The Union County Jr. High 4-H team recently competed in the Eastern Region Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Skill-A-Thon, held in McMinn County. This hands-on contest gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as food and nutrition, child development, clothing and textiles, and housing and interior design. Participants rotate through a series of skill stations where they solve real-world problems and apply what they have learned.

Learn to make cornbread at a free workshop on September 24, hosted by Union County 4H. Agent Abigail Thomas will teach you all you need to know to stir up and bake some warm buttery cornbread.

Attendees will demonstrate their skills at the October 4 Union County Heritage Festival.

Call 865-992-8038 or email athomas@utk.edu to sign up and reserve your spot for either cornbread making or demonstrating. Better hurry. Spaces will fill up fast!

March is always a special time for UT Extension offices across Tennessee as we celebrate Extension Month, highlighting the vital role Extension plays in strengthening families, supporting agriculture, and empowering youth. UT Extension Union County is proud to serve our community by providing research-based education and hands-on learning opportunities for farmers, families, youth and community leaders.

The Union County 4-H Public Speaking Contest showcased the talent and hard work of our youth, highlighting their dedication to honing skills that will help shape them into future leaders. Held at Horace Maynard Middle School, this year’s competition was a resounding success, and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our judges, who generously gave their time and expertise to evaluate the speeches. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of your role in encouraging these young participants.

Get Your Limited-Edition TN State Swine Show Shirts – Now Online!
Due to the weather at the event, we have extra TN State Swine Show shirts featuring 4-H and FFA logos! These shirts are perfect for showing your support for youth in agriculture and make amazing gifts!
Available Options:

Hoodies: tiny.utk.edu/Hoodie

Long Sleeves: tiny.utk.edu/LongSleeveSwine

These shirts are available in a variety of sizes and are the perfect keepsake or gift for any 4-H or FFA supporter. Don’t miss out on this limited opportunity!

Throughout the years the Union County Homemakers have assisted the Agents in the Extension Office.

Retired Agents Bill and Debbie Morgan have helped with the Home School 4-H Programs. Bill has taught classes on how to make Blue Bird house and Debbie teaches sewing classes. They do so much more and our county benefits from their lessons.

Union County’s own 10-year-old Reed Reno has excelled in the 2024 show season, achieving impressive results in the Tennessee Swine Show Circuit (TSSC) for 4-H swine exhibitions. Representing Union County across multiple divisions, Reed’s dedication and skill have set him apart in competitive categories.

The Swine Program, established in 1943 in Union County, began with twenty-six 4-H members raising pigs. Over the years, the program has thrived, with participants showcasing their livestock at the Union Stock Yards.

In the 1941 records of Union County Extensions, the 4-H programs began to expand into local schools. The inaugural 4-H Chick Program was launched in Union County, providing 50 chicks to seventeen 4-H students, who received a loan of $9.50 to cover the cost of the chicks and feed. The first Chick Sale took place in 1955, featuring 125 pullets that averaged $1.25 each.

The Union County Heritage Festival showcased remarkable talent and skill from both youth and adult participants in this year's 4-H Youth and Adults Exhibits. The annual event featured a variety of categories, from sewing and needle art to canned goods and farm-fresh eggs. The Union County community came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of its members.