Ohio Youth Skillathon Information

2023 Ohio Youth Skillathons

Welcome to the 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathons. We want to support the continued learning needs of youth livestock and companion animal exhibitors throughout Ohio, so Ohio State University Extension and the Department of Animal Sciences are pleased to offer in-person and virtual Skillathons again this year. NEW IN 2023: we are introducing a proctored virtual breeding Skillathon at the Ohio State Fair for the species with Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor Programs (for more information please visit the Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine Skillathon Sections). 

Our 4-H Animal Sciences team will conduct online Ohio Youth Skillathons this year to provide a chance for youth to practice as well as to provide another opportunity for county fair skillathon credit; no awards will be involved. These Skillathons will include similar educational materials, by species, that are evaluated at the Ohio State Fair. In-person Skillathons and OBE Skillathons will be at the Ohio State Fair and youth participating at the youth livestock shows will have an opportunity to compete.

Save the dates for the species you want to participate in and put your 4-H project knowledge to the test! Times, details about rules, and registration are provided on this page. If you have questions about the Ohio 4-H Skillathon, contact us at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.

2023 Ohio Youth Skillathon Calendar

 

For more information about dates and topics, please visit the individual species pages linked below:

Rules	Virtual Skillathon	Skillathon Team
Beef	Goat	Rabbit
Cavy	Horse	Sheep
Dairy	Llama/Alpaca	Swine
Dog	Poultry	General Resources

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2023, and FFA members. 4-H and FFA members turning 19 on or before December 31, 2022, are too old to participate in skillathons.

 

RULES:

• There is no pre-registration for any of the 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
• 2023 In-Person & Market (OME) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 5.25.2023)
• 2023 Virtual Proctored Breeding (OBE) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 5.25.2023)
• 2023 Outstanding Market Exhibitor Rules (posted 6.13.2023)
• 2023 Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor Rules (posted 6.13.2023)
• 2023 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, 2023, 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 mobile device or 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.
• NEW: (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Goat, 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.
• 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 30th - October 20th, Online. 
• There is no pre-registration for any of the 2023 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: 
  • Beef
  • Cavy
  • Dairy
  • Dog
  • Goat
  • Horse
  • Llama / Alpaca
  • Poultry
  • Rabbit
  • Sheep
  • Swine
• If you have any questions, please contact 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.

 

Interested in our Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team?

Click HERE

Beef Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

(OBE) Breeding Beef Skillathon: Monday, July 24 & Friday, July 28, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
• The Beef OBE skillathon is only open to beef-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Beef Skillathon

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Meat Science, Characteristics & Identification, Medication & Treatment, Health
• OBE: Reproduction, Medication & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Pregnancy & Parturition
• In-Person: Meat Science, Environmental Stewardship, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion

 

2023 Resources to Study

• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Resource Book
• 4H Activity Guide
• Beef Quality Assurance Transportation LMS - Course: BQA Transportation Certification: Farmer and Rancher (beeflearningcenter.org)
• Body Condition Scoring of Cows | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)
• Bos Taurus 3 Body Condition Scoring | UNL Beef
• Finished Steers – Rocking 711 Ranch
• Livestock Resources
• Cattle Mud and Manure Scores
• Beef Meat Cuts Video
• Design of Curved Cattle Corrals, Yards, Races, and Chutes

 

Results 2023

Breeding Skillathon

• Individual Results (top 10 by age) 

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age

Record Book

OME

OBE

See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)

See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)

See Individual Results (OBE Scores)

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Cavy Skillathon

2023 

Virtual Only: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online.

• Skillathon Link
• This may be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Cavy Characteristics, Anatomy, Health and Parasites, and Medication & Treatment

 

2023 Resources to Study (Virtual)

• Cavy Resource Handbook
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Activity Guide
• American Cavy Breeders Association

• Linn County Fair 4H Cavy Study Guide

• Dutchess County 4-H Record Book Cloverbud Cavy

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Dairy Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

In-Person: Tuesday, August 1^st, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Dairy Characteristics & Selection, Mammary Function & Dairy Products, Anatomy & Physiology, Health & Treatment
• In-Person: Nutrition & Digestion, Health & Treatment, Reproduction, Animal Handling & Crop Management 

 

2023 Resources to Study

• Dairy Resource Handbook    
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Ohio 4-H Dairy Cattle Resources
• 4H Activity Guide
• Manure Scoring
  • Using Manure Evaluation to Enhance Dairy Cattle Nutrition
  • Manure Scoring Video
• Design of Curved Cattle Corrals, Yards, Races, and Chutes

 

Results 2023

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age
• See Individual Results (Skillathon)

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Dog Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

In-Person: Tuesday, July 18^th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

 

2023 Skillathon Stations  

• Virtual: Characteristics, Handling, Anatomy & Physiology, Health & Treatment
• In-Person: Anatomy, Health & Hazards, Breeds, Parasites

 

