Name: Livestock Learn and Fun Day
Start: 2026-04-18T08:45:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-18T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Interstate Center

Livestock Learn and Fun Day is a fun-filled day of hands-on experience learning about various species of livestock! Youth will explore a variety of animals while learning simple skills like caring for, showing, judging, and even making ice cream. In the afternoon, youth will be split into three age groups and participate in a rotations of topics. This event is open to all youth ages 8-18. Youth participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen/pencil for taking notes. Please dress for the weather, we will be outside for the duration of the event. Closed-toed shoes are required as youth will be around live animals.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Interstate Center (Will begin at the East end of the Beef/Dairy Barn) - Bloomington, IL
Cost: $15 4-H Members and $20 for youth not currently enrolled in 4-H
Secure your spot at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/livestock-learn-and-fun-day-2026
Registration includes:
3, self-selected, Morning Sessions
Lunch
3 Afternoon Rotations that will include:
Livestock Skillathon
Vet Science and First Aid
Livestock Judging
All workshop supplies
Swag Items
Schedule:
8:45 - 9:00 Check-in
9:05 Welcome and Pledges
9:10 - 9:45 Session 1
9:50 - 10:25 Session 2
10:30 - 11:05 Session 3
11:10 - 11:40 Lunch
11:45 - 12:40 Rotation 1
12:45 - 1:40 Rotation 2
1:45 - 2:40 Rotation 3
2:45 - 3:00 Wrap-up and Evaluations
Morning Session Choices:
Beef Cattle - Introduction to artificial insemination
Dairy Cattle - Judging fundamentals
Poultry - Proper show preparation and handling
Sheep - Basic fitting and show preparation
Horse - Judging fundamentals
Swine - Understanding and practicing ear notching
Meat Goat - Bathing and show-day care
Dairy Goat - Making dairy goat ice cream
Rabbits - Proper show preparation and handling
Space is limited and registration will close at 11:55 p.m. on Monday, April 6.
All non-active 4-H youth must complete an assumption of risk form. To complete registration for non-4-H members, payment, assumption of risk form, and the photo release form must be received by your local Extension office within 7 days of registering online.
If you are in need of financial assistance for this event or need more information, contact Myla Munro, [email protected], or Mikayla Peters, [email protected], or call the McLean County Extension Office at (309) 663-8306.