Several southeast Iowa 4-H members earned recognition at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, where more than 2,450 youth exhibitors displayed 3,378 static exhibits in the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, according to a press release from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“The exhibits showcased by Iowa 4-H members reflect months of dedication, creativity and hands-on learning,” said Gail Castillo, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H exhibits building superintendent. “Each exhibit tells a unique story of growth and achievement, highlighting the skills, knowledge and confidence young people have gained through their 4-H experiences over the past year.”
Van Buren County
Two Van Buren County members earned special recognition. Logan Plowman of Van Buren County received an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognition for a crop production and plant science exhibit on cover crops and soil erosion. Kennadi Albert of Van Buren County earned a Judge’s Choice Purple Rosette in the Food and Nutrition Educational Display category — one of the highest honors available in the exhibits building, awarded to exhibits that exceed expectations for blue ribbon standards.
Mahaska County
Two Mahaska County members were recognized. Brie Marshall of Mahaska County received an ISU College of Health and Human Sciences scholarship for a citizenship and civic engagement exhibit about donated beehives. Eliza Van Zante of Mahaska County earned a Judge’s Choice Purple Rosette in the Visual Arts: Design, Process or Technique Exploration category.
Marion County
Two Marion County members received Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognition. Isaac Book received recognition for a conservation, environment and sustainability exhibit on tallgrass prairie, and Jonathan Book received recognition for an agriculture and natural resources exhibit about sustainable agriculture. Isaac Book also received an ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences scholarship for the same tallgrass prairie exhibit.
Davis County
Weldon Howard of Davis County received an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognition for an entomology exhibit on bee populations.
About the Program
Youth showcased cumulative learning projects across a wide range of categories including agriculture and natural resources, food and nutrition, home improvement, consumer management, child development, science, engineering and technology, visual arts, photography, personal development, clothing and fashion, and sewing and needle arts.
The Iowa 4-H Exhibits Building highlights the learning that takes place through the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, where young people gain valuable life skills through hands-on projects and experiences. For more information, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
