2025 Companion Animal Project Judging Registration

Companion Animal Project Judging consists of a one-on-one interview with a project judge.  Members will have 15 minutes to share their 4-H project with a judge, answer a few questions and receive feedback regarding his/her project.  Those who participate in Companion Animal Project judging have an opportunity to receive awards for placing 1st – 5th and be selected to represent Clermont County at the Ohio State Fair.

The registration link is for projects being judged on Tuesday, July 22, during the fair. You will need to fill out the survey separately for each project you are bringing to project judging.  Do not select the same time for more than one project and be sure to give yourself 15 minutes between interviews.

Please use the link below to register for Companion Animal Project Judging on Tuesday, July 22, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Registration deadline: Monday, July 15th.

 REGISTRATION for Tuesday, July 22

  • 215 4-H Cavy (Guinea Pig)
  • 216 Cat 1 – Purrr-fect Pals
  • 217 Cat 2 – Climbing Up
  • 218 Cat 3 – Leaping Forward
  • 220 Pocket Pets
  • 227 Pet Rabbits
  • 365.01 Reptiles and Amphibians Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Hedgehogs Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Ferrets Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Chinchillas Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Pigeon Idea Starter
  • 365.00 Self-Determined Companion Animal, for youth taking a companion animal not listed as a project above, such as caged birds, pot-bellied pigs, hermit crabs, pet chickens, etc.

Helpful tips and Project Completion Requirements

Members who want to receive credit for completing their project but do not want to participate in project judging, can review their project with their club advisor.  Projects must be reviewed by September 30, and will count for completion only.  Projects will not be eligible for county or state awards.  As as reminder, completing one project is a requirement for being a member in good standing.  Advisors can use the sheet below to assist with the project review.

Advisor Project Review Sheet

2025 General Project Judging Registration

General Project Judging registration is now available!

General Project Judging consists of a one-on-one interview with a project judge.  Members will have 15 minutes to share their 4-H project with a judge, answer a few questions and receive feedback regarding his/her project.  Those who participate in General Project judging have an opportunity to receive awards for placing 1st – 5th and be selected to represent Clermont County at the Ohio State Fair.

There are two different links to register; one link is for projects being judged on Tuesday, July 8, and the other link is for projects being judged on Wednesday, July 9 . You will need to fill out the survey separately for each project you are bringing to pre-fair project judging.  Do not select the same time for more than one project and be sure to give yourself 15 minutes between interviews. The deadline to register is Monday, July 1.

Please use the links below to register.

REGISTRATION for Tuesday, July 8th

  • About 4-H
  • Animal Sciences
  • Career Exploration
  • Communication
  • Home Living
  • Leadership and Citizenship
  • Money Management
  • Natural Resources
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  • Self-Determined

REGISTRATION for Wednesday, July 9th

  • Clothing and Textile Science
  • Creative and Leisure Arts
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Healthy Living

If you register for judging and find that all of the timeslots are full, please send an email to Meghan Burdsall (burdsall.9@osu.edu) with the 4-H members name, project being judged, and two preferred times.

Pre-Judged Projects

The only projects that will be pre-judged are clothing & textile projects (including projects that do not require sewing), You Can Quilt!, Quilting the Best Better, and the Writer in You. These projects must be turned into the Extension Office by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, for pre-judging.

Please bring clothing and textile projects to pre-judging, covered with a clear plastic bag (you can get these from a dry cleaner).  Attach a 5” x 5” swatch of the fabric, pattern, a 4” x 6” index card with your first and last name, age, project title and club name as well as a  photo of you in your garment to the outside of the bag. Your Style Revue Narration is also due this day.

Style Revue Narration

Creative writing project entries must be submitted on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper and typewritten. Stories should be double-spaced. The member’s full name, club and class name should appear on the cover page. The member’s last name and page number should appear on the bottom right corner of each page. Entries must be submitted in a 9” x 12” envelope, clearly marked with the youth’s name. Do not submit any folders, notebooks, or binders

Helpful tips and Project Judging Requirements

Members who want to receive credit for completing their project but do not want to participate in project judging, can review their project with their club advisor.  Projects must be reviewed by September 30, and will count for completion only.  Projects will not be eligible for county or state awards.  As as reminder, completing one project is a requirement for being a member in good standing.  Advisors can use the sheet below to assist with the project review.

