OPEN

Take the plunge for a fun- filled weekend with the Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors. Immerse yourself in hands-on and interactive water activities and expand your knowledge and appreciation for all things WATER! Make new friends and lasting memories. Camp is open to all 6th - 8th grade students.

Save the Date: March 27-29, 2026

MORE INFORMATION

District 10 Leadership Lab

Leadership Lab is our annul Leadership camp for 4-H members from ages 13-18.  This event provides a variety of leadership, recreation, and project enhancement workshops that participants are challenged to take back to their own county and implement.  District 4-H Council Delegates from the 21 counties are highly encouraged to attend and participate in the District 4-H Council Business Meeting which includes the election of the District Council Officers for the new 4-H year.  Candidates for District 4-H Council will present their campaign speech and participate in a question/answer session in front of the voting delegates. 

Save the Date Registration: May 1, 2026

District 10 Record Book Judging

4-H Record Books allow youth to see just how much they have accomplished in their main projects.  District Record book Judging is held annually in July.  First place books from each county advance to District in three age divisions:  Juniors, Intermediates & Seniors. The 1st place senior record book in each category will have the opportunity to advance to State level! 

Save the Date Registration: June 1, 2026

Ag Discovery Camp

New opportunity for youth 7th - 12th! Ag Discovery camp will explore career paths across diverse agricultural industries while experiencing Tarleton Sate University. Camp will be July 12 - 16, 2026 More Information

Registration: Open Now

Gillespie 4-H Seniors

Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship

Opens:  March 18, 2026
Land O’Lakes, Inc. has established a scholarship program for students who have experience showing or caring for livestock animals, equine, or poultry, and plan to continue their education in college. The Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship is administered by Scholarship America who will be graduating seniors and have experience showing or caring for large / small livestock, equine or poultry.

MORE INFORMATION

Nufarm Grassmanship Scholarship - Last Chance!

Deadline: March 31, 2026 

Nufarm Range and Pasture Solutions opens the 2026 Grassmanship Scholarship Program, awarding one $5,000 and four $1,000 scholarships to current and incoming college students who are studying for an agriculture-based degree. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Texas Pork Producers Scholarships

Deadline: April 1, 2026 

The Texas Pork Producers Association takes pride in awarding Texas show pig exhibitors scholarships through the Certified Texas Bred Registry program. There are three scholarship programs: Foundation Female scholarship and grant, Scholars of Honor, and the Premier Exhibitor scholarship.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Gillespie County Fair Association Scholarship

Deadline: April 3, 2026 

The Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association, Inc. presents fairs and festivals to the community and develops programs that encourage, instruct and promote the education of the youth of Gillespie County – with emphasis on agriculture. Scholarships open to high school seniors in Gillespie County.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Producers Cooperative Scholarship

Deadline: April 15, 2026 

Producers Cooperative is proud to continuously support youth in agriculture across the Brazos Valley and beyond in any way that we can. We are happy to announce that we will be offering a total of $20,000 in scholarships this year for 2026 graduating high school seniors!  

MORE INFORMATION

Hill Country Sheep & Goat Raisers Scholarship  

Deadline: April 20, 2026                                                                                                                                                                   

This is open to high school seniors and college students currently enrolled. To apply you must be a legal Texas resident living in the counties of Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Menard, Mason, Real or Sutton.

Moneys awarded begin at $500 per student with added awards.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you need a school excuse for a 4-H activity CLICK HERE to access the form.
Non-stock show 4-H school requests must be submitted at least 3-4 business days before the dates you are requesting.
Stock show excuse request deadlines are emailed to exhibitors prior to shows.