Post Rock District 4-H Events
For State & District 4-H News and additional information concerning these events, see our 4-H Newsletter. Be sure to engage with Post Rock District 4-H Insider Experience on Facebook for updates and reminder
Below are the scheduled meeting dates for the 4-H Councils in Post Rock District. Dates, times and locations are subject to change and members will be notified in a timely manner.
Jewell County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Jewell County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m.
May 1, 2023
June 23, 2023
Lincoln County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Senior Center at 6:30 p.m.
Mitchell County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the First Beloit State Bank and start at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
May 22, 2023 at Tipton Community Center
August 28, 2023
October 23, 2023
Osborne County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Osborne Extension Office at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.
June 12, 2023
Smith County 4-H Council
Meetings are at the Smith County Courthouse
AgDiscovery is a summer outreach program designed to help teenagers explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, agribusiness, and much more! The program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about agriculture from university professors, scientists, and administrative professionals who work for the U.S. Government in a variety of fields. Visit the USDA APHIS AgDiscovery website for more information.
On the fourth Monday of each month, Kansas 4-H is hosting a webinar focused on all things animal science. This series gives members an opportunity to learn more about the livestock industry, career opportunities and good animal husbandry practices. Register and learn more at the Animal Science project webpage.
If you are continuing your education after high school, there may be a local scholarship opportunity you are eligible for as a 4-H member! Find applications and details on the Post Rock District's Education Scholarships website. Contact your local office with questions.
Post Rock District county fair information related to 4-H is available on the county fair webpage.
Jewell County Fair: July 6-9, 2023
Lincoln County Fair: July 19-22, 2023
Mitchell County Fair: July 19-22, 2023
Osborne County Fair: July 26-30, 2023
Smith County Fair: July 20-24, 2023
Log into 4-H Online or contact your local Extension Office to review and update your projects! 4-H project experiences, opportunities and reminders are communicated to you by local and state 4-H staff based on your project enrollment and contact information in 4-H Online. May 1 is the final project drop/add deadline if you want to exhibit in a respective project area at the county fair.
Project Ownership by May 1: The Post Rock District Board believes that in order for high quality project learning to take place through 4-H, projects (animals and non-animals) should be owned by May 1 of the current year. All exhibits entered in the 4-H division of a county fair must be the handiwork of the exhibitor; the grower, where agricultural exhibits are shown; and the owner and feeder, where livestock is entered. All exhibits entered in the 4-H division of a county fair must be the result of the current program year’s work. Ownership is defined so that the project (animal, garden, crop, exhibit creation, sewing, photo, etc.) is under the daily care and supervision of the member; all project-related practices, expenses, and management are the responsibility of the member; and all county fair exhibits should be a planned part of the project.
Project Verification by Pre-Fair Deadline:Effective this 4-H year, the Post Rock District Staff or 4-H Councils do not require verification of project ownership by May 1 for animals or non-animal project exhibits; however, refer to the Project Ownership by May 1 article (above) for emphasis on learning value. Beginning this 4-H year, each 4-H Council is to designate a pre-fair entry deadline, and the Post Rock District recommends having one deadline for all project areas in the 4-H division of the county fair. The pre-fair deadline is when all project exhibits must be designated for the class which they will be shown in at the county fair. Entries can be dropped, but not added after the pre-fair deadline. Any project areas not required by 4-H Council to meet the pre-fair deadline will submit entry requirements at the project’s fair check-in time. The 4-H Council will have an exhibit entry card or form designated in the fair book which will be used to meet the entry requirements for each project area. This will be used to describe the exhibit and articulate class of exhibition.
- Check your county's 4-H newsletter page to find the pre-fair entry deadline set for your respective county fair. This is a very important date to have marked on your calendar if you want to exhibit a 4-H project (animal and non-animal) at the county fair!