Advisor Project Review Sheet

REMINDER! The following projects are judged as part of the Companion Animal Show, held on Tuesday of fair week.  Exhibitors will be required to register for an interview time for the Companion Animal Show.  The Companion Animal Show registration will be available soon!

  • 215 4-H Cavy (Guinea Pig)
  • 216 Cat 1 – Purrr-fect Pals
  • 217 Cat 2 – Climbing Up
  • 218 Cat 3 – Leaping Forward
  • 220 Pocket Pets
  • 227 Pet Rabbits
  • 365.01 Reptiles and Amphibians Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Hedgehogs Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Ferrets Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Chinchillas Idea Starter
  • 365.01 Pigeon Idea Starter
  • 365.00 Self-Determined Companion Animal, for youth taking a companion animal not listed as a project above, such as caged birds, pot-bellied pigs, hermit crabs, pet chickens, etc.

For more information regarding General Project Judging, please visit our website.

MGV’s New Demonstration Garden Article #2 – Let’s talk about drip irrigation.

 

MGV’s New Demonstration Garden Article #2   – Let’s talk about drip irrigation.

It’s been just over a month since the Clermont County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) planted the new demonstration vegetable garden and we’re excited to see how much it has grown. As we check in on the progress, we also want to share more about how we care for this garden every day.

The garden is maintained daily by the MGV’s volunteering on a rotating basis from May through October. This rotating schedule is a key part of the garden’s routine maintenance. One person manages the watering, weeding, harvesting, pest management, journaling and other general maintenance needs for three consecutive days.  Then it is passed to the next volunteer to perform the same duties.

 

 

Drip Irrigation: The newest addition

This year, we’ve introduced drip irrigation—a new way to keep the garden watered efficiently and sustainably — and it is already making a big difference.

Setting up drip irrigation for a new garden starts with a simple layout plan. First, decide where your planting rows, raised beds, or containers will be. Then, run a main water supply line (usually a ½” poly tubing) along the garden’s edge or center. From that main line, smaller ¼” tubing—called emitters or drip lines—is run to each plant or bed. Emitters can be spaced out to match plant locations, delivering water slowly and directly to the roots.

 

A pressure regulator and filter are typically added to prevent clogging and ensure a steady flow of water. For the demonstration garden, we connect the system to a standard spigot and manually turn it on as part of our daily routine.

While some systems include a timer, ours operates without one, and watering is managed by volunteers. This manual approach comes with benefits, such flexibility to adapt watering times to weather patterns or specific plant needs.  It also offers a consistent approach to watering and allows the MGVs the opportunity to get to learn and know the system.

 

Benefits of drip irrigation

Water Efficiency
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, right where it’s needed most—at the roots. This targeted method drastically reduces water waste due to evaporation or runoff. Compared to traditional hose or sprinkler methods, it can use 30–60% less water, making it a smart choice for regions facing drought or water-use restrictions.

Healthier Plants
Because drip irrigation provides a consistent level of moisture to the soil, plants experience less stress from overwatering or drying out. The steady hydration promotes strong root systems and even growth. Plus, because water isn’t splashed on the leaves, it helps prevent common problems like mildew, blight, and other fungal diseases.

Weed Control
One unexpected bonus of drip irrigation is that it helps control weeds. Since water is only applied near your desired plants, the surrounding soil stays relatively dry, making it harder for weeds to sprout and thrive. Less weeding means more time to enjoy the garden!

Time-Saving
Although it takes a little effort to set up initially, drip irrigation saves a lot of time in the long run. With the system in place, watering becomes a quick and simple task. For those with access to a timer, the system can even be automated, freeing up more time for other garden tasks—or for just relaxing and enjoying the harvest.

Improved Soil Structure
Drip irrigation promotes better soil health by slowly and evenly distributing water. This gentle watering prevents soil erosion and keeps nutrients from being washed away. In raised beds especially, it helps maintain the ideal balance of moisture without compacting the soil.

Adaptable and Scalable
Drip irrigation systems are highly flexible. Whether you’re watering rows of vegetables, raised beds, or potted plants, the tubing and emitters can be easily arranged to fit your layout. And as your garden grows, the system can grow with it—simply add more lines or connectors as needed.

