All items pertaining to 4-H Project Interview Judging can be found on this page.

JFB members are expected to assist with project judging. FFB members are expected to assist with project judging on July 14 and July 22.

Don't hesitate to contact us with project questions.
however, do not wait until judging week as there will be no one in the office to assist you.

 

Quick Links:

 

Project Guidelines

All project guidelines are available online. Guidelines need completed for Interview Judging. Members taking more than one project in the same interest area need to complete guidelines for each project and cannot use the same items to support both projects.

For a member to achieve the progression of goals needed for development, 4-H projects must be separate and different from those carried in other organizations such as FHA/HERO, FFA, Scouts, Camp Fire, grange, church, and school (including industrial arts class, science fairs, etc.).

Click here for the Guidelines page.

Project Completion and Interview Judging

Click here for a printable pdf version of the Project Completion and Judging Overview.

All projects must be judged no later than August 7, 2026.

  • 4-H Project Interview Judging - All members are required to attend an Interview Judging evaluation to receive a project grade. All projects are evaluated using individual project guidelines. Members are strongly encouraged to attend at their club's scheduled time.
  • Make Up Judging - Make Up Judging can be scheduled through July 1, 2026. Members enrolled in livestock projects attending make-up judging will be ineligible for OME or top interview awards. Miscellaneous project members attending make up judging are not eligible to serve as a project delegate to the Ohio State Fair. Any member who is unable to participate in regularly scheduled 4-H Project Interview Judging may participate in Make Up Judging. Make Up Judging will take place at Broadway Global Methodist Church (120 Church Ave. SE, New Philadelphia) on Wednesday, July 22. Not having a project ready in time for regularly scheduled judging is not a suitable reason to be judged after the fact.

 

4-H Newsletters

Please read our bi-weekly 4-H program updates emailed directly from 4-H Online. Most answers to immediate 4-H programming can be found there. Click here to read the updates.

Winning 4-H Plan (w4hp)

Formerly the Member Evaluation Form.

Members who selected “Yes” for the Winning 4-H Plan (W4HP) on their 4-H Online enrollment will be contacted to review requested accommodations. As a part of The Ohio State University, Ohio 4-H must make all aspects of 4-H, including programming, projects, facilities, and activities, accessible to people with disabilities. Creating access is more than ensuring the member can attend 4-H events and fairs, it includes choosing an appropriate project, holding meetings and activities in accessible spaces, and including all members in all activities. Click here for the fillable form.

Ohio 4-H and OSU Extension, as part of The Ohio State University, are required to provide reasonable accommodations and access through Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973. This civil rights law prevents discrimination because of having a disability. Unlike secondary schools, the family is responsible for seeking services, and an IEP does not directly transfer to 4-H. Although 4-H participants are typically secondary school students, the accommodations process is like that of college students. Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education may help families set expectations for accommodations within 4-H.

Advisors are not to complete the form on behalf of the member/family.

Dress Code

Cothing and footwear need to be neat, clean, and appropriate for a professional office interview. No blue jeans or shorts. Shirts/tops and skirt length should be conservative. Wear appropriate shoes (no flip flops). Members in livestock projects may wear neat, clean, appropriate show attire.

Pillars of character

The Pillars of Character can be found in the animal resource handbooks. This is not required for Miscellaneous projects.

Pillars of Character

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Judging Schedules

Project Interview Judging will be held July 13-16 and July 22, 2026

  • Monday, July 13: Equine (includes #173 Horseless Horse); Swine
  • Monday, July 13: Dog (#201O Obedience, #201S Showmanship, and #201P Performance) and Shooting Sports (#630 Safe Use of Guns, #631 Basic Archery, and #700 series Shooting Sports)
  • Tuesday, July 14: FCS Related (includes #492 Cake Decorating, #497 Scrapbooking); Food and Nutrition; Miscellaneous (includes #200 All About Dogs, #201D You and Your Dog, and #588 The Writer in You)
  • Wednesday, July15: Goats, Poultry, and Rabbits (includes #228PE Pet Rabbit)
  • Thursday, July 16: Beef, Dairy, and Sheep
  • Wednesday, July 22: Clothing and Style Review (Style Review begins at 7:00 p.m.). Members enrolled in clothing projects were mailed letters June 16 with their individualized judging time. Note: Members will have a letter for each clothing project they are taking. Clothing and Style Review will be held at Broadway Global Methodist Church, 120 Church Ave. SE, New Philadelphia.

#201O Dog Obedience, #201 Performance, and #201S Showmanship - Please check with the Dog Key Leaders as to specific information.

#588 The Writer in You - Writings are due to the Extension office before Noon on Friday, June 26, 2026. Interview Judging will be Tuesday, July 14 during your club's scheduled time. This project is once again State Fair eligible.

Shooting Sports Projects (#700 Series) - The Shooting Sports program is designed for 4-H members ages 9 to 18 (4-H age). Judging will be Monday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Clover Cafe.

Project Ratings, Premium Requirements, and Payments

Members's presentation and attitude will affect project rating. All premiums are paid by the Tuscarawas County Agricultural Society based on project rating received at 4-H Interview Judging.

Gold - $8

  • Exceptional project knowledge.
  • Work exhibits extra effort with individual initiative to go above and beyond the project requirements.
  • A thorough understanding of proper methods to complete project.

Silver - $7

  • Very knowledgeable of project subject matter.
  • Completed project requirements.
  • Project presented in a neat and organized manner.

Bronze - $6

  • Adequate project knowledge.
  • Has made effort towards completing requirements and project presentation.

Participation - None

  • Shows little effort towards completing requirements and presentation.

2026 Interview Judging Results

Results will be posted as soon as they are available. Please DO NOT call the office to see when they will be posted or to find a member's placing.

Note: Livestock Judging Results will be announced during each respective species show at the fair.

  • Horseless Horse
  • FCS Related and Miscellaneous
  • Food and Nutrition, Cake Decoration
  • Dogs
  • Self-Determined
  • Pet Rabbit
  • Clothing (members are notified at Style Review of State Fair selection)
  • Shooting Sports, Safe Use of Guns, and Basic Archery

Members selected for State Fair participation are denoted with a star. Selected participants who are unable to attend State Fair need to notify the Extension office as soon as possible so we may notify the alternate if necessary.

State Fair Orientation

Members selected for State Fair in FCS Related or Miscellaneous project areas are highly encouraged to attend - along with parent/guardian - the State Fair Orientation meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 9-10 a.m. at the Clover Café at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. Information about State Fair project judging, maps, and passes will be distributed. Extension staff will be able to provide additional project guidance and answer any questions you may have about project judging at the State Fair.

If you are not able to attend the orientation meeting, State Fair packets for members will be available for pick up beginning the afternoon (no earlier than 1:00 p.m.) of Monday, July 20, 2026.

State Fair 4-H Project Guidebook (Listing of project judging days - see which day your project will be judged.)

Selected participants who are unable to attend the State Fair need to notify the Extension office as soon as possible so we may notify the alternate if necessary.