2023 Resources to Study

• Ohio 4-H Dog Resources   
• Dog Resource Handbook
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Oklahoma 4H Activity Guide
• Major Organs of Dogs and Their Functions (ukessays.com)
• Facts About Your Dog's Spleen | FirstVet
• Structure and Function of the Spleen in Dogs (petplace.com)
• Introduction to Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Dogs - Dog Owners - MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)
• Weimaraner Club of America
• Dog Paws: Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Dog's Foot - AZ Animals (a-z-animals.com)
• Flat Feet In Dogs – How To Treat it? - Straignt Feet (straightfeet.com)
• How to Correct Splayed Feet Dog? [Comprehensive Answer] - Nahf.org

 

Results 2023

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results (top 10 by age) PDF Version
• Age Winners with overall Champion

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Goat Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

(OBE) Breeding Goat Skillathon: Tuesday, July 18, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
• The Goat OBE skillathon is only open to goat-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Friday, July 21, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Goat Skillathon

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Anatomy & Characteristics, Management & Handling, Nutrition & Digestion, Medication & Treatment
• OBE: Reproduction & Parturition, Animal Handling & Medication, Nutrition & Digestion, Anatomy
• In-Person: Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Animal Handling 

 

2023 Resources to Study

• Ohio 4-H Livestock Resources   
• Goat Resource Handbook
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• 4H Activity Guide
• Scrapie Tag Information
• Scrapie Information

• The Guide to Identifying Meat Cuts

• Goat Meat Cuts Video
• External Parasites of Goat
• How to Ear Tag a Goat

 

Results 2023

Breeding Skillathon

• Individual Results

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age

Record Book

OME

OBE

See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)

See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)

See Individual Results (OBE Scores)

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Horse Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

In-Person: Monday, July 17, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy, Nutrition, Medication & Treatment
• In-Person: External Anatomy, Gaits, Forages, Internal Anatomy

2023 Resources to Study

• Ohio 4-H Horse Resources
• Horse Smarts: An Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide by American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Hoof Health

• Conformation of The Horse

• Feed Tags

• Nutrient Classification

• How do I help my horse's dry, cracked feet?

• Horseshoe Clips

• The Heart Bar: A Precision Horseshoe For Laminitis

• Keeping Laminitic Horses Comfortable

• Laminitis

• The PATENT BAR SHOE

• Specialized Shoes

• Patent Bar Horseshoe

• Shoeing for Sport Horse Injuries

• Common Horse Hoof Problems

• Laminitis diagnosis, prevention and treatment

• Toe Cracks

• Horse Teeth Anatomy And Function [Pictures & Animations]

• ALL EQUIDS NEED ROUTINE DENTAL CARE

• Common Equine Dental Problems

• Dental Disorders of Horses

• Incisors – Decay And EOTRH

Results 2023

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results 
• Age Winners with overall Junior and Senior Champions

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Llama/Alpaca Skillathon

2023

Virtual Only: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This may be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy & Handling, Medication & Treatment, Selection

2023 Resources to Study (Virtual)

• Llama & Alpaca Resource Handbook
• Alpaca Academy
• Injections

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Poultry Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

In-Person: Wednesday, August 2, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Poultry Skillathon

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Poultry Products, Meat Science & Anatomy, Characteristics, Medication & Treatment
• In-Person: Nutrition & Animal Handling, Eggs, Animal Welfare, Medication & Treatment

2023 Resources to Study

• Poultry Project and Record Book
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Egg Problems and Deficiencies
• Poultry Cuts
• Colorado State University Animal Study Guide
• Breeds

• Approved Drugs for Poultry

• Veterinary Manual

• How to care for Bumblefoot in chickens.

• Bumblefoot in Chickens: The Complete Care and Treatment Guide

• Defects and Disqualifications

• Performing a Physical Exam on a Chicken

• FROSTBITE IN CHICKENS

• SIDE SPRIGS

• Common Crop Issues in Backyard Chickens

• Scissors Beak

• OSU Feed Kit Activities

• A Dozen Egg Abnormalities

• Common Problems with Egg Quality

• SPACE ALLOWANCES IN HOUSING FOR SMALL AND BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCKS

• RAISING MEAT CHICKENS IN SMALL OR BACKYARD FLOCKS

• BROODING POULTRY HATCHLINGS

• Nutrition for Backyard Chicken Flocks

• Broiler Management Guide.pdf

• POULTRY DISEASES AFFECTING THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Ohio 4-H Poultry Resources - especially the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) Important Information

  • Mineral Deficiencies in Poultry

  • Raising Commercial Ducks as a 4-H or FFA Project

  • Raising Ducks Intended for Consumption
  • Egg Problems and Deficiencies

Results 2023

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age

See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)

Record Book

OME

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Rabbit Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

In-Person: Friday, August 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Characteristics, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition & Digestion, Medication & Treatment
• In-Person: Animal Welfare & Handling, Reproduction, Digestion, Health & Treatment 

2023 Resources to Study

• Ohio 4-H Rabbit Resources   
• Ohio 4-H Resource Book
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide

• 4-H CLOVERBUD Rabbit Project

• Purdue Rabbit Activities

• Instructions for Tattooing Rabbits

• Michigan State: Rabbit Tracks: Feeds and Feeding

• Reproductive System of Rabbit (With Diagram) | Chordata | Zoology

• The rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus)