County fair animal identification requirements have changed in Post Rock District, effective with the 2023 county fairs. Review details on the Post Rock District 4-H county fair's website at www.postrock.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/. Check with your local Extension Office for verification expectations for your animal's species. The deadline for verification is the pre-fair deadline for your respective county fair.
- When a tag is sold from a Post Rock District Extension Office, it will be recorded under the immediate family. Do not transfer a 4-H tag to another family. A photo is not required to be turned in once the animal is tagged. Unused tags are to be returned to the Extension Office. If a tag is lost or damaged, work with the Extension Office to replace it.
- County Fair Hours Ownership Verification:Check with your local Extension Office regarding the verification documents needed to be submitted by the pre-fair deadline for your horse to be shown in the 4-H division of your county fair.
Post Rock District will host an annual district-wide dog show in place of five separate 4-H dog shows at each county fair. It will take place on July 24 in Osborne. Pre-registration, rules, and event details will be shared by email with all enrolled project members this summer.
Steam Day Camp
STEAM summer day camp will be an energizing morning filled with interactive activities that teach basic principles in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Architecture, and Mathematics). Youth (entering Pre-K - 3rd grades in the fall) are invited to come learn new things, think creatively, problem solve, and have fun!STEAM Day Camp will be in Mankato on May 25 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. The event is hosted by Jewell County 4-H Council, partnering with Post Rock District. Registration and $5 participation fee is due by May 17. Register
Space Discovery Day Camp
Space Discovery summer day camp will be filled with fun that is out of this world!Curious youth will blast off into hands-on learning by teaming up to build and test rockets and more. Hands-on activities teach basic principles in STEAM education and application. The day camp will challenge youth (entering 1st - 5th grades in the fall) to think creatively and problem solve. Space Discovery Day Camp will be on June 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Downs at the Roadside Park on Highway 24. The event is hosted by Osborne County 4-H Council, partnering with Post Rock District. Registration and $10 participation fee is due by May 23. Register.
4-H Project Meetings: Youth are invited to bring your canine companion to the spring dog project meetings. District project leader, Kelli Burrus, will lead the meetings at the Osborne County Fairgrounds. You will engage in interactive learning with your dog and have a lot of fun. Meeting dates are April 30, May 7, June 11, 25, and July 16 and 23 starting at 3:00 p.m. for each session. To register, email Kim Naber, 4-H Program Coordinator, at kimn@ksu.edu.
Discovery Days will be June 7-9 at the K-State Manhattan Campus. Post Rock District will provide a chaperone and transportation to the event. Youth ages 13-18 before January 1 of the current year are invited to attend. Develop college and career readiness skills through completing hands-on classes that interest you. This year, participants will be included in Emerald Circle, a special recognition event honoring the state's project award winners. The schedule and class options are posted online. Youth will select classes when registering. Classes fill up fast! Registration is open April 1 - May 15 at the Kansas 4-H Discovery Days webpage.
On the third Monday of each month, Kansas 4-H is hosting a webinar series giving 4-H members, volunteers and parents equine-related knowledge and skills as well as insight into the horse industry in Kansas. Topics will include basic 4-H Horse project knowledge, horse health, and college and career readiness. Register and learn more at the Equine event's webpage.
Kansas State Fair has a new rule for frostings and fillings. For food safety purposes, any entries with frostings and fillings must calculate the amount of sugar in the frosting/filling recipe only. Calculation must be attached to entry, or the placing will be lowered one ribbon when judged. Frosting and fillings need to contain more than 65% sugar for safety. For examples on how to calculate this percentage, go to this publication at: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3544.pdf.
Do you want to enhance your evaluation and oral reasons skills? Then make sure to attend the KSU Youth Horse Judging Camp where you will work one-on-one with coaches and members of the KSU Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team. Details are posted at the KSU Animal Sciences and Industry event website.
