In-Person & Virtual Ohio Youth Skillathons
Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2025, and FFA members. 4-H and FFA members turning 19 on or before December 31, 2024, are too old to participate in skillathons.
Find all the details and rules here: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-animal-sciences-program/ohio-4-h-skillathons
RULES:
- There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- 2025 In-Person & Market (OME) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
- 2025 Virtual Proctored Breeding (OBE) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
- Outstanding Exhibitor Rules (OME and OBE)
- Record Book Rules
- All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2025, and FFA members.
- You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon (EXCEPT FOR BREEDING SKILLATHON).
- Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
- Virtual participation skillathons will be delivered through Qualtrics. You must have access to a computer with the ability to access the internet.
- Even though virtual Skillathons are online, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
- (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Sheep, and Swine.
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species OBE skillathon
- In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
- Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species in-person skillathon
- There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules.
- Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
- If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
- Youth will be required to show proof of Winning 4-H Plan, IEP, or other appropriate and current documentation to receive accommodations.
- Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.
How to Register for Virtual Skillathons:
- Open from May 26th – October 13th, Online.
- There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
- This may also replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
- If you are using this skillathon for credit at your county fair, check for specific completion requirements with your fair.
- Species Links Below: