September  17, 2026 

The 2026 Kansas State Fair is well underway, and I want to thank the agents and volunteers who got us here. This year's fair carries a little extra weight. Our country marked its 250th birthday this summer, Kansas 4-H is 120 years old, and the fair's own slogan this year is "Celebrate Kansas." It is a fitting year to have our young people front and center. 

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Kansas 4-H members from across the state showcased their agricultural knowledge, creativity, and wheat project skills during the 2026 Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo. Youth competed in crop production, grain quality, foods, photography, educational exhibits, crop identification, and judging activities.

In the Bin Run Wheat Crop Production division, Nathan Vondracek of Walnut Creek District earned first place, followed by Grayson Maxwell of Pawnee County. Addison Maxwell of Pawnee County won the Adopt-a-Producer division. In the Cleaned Wheat contest, Sterling Hall of Harper County placed first.

Food contest winners included Addison Maxwell (Yeast Rolls), Grayson Maxwell (Cookies), and Harley Brossard of Shawnee County (Muffins).

In photography, Kole Maxwell of Pawnee County earned first place, followed by Nathan Vondracek and Grayson Maxwell. The Wheat Education Poster contest was won by Nathan Vondracek, with Sterling Hall placing second and Addison Maxwell third.

The judging activity challenged participants to evaluate wheat-related exhibits. Top honors went to Grayson Maxwell (241 points), followed by Kole Maxwell (234 points) and Addison Maxwell (223 points).

In the Crops Identification Contest, Kason Botts of Southwind District earned first place with 32 points. Nathan Vondracek placed second, while River Horner of Butler County finished third.

The Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo continues to provide hands-on learning opportunities that connect youth with Kansas agriculture while building skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Congratulations to all participants, families, volunteers, Extension professionals, and sponsors who helped make this year's event a success.

Kansas 4-H members, families, volunteers, and horse enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the 2027 Kansas 4-H Horse Panorama, scheduled for February 21-22, 2027.

The annual event will have a new home in 2027 as participants gather on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan for a weekend focused on equine knowledge, leadership development, and friendly competition. Horse Panorama provides youth with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of the horse industry while developing valuable communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

Participants can look forward to a variety of educational contests and activities that challenge their horse knowledge and showcase the skills they have developed through their 4-H horse projects. The event also offers an opportunity for youth from across Kansas to connect with fellow horse project members, learn from industry professionals, and experience the K-State campus.

Additional information regarding contest details, schedules, registration, lodging, and event activities will be released in the coming months.

Make plans now to join us for the 2027 Kansas 4-H Horse Panorama on February 21-22, 2027, and help celebrate the excitement of Kansas 4-H horse programming in its new K-State campus location.

For updates and registration information, watch upcoming Kansas 4-H communications and visit the Kansas 4-H website.

Save the Date: February 21-22, 2027
 Location: Kansas State University Campus, Manhattan, Kansas
 Event: Kansas 4-H Horse Panorama

Calling all Kansas 4-H dog project members and their canine companions! Grab your leash and mark your calendars for October 17-18 as 4-H families from across the state gather at Rock Springs Ranch for the annual Kansas 4-H Dog Conference. This year's patriotic theme, "Stars, Stripes, and Wagging Tails," promises a weekend packed with learning, friendship, and tail-wagging fun to kick off the new 4-H year.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore exciting topics, including agility, veterinary health, creating homemade agility obstacles, and hands-on crafts. A special keynote presentation from the Fort Leavenworth Hunt will showcase the training and hunting of foxhounds, offering a unique look at these remarkable working dogs.

Youth can also test their skills and knowledge through a variety of contests, including photography, quiz bowl, and presentations. Whether you're a seasoned dog project member or just getting started, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The 2027 4-H Summer Enrichment Program Host Site Applications are live!  Apply today to host a SEP intern next summer!
 
During the Summer Enrichment Program, 4-H interns will lead youth in exploring project-based learning through one of the many approved programs offered by the grant and the Kansas 4-H program. Projects include each of the major program areas of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Science, and Personal Development. Interns will lead in-depth project-based learning throughout the summer, designed to foster youth spark in the subject matter taught. They will be encouraged to work with local volunteers to provide additional support and connection to community resources and expertise. 

States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs have announced six outbound exchanges for next summer.  All are about one month during the June to August 2027 period, except the Japan 8-week Exchange, which runs from June to August.  Kansas 4-H is a partner in these exchanges.
Exchanges offered to U.S. teens 12-18, and the dates when the U. S. kids are away from home include:
Japan 4-Week Exchange with Labo or LEX, July 6-August 6, 2027
South Korea 4-H Exchange, July 6-August 6, 2027
Taiwan 4-H Exchange, June 29-July 30, 2027
Exchanges offered to U. S. teens ages 15-18 include:
Costa Rica 4-S Exchange, June 23-July 23, 2027
Japan 8-Week Exchange, Labo or Labo and LEX, June 8-August 6, 2027
Norway 4H Exchange, June 16-July 17, 2027
Applications opened online September 5, 2026, with Kansas applications due November 1, 2026.  Interviews and First Orientation for Kansas applicants are on November 22, 2026, at Junction City.  Information and a link to the online application are available on the Kansas 4-H website at "States' 4-H International Exchange Program | K-State | Kansas State University."  Contact Kansas 4-H International Exchange Coordinator, Mary Kay Munson, mkm2@ksu.edu or 785-375-3189.

Ady Johnson, Ottawa County; Cullen Manning, Saline County; and Peyton Fechter, Elk County, returned from month-long stays with host families in Japan on August 7.  They are looking for opportunities to share their experiences and what they learned in the coming year.  They will also present a workshop at the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum in November.  Neighboring counties may contact them through the local Extension Staff in their respective counties.