At the turn of the 19th century, A.B. Graham - the founder of 4-H - observed that youth were not being treated very well. Youth were mistakenly viewed as mini adults which resulted in their exploitation for labor and commerce. Their only opportunity for personal development outside of church and school was through contests, most of which were over-focused on competition.
As an early pioneer in organized youth development, Graham designed the 4-H program as a mix of activities and relationships to meet the appropriate developmental needs of young people. This well-rounded approach has stood the test of time! Today we build on that foundation by engaging youth in a variety of activities, including competitions. Our approach is ever mindful of Graham’s design, so even in competition a culture of positive youth development remains the highest good.
To discover the main venues that our 4-H'ers ‘get their competitive juices flowing', check out the links to our state 4-H competitive events below.
State Events
State 4-H Livestock Judging
SDSU Extension 4-H will host the State 4-H Livestock Judging competition in September at the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Animal Science Arena in Brookings, South Dakota.
State Shooting Sports
View important dates, updates, results and resources for state shooting sports events.
State Fair
View schedules, resources and results for the 2025 South Dakota State Fair taking place Aug. 27-Sept. 1 in Huron, South Dakota.
State Dog Show
View contestant resources and results for the State 4-H Dog Show.
State Horse Show, Judging and Hippology
View contestant resources and results from the State 4-H Horse Show, Judging and Hippology contests.
State 4-H Rodeo Resources
View the documents and forms to participate in the State 4-H Rodeo.
Upcoming Events
4-H County Achievement Days and County Fair Schedule
SDSU Extension's South Dakota 4-H program will be hosting county fairs and achievement days across South Dakota beginning in July 2025.
Related Content
South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Recipe Book 2021-2024
The South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Cookbook features recipes from 4-H youth who participated in the Special Foods Contest and received a purple ribbon at the South Dakota State Fair between 2021 – 2024.
4-H County Achievement Days and County Fair Schedule
SDSU Extension's South Dakota 4-H program will be hosting county fairs and achievement days across South Dakota beginning in July 2025.
State Fair
View schedules, resources and results for the 2025 South Dakota State Fair taking place Aug. 27-Sept. 1 in Huron, South Dakota.