Registration is now open for the 2025–26 Highlands Youth Citrus Project. This project is for local youth members ages 8 and up as of Sept. 1, 2025. The deadline to register is March 24. Participants can register here.
This program is designed to teach youth about the citrus industry by providing all the materials necessary to grow and sell a healthy citrus tree at the Highlands County Fair. At the beginning of the project, youth purchase a tree kit for $30, which includes a pot, soil, Tree Defender and a young citrus tree. Participants will attend citrus informational meetings, complete a record book and present an illustrated talk or submit a display board about a citrus-related topic of their choosing.
Throughout this 10-month project, citrus trees are required to remain in the pot provided, in certified soil and covered by a Tree Defender. Exhibitors are trained to prune, fertilize, identify pests and provide other necessary care to grow a healthy, disease-free tree.
Participants will finish their project by submitting their citrus tree into the Highlands County Fair to sell in the silent auction. The grand champion and reserve grand champion citrus trees are sold during the Junior Livestock live auction. Last year’s grand champion citrus tree, grown by Everli Himrod, sold to High Groves for $2,600. The reserve grand champion citrus tree, grown by Teigan Giller, sold to Superior Metal Buildings for $2,900.
Last year’s supply donors were Ward’s Nursery (citrus trees), Harrell’s Fertilizer (certified soil) and Tree Defender (individual protective covers). Somers Irrigation, Barben Fruit Company, Robbins Nursery and the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association provided an add-on to each exhibitor.
For questions about the Highlands Youth Citrus Project or to become a sponsor or provide an add-on, contact Alexis Cooper at the 4-H Office at apontius@ufl.edu or 863-402-6540.
Source: Highlands County Citrus Growers Association
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