Welcome to Howard County 4-H! 

Howard County Family Resource Guide 

Howard County 4-H Handbook and General Rules

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MEMBERS EXHIBITING BEEF & DAIRY CATTLE, CATS, DOGS, GOATS, HORSES, LLAMAS/ALPACAS, POULTRY & PIGEONS, RABBITS, SHEEP, AND SWINE:

1. Identify animals in 4-H Online by May 15

• Visit: https://v2.4honline.com/

Note: Animals are automatically co-enrolled within the same family in 4-H Online, allowing any sibling to exhibit an animal identified under the family's profile. Each family member is encouraged to identify at least one animal in the project, but animals do not need to be entered under every individual member.

• Please visit this page for the 2026 Animal ID Requirement document, which includes identification requirements and additional information.
  • https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/animal-identification.html

2. Register animals in Fair Entry

• Visit: https://fairentry.com/
• Registration dates: May 18 - June 15
• A letter with additional information and instructions will be sent in early May.

3. Complete QLC Training (Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care)

• The Quality Livestock Care program is a comprehensive training REQUIREMENT for all 4-H youth participating in beef, dairy, goats (all types), poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. This is both a county and state requirement. Please visit this link for information on training details. 
  • QLC Webpage

4. Submit Lease Agreement Form (if applicable)

  Required if you do not own your llama, alpaca, dairy cattle, or horse.

•   Must be completed by the 4-H member, parent, and lessee.
•   Due date: June 15
•   Download form at: https://bit.ly/4HInfo

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

• All cats, dogs, and horses must have a valid vaccination certificate. This certificate must be presented to your 4-H leader before the animal is allowed to practice with the club. The certificate must also be presented at the show, or the animal will not be allowed to compete. (see QR Code for forms)
• Health papers are NOT required.
• All animals will be inspected by the superintendent.
• Unhealthy or contagious animals will NOT be allowed to unload.

INDIANA STATE FAIR:

If you plan to exhibit at the Indiana State Fair:

• Visit: https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/competitions--contests/4-h-competitions-entry-information.
• DNA envelopes are required and must be submitted to the Extension Office by May 15.

QUESTIONS?

To access rules and guidelines, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4HInfo. Then, in the dropdown box labeled “project descriptions and rules,” click on the “Livestock /Animal Projects & Rules” and find your species. Call the Extension Office at 765-456-2313 or email howardes@purdue.edu. We're here to help!

• Mini 4-H Handbook

• Exhibit Cards 
  
  • Craft Card (Farm Toy Scene, LEGO, Sew For Fun, Wearable Arts, Wood Craft)
  • Cupcake Decorating Skills Card
  • Fashion Revue Form
  • Make With A Mix Recipe Card

All state project exhibit cards can be found at this link: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html

4-H State Static Projects:  Underneath "Projects by Category", find the project you are interested in and click the + to find the project details. Please see the project summaries for additional requirements and resources, as well as exhibit cards. 

County Only Static Projects 

Livestock/Animal Projects & Rules 

Howard County 4-H is seeking consistent, dedicated individuals to serve as 4-H club leaders and helpers, and in other roles within the program. We rely heavily on caring adults to deliver positive youth development experiences to our youth. Whether you are a 4-H newbie or long-time member, we need your time and talents to make a difference in the lives of young people in Howard County!

All new volunteers must complete an application and screening process and participate in training before becoming an official 4-H volunteer.

Follow these next steps: 

1. Create an account using our enrollment management website, 4-H Online, and add yourself as a new volunteer. Select your Volunteer Type.
2. Complete your online Child Safety Training in 4-H Online when prompted.
3. Once you have submitted your enrollment, a Purdue Extension Howard County staff member will be in touch!