July  15, 2026 

Fair season is underway across Kansas, and the coming weeks will be some of the busiest of the year for agents, volunteers, and families. Sometimes we need to be reminded of why this work matters and how it connects to Beyond Ready.

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Please save Tuesday, August 18, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. (CST) to join us as your 4-H Team will share the items you will need to prepare your local extension unit for the new 4-H year. Don’t worry, we will have a break built into this meeting, as no one likes sitting in a meeting for two hours straight without a break! A calendar invite has been sent to the KSE listserv, and the webinar link will be added to the invite later.   Additionally, be on the lookout for a meeting packet in the mail in the coming weeks.

Planning is underway for the 27th annual Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, November 21-22, 2026, at Rock Springs 4-H Ranch. The theme for the forum this year is “Lead with Peace, Serve with Love, Grow with 4-H”.

This event, designed for youth ages 14-18, will include speakers, workshops, and the election of the 2027 Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council.

We are currently recruiting proposals for workshops. The Youth Council hopes you will be interested in sharing your expertise and talents through this opportunity. Workshops will be offered in two sessions on Saturday, November 21, 2026: 
•    2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (session #1)
•    3:15 - 4:15 p.m. (session #2)

Workshop topics should center on leadership development, reflecting Kansas 4-H’s commitment to helping young people discover their SPARK—the interests and passions that motivate them—and grow into confident, capable leaders. Sessions may address a variety of leadership-related areas, including professionalism, decision-making, career preparation, workplace skills, citizenship, character development, communication, conflict management, ethics, motivation, initiative, leading by example, and time management. Additional topics might explore using resources effectively, goal setting, leadership beyond high school, community involvement, international citizenship, diversity and inclusion, and business etiquette. We are especially interested in proposals that bring fresh, creative, and engaging approaches to these subjects, helping us offer a dynamic, up-to-date selection of workshops that strengthen leadership skills and inspire youth to succeed in their schools, workplaces, and communities. 

Proposals are due July 22, 2026.
Find the letter and submission link under Event Details and Information.

“Stars, Stripes, & Wagging Tails” is the theme of the 2026 Kansas 4-H Dog Conference scheduled for October 17 & 18 at Rock Springs Ranch.  Think about celebrating our 250th anniversary and the freedoms of the United States of America as you design a logo to be used for this year’s conference.   
All Kansas 4-H dog project members are invited to participate in the logo design contest by emailing a drawing of your idea in JPEG format to Jill Martinson at martinso@ksu.edu by August 5, 2026.  The winning design will be used by our graphic designers as a basis for the logo to be used for conference t-shirts, hoodies, and promotional materials.  The winning designer will be awarded their choice of a t-shirt or hoodie featuring their “Stars, Stripes, & Wagging Tails” design.

Kansas 4-H and HirePaths have teamed up a second year to bring you the Cool Careers Video Contest, so here’s the chance to become director, cinematographer, editor and/or producer of your own video - AND learn a few skills along the way!

This competition allows members to learn about a career and then produce a video to create their own episode of the series Cool Careers.
Youth will select a profession within one of the 4-H projects in which they are
enrolled for the current year. Non-4-H members may select a career from the list of 4-H projects, or choose a profession of interest.  All participants will film,
edit and publish an original video (4-10 minutes in length) about a professional working in this field and their career. These videos should be geared towards a youth 4 - 8 grade audience to inspire and introduce them to the exciting opportunities in the selected field of work. Participants will use the provided creative assets to ensure the video looks like the official Cool Careers series.
Cool careers contest participation helps youth learn skills that will be helpful with future internships and employment opportunities. It's also a great addition to project record book forms, especially if youth want their books to compete at a regional or state level!
New this year: 
1. Open to both 4-H and non-4-H members
2. Sponsored prize package of $1000 will be awarded to top five videos.
3. Awards ceremony at the Kansas State Fair.

Check out the contest guidelines, registration link, scoring rubric, creative assets and other helpful information at Kansas4-H.org

All submissions and media releases are due Sunday, August 2, 2026!

Kansas 4-H members are invited to experience one of the state’s most important crops in an exciting and hands-on way at the Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo! This annual event brings agriculture to life by combining education, competition, and fun into one unforgettable day.

The 2026 Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo will be held on August 4th at the Butler County Community Building, 206 West Griffith, El Dorado, KS. Youth from across the state will gather to test their knowledge and skills through a variety of engaging, wheat-focused activities and attend agricultural tours in the area. From identifying wheat varieties to evaluating grain quality and solving real-world challenges, participants connect classroom concepts to the agriculture industry that surrounds them every day.

The Wheat Expo is designed for all experience levels and open to families. First-time participants can explore new topics and build foundational skills, while experienced members can sharpen their expertise and grow as leaders. Along the way, youth gain more than just agricultural knowledge—they also develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them far beyond the event.

One of the highlights of the day is the opportunity to connect with other 4-H members, Extension professionals, and industry supporters who share a passion for agriculture. Participants will tour the Kansas agriculture industry in the area to learn more about career opportunities. These connections help youth see the wide range of opportunities available in agricultural careers and inspire them to continue learning and growing.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting statewide event! Registration is due by July 15th and can be completed online at https://bit.ly/4hwheatexpo.

🌟 Join us at the Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo, where curiosity is cultivated, skills are strengthened, and future leaders in agriculture are grown! 🌟

The 2026-27 4-H Wheat Variety Plot program begins in the fall of 2026 with planting and wraps up in the fall of 2027 with the State 4-H Wheat Variety Plot displays at the Kansas State Fair. The 4-H Wheat Variety Plot program is open to all 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H Agronomy project who have an interest in studying how different wheat variety perform in their part of the state. 4-H members are encouraged to work closely with their local agriculture agent and/or an adult mentor. The 4-H Wheat Varieties are meant to be hands-on experience for youth and set in a similar way as local Extension Wheat Variety plots. Local Extension Agents are encouraged to reach out to youth to promote the program and recruit participants.

Members should contact their local Extension Office by July 15 for information with enrollments due to the State 4-H Office by August 1, 2026, in order that we can have enough seed and metal signs available for Extension agents and leaders to pick up at the designated locations in the fall. Extension Agents should complete registration here. New participants will receive a free large plot sign and five individual variety signs. Returning members receive updated wheat variety names on sticky paper to place on existing metal signs. These will be distributed when the wheat is picked up.

There will be no cost for the program in 2026-27 since the five varieties are again being sponsored by commercial companies.

This year's participants who are getting ready to harvest their plots should be planning their county fair display for possible qualifying for the Kansas State Fair entry in the 4-H and FFA Showcase Building. Wheat Variety Displays can also be entered in the 4-H Wheat Expo August 4th in El Dorado.

More info about the 4-H Wheat Expo is available on the Kansas 4-H website by following this link, https://bit.ly/4hwheatexpo.

The State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Manhattan, Kansas. Our contest is hosted for the day by the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources.

Registration will be due August 7, 2026, and will consist of someone from the local Extension Office registering teams and/or individuals through an online link that was sent to Extension staff via email. Invoices will be sent after registration is complete.

If you are holding a qualifying contest later/have a late fair, please contact me about late registration.

The study list for the knowledge portion of the contest has been updated and continues to include some of the videos from the past three years and a few publications as well.

The contest is for teams and/or individuals. Contest information is located on the Kansas 4-H website by clicking here.

Questions? Please ask: bhinshaw@ksu.edu

The deadlines to enter livestock for the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and KJLS are approaching soon. Exhibitors must submit an official entry and pay the entry fees directly through each state show in which they would like to participate. The shows are independent, so youth who plan to exhibit in both must enter each show, separately. This includes entries for state-nominated market animals and commercial breeding females, as well as registered breeding females. Show entry is also a young person's opportunity to enter showmanship. A complete nomination does NOT constitute a show entry. A nomination only makes animals eligible for either state show.