Practice Show in Beloit (Date Change!): The Mitchell County Riders are hosting a 4-H focused practice horse show at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds arena on Monday, July 3 beginning at9:00 a.m. Register by June 28 at bit.ly/MCRidersPracticeHorseShow. There is no cost to participate. This is a great opportunity to practice for county and state horse shows. Instructors will focus on rail classes, horsemanship, ranch riding, trail, and safety while participating at horse events.
- Osborne County Open Show: Osborne County 4-H horse project members are hosting an open horse show (and state fair qualifier) on Monday, May 29 at the Osborne County Fairgrounds arena in Osborne. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. and the show begins at 9:00 a.m. Event Flyer
- Jewell County Open Show: The Jewell County Saddle Club is hosting an open horse show (and state fair qualifier) on Saturday, June 3 at the Jewell County Fairgrounds arena in Mankato. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the show begins at 9:15 a.m. Event Flyer
- Kansas 4-H Horse Show Qualifiers: With the new state fair rules, there are many shows that you can participate in to qualify for the Kansas State Fair. Visit the Kansas 4-H Horse Qualifiers webpage for a listing of show opportunities around the state!
The Kansas 4-H Insect Spectacular will be held June 16-17 in Manhattan. The entomology workshop will help you learn about basic pinning, basic and advanced identification, insect photography, and much more. Registration, proposed schedule, and full information is posted at the Kansas 4-H event's website. Register by May 26.
Find more Judging Extravaganza details on the Post Rock District 4-H website. Study resources will be posted on the Judging Extravaganza event page by May 15.
Want to learn more about the care, nutrition, and showmanship of swine, beef, poultry, horses, goats, or rabbits? Midway District 4-H is hosting a Livestock Clinic on May 7 at the Russell Fair Grounds from 12:00-6:00p.m. Register at https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7ajM3t5xn4DEBEi by May 1. The clinic is free to attend.
The K-State Livestock Judging Team is hosting livestock judging camp in June. Each camp is a three-day, intense judging camp designed for 4-H and FFA members (age 14-18) who are seriously interested in enhancing their livestock judging and oral communication skills. Prior livestock judging experience is necessary for this camp. Workouts will be conducted similar to those at a collegiate level. Details are posted at the KSU Animal Sciences and Industry event website.
Livestock Spring Shows Events Page: The K-State Youth Livestock Program has a website dedicated to sharing youth livestock events: www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/youth-programs/events/. It is for informational purposes only. No endorsement or support by Kansas State University or the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is implied in the events listed. Any county that has a youth livestock educational opportunity open to kids outside of the county is invited to share that information with Lexie Hayes (adhayes@ksu.edu). This includes spring shows, showmanship clinics, skillathons, field days, other related events, etc.
The shows below are available for 4-H youth active in livestock. They are NOT sponsored, planned, or facilitated by Post Rock District. This is not a complete list, as our offices only occasionally receive information about these opportunities. Reach out to the event contact directly with questions, as Post Rock District is not involved with these events.
Cheyenne County Spring ShowCoffey County Spring Beef, Sheep & Goat Show
Coffey County Spring Bucket Calf Show
Cowley County Sheep and Meat Goat Show
Dickinson County Wild Bill Beef Bonanza
Dickinson County Wild Bill Beef Small Animal Show
Great Plains Spring Livestock Show and Rules
Leavenworth County Spring Beef Show
Leavenworth County Spring Livestock Show and Rules
The Kansas Range Youth Camp will be June 13-16 in Kingman County, KS. Upcoming sophomore, junior and senior high school students are eligible to attend and learn range plant identification, plant growth, stocking rate determinations, livestock nutrition, rangeland wildlife management, and much more! Registration is due May 12. Space is limited. Learn more at the camp's website.
The Post Rock District Board believes that in order for high quality project learning to take place through 4-H, projects (animals and non-animals) should be owned by May 1 of the current year. All exhibits entered in the 4-H division of a county fair must be the handiwork of the exhibitor; the grower, where agricultural exhibits are shown; and the owner and feeder, where livestock is entered. All exhibits entered in the 4-H division of a county fair must be the result of the current program
year’s work. Ownership is defined so that the project (animal, garden, crop, exhibit creation, sewing, photo, etc.) is under the daily care and supervision of the member; all project-related practices, expenses, and management are the responsibility of the member; and all county fair exhibits should be a planned part of the project.