Low Maintenance
Once installed, drip irrigation is relatively low-maintenance. The main tasks include checking for clogs, occasionally flushing the lines, and replacing worn-out parts as needed. With minimal effort, the system continues to deliver water efficiently all season long.

Environmentally Friendly
By reducing waste and directing water exactly where it’s needed, drip irrigation supports sustainable gardening practices. It helps reduce runoff into storm drains and protects local ecosystems while helping your garden flourish with less environmental impact.

 

We love to have people stop by! The garden grows best when it is shared. If you are ever near the Clermont County Fairgrounds and see someone working in the garden, feel free to stop, ask questions, and check out the space. Or if you need inspiration for your own raised bed drip irrigation system, the garden is always open and available to the public.

 

 

 

 

Article 1 & 2 submitted by Heather Thompson, Clermont County MGV

Fair Pass Order Forms

Fair pass order forms are due to the Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd.

You may drop off order forms in person to OSUE or scan/email to mitchell.2642@osu.edu

Head Advisors must complete the fair pass order form and attach their club roster, with the names of club members and adult volunteers who are eligible for a fair pass. Please mark out the names of any individuals who have not met the minimum requirements. Once your roster is confirmed, the Clermont County Ag Society (aka Senior Fair Board) will prepare your passes.

You will be notified when they are ready for pick up at the Senior Fair Board office. Fair passes must be picked up by an adult advisor, not a youth. Payment will be due at the time of pass pick-up. Please make checks payable to the “Clermont County Ag Society.”

Fair Pass Order Form

OSU Fair Week Events

There is so much to experience during the Clermont County Fair!  OSU Extension hosts a variety of events throughout the week, so be sure to check out the Pre-Fair and Fair Week Events packet for all of the details, guidelines and registration links.

2025 Pre-Fair and Fair Week Events

4-H Outpost Sign Up

🍀4-H Outpost Sign Up is out NOW🍀

Sign up link: go.osu.edu/outpost25

Help support Clermont County 4-H by working a shift in the 4-H Outpost during the fair.

The Outpost is THE fundraiser for the Clermont County 4-H Advisory Committee!

Money raised allows our 4-H program to offer many opportunities for our youth including:

  • scholarships
  • camperships
  • youth/volunteer celebrations
  • stater kits
  • project awards
  • so much more!

We request that each club work 1 shift during fair week. There must be at least 8 youth who are 12 years or older, 1-2 adults at the register, and 1 adult griller. Younger members may be permitted to help with the filling of drinks, but the older members are able to meet the ability requirements more easily.

 

4-H Dog Show Registration

‼️ Attention 4-H Dog Exhibitors🐕

4-H Dog Show Registration is Due June 30th!

Find registration @ go.osu.edu/dogshow25

The 4-H Dog Show will be July 12th in the 4-H Hall.

Check-in will be from 9:00am-9:30am.

Click below for registration and show details👇

Continue reading 4-H Dog Show Registration

Livestock Skillathon Practice Opportunities

‼️ Attention Livestock Exhibitors ‼️

Livestock Skillathon Practices will be held on the following dates in the 4-H Hall!

  • June 18th, 4:00pm-6:00pm
  • June 26th, 4:00pm-7:00pm
  • July 2nd, 5:00pm-7:00pm

🐖Members can review information using the livestock learning kits.

🐄 Members below the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a club advisor.

🐑Older members are encouraged to attend to help teach/quiz younger members!

🦃 If there are any older members willing to supervise a station during one of the skillathon practice dates, please reach out to Carlie Newman @newman.990@osu.edu!

2025 Poultry Pollorum Testing & Market Rabbit Tattooing

🐓Attention Poultry & Rabbit Exhibitors🐇

Pollorum Testing will be:

  • June 14th, 8am-10am
  • June 28th, 8am-10am

Market Rabbit Tattooing will be:

  • June 28th, 10am-12pm

Both will be held in the Rabbit & Poultry Barn.

Click below for details on pollorum testing and rabbit tattooing 👇

Continue reading 2025 Poultry Pollorum Testing & Market Rabbit Tattooing