The Kansas State Fair Grand Drive entries are due July 15. Rules and information is posted on their website:  https://www.kansasstatefair.gov/p/competitions/grand-drive1, as well as the link to enter. 
July 15 - Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Entry Deadline

The Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) will post their entry link on their website once show entries are being accepted. Watch their website and social media accounts for information regarding show entries, as well as the show rules. Show website:  https://www.kjls.net/
August 15 - KJLS Entry Deadline

Animals that are nominated but do not follow the appropriate entry processes set forth by each show will not be permitted to exhibit. Each show manages their own rules and entries. All families should review the show rules prior to entry. Exhibitors will log in and submit their show entries using the same exhibitor accounts they used for state nominations – including exhibitor name and password. Then, nominated animals will be selected from a drop-down menu, using their 4-H tag number. Registered breeding females will be entered off of their registration papers, which must be in the exhibitor's name by the deadlines listed in the show rules.

For questions regarding state show entry, contact the specific show directly. Contact information is on each website.

Reminder:  4-H Members ages 9 and older who participated in 4-H Day and received a Purple or top blue ribbons can take their project talks, demonstrations, and illustrated talks to the Kansas State Fair. Poetry entries can also be entered.

Public Speaking entries can come to the State Fair; however, regardless of the topic used locally. Topic for this year: ”How has your journey in 4-H contributed to being Beyond Ready for current challenges and future goals?” More information can be found in the 2026 State Fair Book. 

Find more info on the Kansas 4-H website by clicking here.

The 2026 Kansas State 4-H Horse Show will be held during the Kansas State Fair, with check-in beginning September 16 and competition taking place September 17–19. Youth interested in participating should review the qualification requirements beginning on page 16 of the Kansas 4-H Horse Show Rule Book. Remember, participants in any state 4-H competition must be at least 9 years old before January 1, 2026.

Entries are due August 1, 2026, through the Kansas State Fair ShoWorks entry system. All qualifications, including the Horse Safety Webinar and Horse Safety Exam, must be completed prior to submitting entries. Late entries will not be accepted. Families are encouraged to review the “Are You Ready for the Kansas State Horse Show?” guide to help assess readiness for state-level competition and set project goals.

Additional resources, including the horse show schedule, safety webinar and exam, rule book, Equine Webinar Series, and Horse Show Qualifying Affidavit, are available on the Kansas 4-H Horse project webpage. Camping reservations for the Kansas State Fair Horse Show are made through the ShoWorks entry process. Please note that the Kansas State Fair does not provide refunds for cancellations.

For questions regarding camping or stalling, contact the Kansas State Fair at 620-669-3600. Questions about horse show entries may be directed to Kelsey Nordyke at klnordyke@ksu.edu or 620-222-1311.

The 2026 Kansas State Fair 4-H Dog Show will be held on Saturday, September 5. To qualify, members must be at least 9 years old as of January 1, 2026, earn a qualifying blue or purple ribbon score in a state-fair-eligible class, and qualify with the same dog they plan to exhibit at the State Fair. Qualification must be earned separately for each event entered and by each individual handler.

Additional information, including statewide qualifying opportunities, rules, and entry procedures, is available through the Kansas 4-H Dog Show Rules and Kansas State Fair resources. State Fair dog show entry fees are $10 per class and must be submitted through local Extension offices by local entry deadlines.

As part of our efforts to improve the ordering process and ensure every office receives the achievement pins they need, we will be implementing a new online order submission process. The new order form will be available by July 31, and we ask that all orders be submitted by August 31. This single order form will allow offices to request any missing pins from the 2025 order, as well as submit orders for pins needed for the 2026 program year. Additional information, including where to access the online order form, will be communicated prior to the July 31 release date.

To help us maintain an adequate inventory, our annual pin order will be based on the quantities submitted by the August 31 deadline. While we will continue to accept orders received after that date, they may be subject to delayed fulfillment if additional pins need to be manufactured.