• Types of Rabbit Hay & Grass

Results 2023

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age
• See Individual Results (Skillathon)

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Sheep Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

(OBE) Breeding Sheep Skillathon: Monday, July 31 & Wednesday, August 2^nd, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
• The Sheep OBE skillathon is only open to sheep-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Tuesday, July 25, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Sheep Skillathon

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Characteristics, Meat Science, Identification, Medication & Treatment
• OBE: Reproduction, Teeth, Parturition & Wool, Breeds & Genetics
• In-Person: Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition & Digestion, Animal Welfare & Handling

2023 Resources to Study

• Sheep Resource Handbook
• Livestock Resources
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Livestock Activities
• Sheep Meat Cuts Video
• Scrapie Tag Information
• Scrapie Information

• Northwest Livestock Expo 2017 SHEEP STUDY GUIDE

• Male ruminant reproductive tract - Dissection video

Results 2023

Breeding Skillathon

• Individual Results (top 10 by age) 

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age

Record Book

OME

OBE

See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)

See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)

See Individual Results (OBE Scores)

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Swine Skillathon

2023

Virtual: Open from May 30th - October 20th, Online. 

• Skillathon Link
• This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons. 
• This may also be used to replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements). 

(OBE) Breeding Swine Skillathon: Friday, July 28, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
• The Swine OBE skillathon is only open to swine-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

• Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete at the in-person Swine Skillathon

 

2023 Skillathon Stations

• Virtual: Characteristics & ID, Meat Science, Health & Treatment, Nutrition 
• OBE: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & Treatment, Genetics & Selection
• In-Person: Meat Science, Animal Welfare & Handling, Reproduction, Health & Treatment 

2023 Resources to Study

• Livestock Resources   
• Swine Resource Handbook
• 2023 – GPPs 1, 3, & 6 from QA study guide
• Swine Meat Cuts Video
• Livestock Activities

• Proper Way to Ear Notch Pigs

• Common Swine Industry Audit

• Common Internal Parasites of Swine

• EXTERNAL PARASITES ON SWINE

• Zoonotic Disease Risk and Prevention

• Nutrient Classification Factsheet

• Over the Counter Medication Moving to Prescription (AS-Y-6-23)

Results 2023

Breeding Skillathon

• Individual Results (top 10 by age) 

In-Person Skillathon

• Individual Results
• Top Ten By Age

Record Book

OME

OBE

See Individual Results (Skillathon & OME)

See Individual Results (OBE Skillathon)

See Individual Results (OBE Scores)

Back To Species Menu

 

General Resources

ANIMAL SCIENCE TEAM FACTSHEETS

NUTRITION

• Nutrient Classification Factsheet

• OSU Feed Kit Activities

OTHER

• Over the Counter Medication Moving to Prescription (AS-Y-6-23)

Ruminants

BEEF

• Livestock Resources
• QA Study Guide
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book
• Beef Meat Cuts Video
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book

DAIRY

• Ohio 4-H Dairy Cattle Resources
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book

GOAT

• Goat Meat Cuts Video
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book

SHEEP

• Sheep Meat Cuts Video
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book
• Learning Lab Kit

Non-Ruminants

DOG

POULTRY

• Ohio 4-H Poultry Resources
• Poultry Project and Record Book
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book

RABBIT

• Ohio 4-H Rabbit Resources   
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book

SWINE

• Swine Meat Cuts Video
• Learning Lab Kit
• Resource Book's

Equine

• Horse Smarts: An Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide by American Youth Horse Council (AYHC)
• Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms by New Horizons Equine Education Center, Inc., Alpine Publications
• Horse Anatomy, A Coloring Atlas by R. Kainer and T. McCracken, Alpine Publications
• Feeding and Care of the Horse (2nd Edition) by L.D. Lewis, Wiley-Blackwell

Social Media

Facebook

 

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Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team

2022 Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team

2022 Ohio 4-H Skillathon Team

The Ohio 4-H State Skillathon Team recently traveled to #NAILE to compete in the National 4-H Skillathon Contest, where they earned 5^th high in identification, 6th high in quality assurance, 10th high in evaluation, and 9^th overall team. Team member Jael Michelson received the honors of being named 12^thhigh individual. Congratulations to this team for representing #Ohio4H at the national contest!

Competing members this year included: 

-John Smock 

-Adrianna Meyer 

-Jael Michelson 

-Molly Broadman 

 

A special thank you to our coaches for their dedication to the team. 

-Benjamin Wenner

- Andrea Rees

-Hunter Frobose

If you are interested in becoming a part of future State Skillathon teams, plan to compete in at least 1 of the Ohio State Fair #Skillathons in beef, swine, sheep, or goats. You must be at least 14 years old by Jan 1 and need to place in the top 3 for your age group to qualify for the team in August.

If you would like to help support future 4-H'ers studying and traveling to compete at NAILE for the National 4-H Skillathon Contest, consider making a tax-deductible contribution today: https://go.osu.edu/donatestate4hskillathons

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Contact: MacKenzie Dore (Program Assistant, dore.12@osu.edu)