2026 4-H Laying Flock Project

The 4-H Laying Flock Project is designed for youth that already have chickens at home and are not interested in raising new birds from 4-H this year, or they will aquire chicks on their own before May 15, 2026. Participants in this project have the same opportunities to show as those in the 4-H Pullet Chain.

Guidelines

• Age Divisions: (all ages are as of January 1, 2026)

• Each youth will receive a project record book that must be completed and turned in to their local 4-H Agent at the conclusion of the project. Books will be judged locally and the top books from each county will advance to regional/state judging where additional awards may be earned. Books are returned to youth following judging.

• Youth are expected to show in a minimum of one showmanship show during the project year. The Show season begins near the end of August and continues through the first week of November. There are currently plans for many shows across the state. There should be one close to you.

Registration

• Open to youth 5-18 years of age, as of January 1, 2026.

• Cost is $10 per participant.

Timeline for 2026 Laying Flock Project

• May 1, 2026 at 11:30PM: Your registration and payment must be received by 4-H.

• Mid May: Youth will receive their project record book.

• August: Showmanship Clinics should be available across the state.

• September through November: Showmanship Show season (Show dates and registration information will start to be announced by the end of July)

Note: A one time $15 4-H membership fee is required per year per participant. Youth who are already 4-H members for the 2025-2026 Project Year do not have to pay it again. It is also important to note that this project spans two 4-H Project Years. The 2026-2027 Project year begins on September 1, 2026. Youth will have to reenroll at that time in order to participate in fall shows. Joining 4-H is easy. Follow this link to learn how:

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Host or Publisher South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program