Effective this 4-H year, the Post Rock District Staff or 4-H Councils do not require verification of project ownership by May 1 for animals or non-animal project exhibits; however, refer to the Project Ownership by May 1 article (above) for emphasis on learning value. Beginning this 4-H year, each 4-H Council is to designate a pre-fair entry deadline, and the Post Rock District recommends having one deadline for all project areas in the 4-H division of the county fair. The pre-fair deadline is when all project exhibits must be designated for the class which they will be shown in at the county fair. Entries can be dropped, but not added after the pre-fair deadline. Any project areas not required by 4- H Council to meet the pre-fair deadline will submit entry requirements at the project’s fair check-in time. The 4-H Council will have an exhibit entry card or form designated in the fair book which will be used to meet the entry requirements for each project area. This will be used to describe the exhibit and articulate class of exhibition.
- Check your county's 4-H newsletter page to find the pre-fair entry deadline set for your respective county fair. This is a very important date to have marked on your calendar if you want to exhibit a 4-H project (animal and non-animal) at the county fair!
Experience the power of K-State Salina when you attend a hands-on, interactive summer camp! With topics ranging from unmanned aircraft systems to robotics to aviation, there's something for all K-12 students. Learn more at the Kansas State Aerospace and Technology Campus Summer Programs website. More information is added to the website as it becomes available.
4-H Camp Registration
All 4-H camp sessions are now available for registration online at www.rockspringsranch4hcamp.org. Each family registers directly with Rock Springs Ranch. If you have questions about the sessions or camp experience, it is best to contact Rock Springs Ranch directly at (785) 257-3221 or campregistrar@rockspringsranch.org.
Before you register, contact your local office and your club leader. There may be club or county-level event scholarships available, and it is important to know how to select payment so your scholarship can be included.
Full-Ride Campership for Teen Leaders at 4-H Camp
A Rock Springs Ranch donor, the Patterson Family Foundation, is providing full-ride camperships to Counselor in Training (CIT) participants during the 2023 4-H camp season! Rock Springs Ranch is looking for teens age 16 to 17- years, especially rising 12th grades, to participate. Participants will receive camper care training and counselor experience, in addition to "camp" time with peers. If you are interested in the CIT program, submit a letter
of interest at the online link, as soon as possible!
Setting measurable goals helps guide youth through a high quality 4-H project learning experience. Make sure you have clear goals for each enrolled 4-H project. This will help you focus your learning during the summer months. Use the Kansas 4-H Setting 4-H Project Goals resource to help you, or complete the goal section of your Project Record Report form.
Twin Creeks District invites youth to participate in the Sheep Across Kansas webinar series. The program will support Kansas youth participating in the sheep project and help them to become more knowledgeable about the sheep industry. The next session is April 2 at 2:00 p.m. and will focus on feeding and showmanship. Details and registration are posted at the Facebook event. To view recordings of past sheep, swine or beef sessions visit www.twincreeks.k-state.edu/youth-ag/.
The 2023 K-State “Wildcat Showdown” will be May 7 in Manhattan at Weber Arena. This will be a sheep and goat livestock show with education and information on sheep and goat production for youth. For more information, contact Payton Dahmer at dahmerp@ksu.edu.
The Post Rock District 4-H Shooting Sports instructors are teaching at practices throughout the spring. Enrolled youth are required to participate in practices to be eligible to compete at a 4-H Local Qualifier or State Match. The instructor, Shooting Sports Coordinator (Tonia Underwood), and Shooting Sports Agent Point of Contact (Nora Rhoades) must all sign-off on your paperwork to register for a contest. Kansas 4-H contests are posted at the Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports webpage. Contact Tonia Underwood at tiunderw@ksu.edu for the discipline practice schedules.