Orders for both 2025 missing pins and 2026 Achievement Pins will be processed together and will be available for pickup or shipment in time for the 2026 K-State Extension Annual Conference (October 20–22).

We sincerely apologize for the delays experienced this year and appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve our ordering system and provide a smoother, more efficient experience in the future. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to serving you through this improved process.

For over a century, Kansas 4-H has been rooted in volunteer and teen leader involvement. Groups and committees across our project areas have delivered opportunities, guided project advancement, and more. As we prepare for the new 4-H year, it's time to recruit members for our 4-H Project Partnership Teams.

What is the Kansas 4-H Project Partnership Teams (PPT)? 

It is a team bring youth, volunteers, and K-State Extension professionals together to:
•   Enhance learning through project pathways,
•   Provide leadership in developing a project's subject           matter,
•   Review, recommend, and offer professional                         development on curriculum and resources for                   professionals and volunteers, &
•   Lead planning of one or more state educational                 experiences.

PPTs ensure grassroots involvement, create leadership opportunities, and build a statewide network of informed, motivated individuals. Teams may be ongoing or convened for a specific initiative, providing guidance in developing a project or program, including managing major state events.

How to apply:
•   Prospective members must apply.
•   Deadline: August 10. Applications are reviewed by the 4-H Specialist and the team chair or an               adult representative. The final appointment is made by the 4-H Specialist with the State 4-H                 Program Leader or designee, who will notify the applicants.
•   Extension Professionals need Regional Director approval.
•   An annual PPT Summit will be held Saturday, January 23, 2027 (location TBD). All appointed                   members are expected to attend.

Learn more at https://www.kansas4-h.org/volunteers/projectpartnershipteams/.

Kansas 4-H is turning 120 years old, and we are throwing a party at the Kansas State Fair! As announced at Program Rally in January, we want ALL 105 Kansas counties represented in this celebration! For this particular project, if your local unit is a district, please participate by representing each individual county within your district.

Deadline: August 2 — Don’t Miss It!
Submit your photos and memorabilia information by August 2 using the link below:
https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CYKIruP93uWhoi

Here’s what we’re asking each county to do:

1. Then & Now: Your County Story in Two Photos
Submit two photos following the “How it Started (Before), How it’s Going (After)” theme:
BEFORE: A classic black & white photo from years gone by that captures the heart of 4-H in your area.
AFTER: A vibrant, current color photo showing what makes your local 4-H program unique and special today!
Don’t stress about older photo quality — we’ll work with what you have! Our goal is to enlarge the photos (12 x 18 boards)with your county name and display them proudly throughout Centennial Hall and the Showcase Building. We’ll also have large TVs running a slideshow, so each county's story will truly shine.
2. Share Your “How It Started” Treasures!
Dig through those office drawers and reach out to your alumni — we want to display the amazing artifacts that tell the story of Kansas 4-H through the decades! Think project materials, old exhibits, pamphlets, ribbons/awards, camp agendas, and any other treasures that would spark joy and nostalgia for current and past 4-H members. These wonderful pieces will be on display for the entire Kansas State Fair — it’s a walk down memory lane that no one will want to miss!

*Photo is a representation to show an example of before/after; we are working with the bookstore on a different design layout that is not yet finalized.

Click here for more info

Alpha of Clovia is a unique all-female living and learning environment for undergraduate students at K-State, located just a block off-campus. We are an approved living community that meets the first-year residency exemption, meaning our members get to live in-house starting their freshman year. Since 1931, our members have embraced the ideals of sisterhood, accountability, sincerity, and growth. Clovia gives women the opportunity to grow their leadership and personal skills while making friendships that last a lifetime!

We have an application and interview system for girls wanting to apply to Clovia. Incoming members are required to hold a previous leadership position and once accepted must maintain a GPA of 2.65 to stay an active member. Click here for the informational flyer.

If there are additional questions, visit alphaofclovia.org or reach out to alphaofclovia@gmail.com

Click here to apply!