Interested in any of these events please contact the Rutherford County 4-H Agent listed to register.
Poster Contest Due January 31, 2026:
Agent to contact Aliyah Young, aiyoung@utk.edu Click for Guidelines
2026 4-H Cornbread Cook-Off : Deadline February 27, 2026
Contest is open to all 4-H members, grades 4-6. Members are to submit an original, creative cornbread recipe for consideration. The Top 10 from across the nation will be selected to complete LIVE at The 2026 National Cornbread Festival.
All recipes MUST be cooked in Lodge Cast Iron. All preparation must be done by the student at the live cook-off (chopping and mixing ingredients, etc.). Students will have one hour total to complete their recipe.
No pre-made cornbread mixes are allowed. Judging will be based on creativity, as well as flavor, texture, and appearance. Parents are encouraged to review recipes prior to submission. No changes can be made after initial recipe submission.
Your recipe MUST include: U.S. standard measurements, complete preparation instructions, cooking times and temperatures, number of servings, size of pans or cookware, and any special utensils required for preparation.
If you are selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists, you will be expected to compete at the National Cornbread Festival on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in South Pittsburg, TN.
(All ingredients and cookware needed for the live cook-off will be the responsibility of the contestant.
Stoves/ovens are provided for use by participants).
- First Prize: $500 Cash & Special Gifts from Lodge Cast Iron
- Second Prize: $250 Cash & Special Gifts from Lodge Cast Iron
- Third Prize: $100 Cash & Special Gifts from Lodge Cast Iron
- Honorable Mention Prizes: $50 and Special Gifts from Lodge Cast Iron
*4-H Youth traveling more than 100 miles to the competition will receive $100 in travel allowance
Agent to contact Raquel Victor, rvictor@utk.edu
Bird Hunting Field Day & Gundog College: February 28, 2026
Join us for a hands-on day featuring upland bird hunting techniques, duck hunting skills, and education on sporting dog breeds & training! Great for 4-H members interested in shooting sports, wildlife, or companion animals.
Agent to contact Anna Gafford, annlgaff@utk.edu
TSU Range Summer Research Experience for rising juniors and seniors: Deadline February 28, 2026
The range summer research experience is a fully funded, four-week residential program for motivated high school students (11th and 12th graders) interested in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, and STEM careers. Participants conduct hands-on research, explore fields sites, and present their work at a final research symposium under the guidance of TSU AG faculty.
Agent to contact Janette Walker, jwalk143@utk.edu
2026 Inbound Exchange program
Host a Japanese youth in summer 2026 through States’ 4-H International! Invite an international youth into your home for three and a half weeks and share an American experience. Expand your family’s cultural understanding, learn about new foods and customs, and possibly a new language all while sharing your own. Your children will build lifelong friendships and will gain new perspectives on their own country too!
- HOSTING PERIOD: 3 1/2 weeks from late July to mid August
- You can host a youth aged 12-18 or an adult chaperone.
- Youth have a range of English language abilities, so host families should be prepared to communicate imaginatively.
- HOST FAMILY REQUIREMENTS
- You must have a child of the same gender who is within 4 years of the hosted youth.•Families without children of the appropriate age may host an adult chaperone.
- No special activities need to be planned since these youth want to experience American culture, make new friends, and improve their English by staying with your family.
- You don’t need to be involved with 4-H to host.
Agent to contact Aliyah Young, aiyoung@utk.edu
County Demonstration Contest-March 5, 2026 – Lane Agri Park auditorium-Registration 6pm
Agent to contact Aliyah Young, aiyoung@utk.edu
Bee Essay details: Deadline March 15, 2026
Love bees? Enjoy writing? Here’s your chance to do both—and win prizes!
The 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest invites youth to explore the fascinating world of bees through research and writing. This annual contest helps 4-H’ers build their communication, research, and critical thinking skills—all while learning more about the vital role of bees in our world.
Top essays at both the state and national levels are eligible for cash awards and recognition.
Agent to contact Janette Walker, jwalk143@utk.edu
A.I. in Ag Camp
Interested in flying drones? Working with robotics? Or programming smart devices? Learning about how AI is used in ag? If you said “yes” this camp is for you! 4-week program on the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus. Open to current 11th and 12th graders, limited spots, June 1-26, 2026: Click for more information
Agent to contact Raquel Victor, rvictor@utk.edu
If you have any questions please contact our office 615-898-7710