Shutterbug events are photography workshops put on across the state by the Kansas State 4-H Photography Action Team. Shutterbugs will meet at Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City on May 6. For more information about this and other events go to the Shutterbug website.
Each county fair’s 4-H division allows qualification for the Kansas State Fair in accordance with the expectations outlined in the Kansas 4-H State Fair Book. There may be additional exhibit requirements to exhibit at the state fair, and some county-level projects are not eligible to go to state. 4-H members must refer to their county fair book to understand when qualifying projects must be designated for state fair. Post Rock District staff will complete the entry process as outlined by Kansas 4-H, using the information submitted by qualifying members.
Post Rock District staff will coordinate transportation of non-animal exhibits to-and-from the Kansas State Fair for 4-H exhibition. Exhibits will only be transported by extension staff if they can easily be moved by one person, if they can fit within an extension vehicle, and if they can be safely transported with many other items. 4-H members can transport their own items, including those that are too large, heavy or fragile.
Exhibiting an animal beyond the 4-H division at a Post Rock District county fair means that ownership and identification must meet the requirements outlined by the specific show's governing body. The 4-H member is responsible for understanding the deadlines and expectations involved.
- Contact your local Extension Office as soon as possible if you are considering showing at the Kansas State Fair, so we can share resources to help you navigate the process.
- If your animal species doesn't classify for state livestock nomination, visit the Kansas 4-H State Fairbook for important ownership, verification, and exhibition deadlines and details.
- All market animals and commercial females youth would like to be eligible for the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and/or Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) must be nominated. The Kansas Youth Livestock Program website outlines the State Livestock Nomination Process under the "Nomination Information" tab. Families are highly encouraged to use the resources available, especially the Rookie Guide.
- There are multiple changes to the horse project at the state-level, specifically relating to level testing, qualifying shows, and the state horse identification form/deadline. Visit the Kansas 4-H Horse Project webpage for a complete summary of Kansas State Fair horse show changes. Also, read the Kansas 4-H State Fairbook.
All market animals and commercial females youth would like to be eligible for the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and/or Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) must be nominated. The Kansas Youth Livestock Program website outlines the State Livestock Nomination Process under the "Nomination Information" tab. Families are highly encouraged to use the resources available, especially the Rookie Guide.
The nomination process transitioned to an online system in 2022, so there are no longer physical forms for families to complete and mail. Families will purchase DNA envelopes in advance, submit their animal and exhibitor information online, then mail their completed and signed DNA samples by the deadline. Extension Agents and FFA Advisors will approve nominations online. Exhibitors who nominated animals last year (in 2022) need to use their existing ShoWorks account. Those who need help accessing their account may request a password reset through ShoWorks or contact the Kansas Youth Livestock Program for assistance. Returning exhibitors should not create a new account. The ShoWorks website is https:/kansasnom.fairwire.com/.
Grand Drive and KJLS Important Dates:
- April 20: Last Day to Order Beef DNA Envelopes
- May 1: Market Beef Nominations Due & DNA Postmarked
- June 5: Last Day to Order Small Livestock DNA Envelopes
- June 15: Small Livestock Nominations Due & DNA Postmarked
- Market Swine, Commercial Gilt
- Market Lamb, Commercial Ewe
- ALL Meat Goat (Market & Breeding)
- June 15: Commercial Heifer Nominations Due
- June 15: Registered Breeding Heifer Papers in Exhibitor’s Name
- June 15: Registered Breeding Gilt Papers in Exhibitor’s Name
- July 1: Registered Breeding Ewe Papers in Exhibitor’s Name
- July 15: Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Entry Deadline
- July 25: Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Late Entry Deadline
- August 15: KJLS Entry Deadline
- August 25: KJLS Late Entry Deadline
- September 8 - 10: Kansas State Fair Grand Drive
- September 29 - Octobter 1: Kansas Junior Livestock Show
Visit the Kansas 4-H Horse Project webpage for a complete summary of Kansas State Fair horse show changes. Also, read the Kansas 4-H State Fairbook.
- County Fair Horse Ownership Verification: Check with your local Extension Office regarding the verification documents needed to be submitted by the pre-fair deadline for your horse to be shown in the 4-H division of your county fair.
- State Fair Horse Ownership Verification: Each horse should be properly identified with the local Extension Office by June 1. Horses may be identified by a completed Horse ID Certificate with all required signatures or breed registration papers with horse ownership listed in the 4-H member’s or a family member’s name. The original ID form (with picture attached) or a copy of the horse’s registration papers must be kept by the 4-Her(s). A copy can be kept in the county office. If a family elects to have the local office store the original copy, Post Rock District is not responsible for lost or damaged documents. Identification documents are presented at State Fair check-in.
- Level Testing: Beginning in 2023, the Kansas 4-H Horse Achievement Levels will no longer be required to participate at the State Fair 4-H Horse Show.
- Equine Webinar Series - Horse Safety: All 4-H Horse Project Members are encouraged to watch the recording of the “4-H Equine Webinar: Horse Safety” episode and take the quiz. Members who wish to exhibit at the Kansas State Fair 4-H Horse Show are required to do so prior to entering. The webinar and quiz will go live April 24 at 7:00 p.m. on the Kansas 4-H Equine Webinar Series website.
Qualifying Shows: Exhibit a properly identified horse at a horse show in a class group and be qualified to exhibit in any class included in that group. The horse show need not be a “4-H” show. Shows may include: open shows, circuits, local associations (SCSHA, etc.), breed/discipline associations (AQHA, APHA, NRHA etc.).
If you earned a purple ribbon at 4-H Day, you may be eligible to present your communications entry at the Kansas State Fair. Post Rock District results are posted on the 4-H Day website. Review the Kansas 4-H State Fairbook for exhibition details. Contact your local Extension Office if you want to participate so we can make sure you are enrolled in the proper projects in 4-H Online by May 1 and that state fair entry deadlines are met.
The State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest is August 12 in Manhattan. If interested, let your local office know so we can register you. There are team and individual opportunities. The study materials will be posted on the Kansas 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest webpage.
The 2023 Dr. Bob Hines Kansas Swine Classic is scheduled for June 30-July 1 in Manhattan. This two‐day event includes an educational swine skillathon, photography contest, showmanship, and a prospect and market hog show. Find complete details at www.asi.ksu.edu/swineclassic.
As you advance in 4-H, teens are challenged to plan and implement learning experiences to help others gain knowledge and skills in project areas. If you are interested in leading a project workshop or meeting in the spring or summer, contact your local Extension Office so we can help you promote and support your effort!
Safe Tractor & Machinery Operation Trainings are scheduled for the spring! The registration fee for the one-day program is $15 to cover the cost of materials for the course, lunch and refreshments. Register at https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dbgroLW4gPx947c. Visit your local Extension Office prior to the training to receive the training manual and pay for the course.
- April 22 in Russell
- April 29 in Beloit
- May 25 in Salina
The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) is designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program. A thirteen-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday. The training will provide trainees with knowledge of tractor, machinery, and other farm hazards to reduce the farm accident rate. It also provides sufficient information to pass a written examination and an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to pass a safe tractor driving examination.
Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine is giving elementary, middle school, high school and college students an opportunity to experience "A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Student" at the 2023 Vet Med ROCKS summer camps. The series of day camps for youth will take place July 30 through August 2. Campers will experience a day similar to that of a veterinary student with hands-on activities and learning. Learn more and register at the summer camp's website.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program that covers food safety, animal well-being, and character development. Learn more about online and in-person training class opportunities on our Post Rock District YQCA webpage.
Don't delay getting your online permanent and project record books started with Zbooks! Find details at the Kansas 4-H Zbooks Online 4-H Record Keeping resource webpage.
