Post Rock District 4-H Events
We are excited to provide a listing of many current and upcoming events and activities available for Post Rock District 4-H members. There are so many opportunities in 4-H, and we may have missed some below. If you notice an opportunity missing, contact a Post Rock District Office.
Event Resources
2026 4-H Event Listing
For State & District 4-H News and additional information concerning these events, see our 4-H Newsletter
Ag Tech Day is a state-level 4-H event in Moundridge, Kansas at Flickner Innovation Farm on April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event is geared for youth in grades 5-12. This unique opportunity to explore the farm and learn about both new and established technologies that are helping make farm management easier and more efficient for producers. It is free and open to the public. Come and go as you please to explore the day and experience the farm-ready drones, robots, and see and spray demonstrations, and more! Registration is required online by April 1. Find all the details, including online registration, on the event’s website.
Flyer
The Russell family is doing a Beef Project Learning Opportunity for you to have the chance to win a free
halter and/or neck rope if you work with a BEEF project. You can win one or the other if you participate in the Livestock Equipment Judging Contest on the March 2 4-H Day, or if you fill out a beef parts packet from the extension office and return it to the Smith Center Vet Clinic. If you participate in both, you can win BOTH. You can also get a free tag for your cattle project if you call the Downs ((785) 454-3474) or Smith Center ((785) 282-3893) Vet Clinic.
Kansas 4-H and K-State Admissions are partnering to help youth and their families confidently navigate the college journey. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants will gain a clear understanding of the college preparation process, explore strategies for financing education - including scholarships, loans, and other resources - and learn how students are supported both academically and personally, from both the student's and parent's perspective. Sessions will also focus on "beginning with the end in mind," equipping youth with tools to prepare for life after college, create personalized plans, and take ownership of their future. In addition, open office hours will provide families with direct access to experts for questions and guidance, ensuring every student feels prepared and empowered for success. These sessions will be targeted at 4-H parents of juniors and seniors in high school; 4-H members are also encouraged to attend. Sessions will not be recorded to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Registration information will be emailed directly to families via 4-H Online. For questions, please email the State 4-H Office at kansas4h@ksu.edu.
Upcoming Sessions (all 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom):
- March 10: Create Your Own Plan - Personalized College and Career Planning
- April 14: Open Office Hours - Expert Guidance and Q&A
- Wednesday, April 11th in Wakeeney: Let the local office know you are interested and we’ll share registration and details as available.
- Tuesday, April 14th in Concordia: Register online by April 1. 5:15 p.m. start, but there is an optional early learning at 3:45 p.m.; $20 registration includes dinner; Project areas include: Visual Arts, Posters, Notebooks, and Displays, Building Block Engineering, Welding, Fashion Revue, Photography, Sewing and Textiles, Robotics, Aerospace/Rocketry, and Woodworking; View the full schedule here.
The K-State Department of Grain and Food Science is excited to offer the Feeding Youth Future
Camp. From hands-on bakery experiments to exploring cutting-edge agronomy and the science
behind the foods we eat, students will dive into exciting, real-world careers in grain and food
sciences and agronomy. Every day is packed with interactive learning, new discoveries and plenty of
fun designed to spark curiosity and inspire future innovators. The camp will take place in Manhattan
June 9-13. Complete details and registration information are available on the camp’s website.
Smith County 4-H Council is organizing a goat showmanship clinic on April 26 at 3:30 p.m. The clinic will take place at the Smith County Fairgrounds. This will be a hands-on experience with handling goats, among other skill learning opportunities. There will be a class for beginners, in the middle, and one for more advanced showmen looking to improve their skills and knowledge. They invite youth from across Post Rock District to participate. You can sign up for the clinic at K-State Qualtrics. Direct questions to Emma
Anderson at the Smith Center Extension Office, 785-282-6823.
Meat Goat Showmanship Flyer
Sign-up for Kansas 4-H 2026 Summer Camp is open! Kansas 4-H camp sessions are posted at https://rockspringsranch.org/summer-camps/sessions-rates. 4-H and non-4-H youth are welcome to register to enjoy 4-H camp! Each family will register directly with Rock Springs Ranch through the website. Before you register, contact your local Extension Office and your club leader. There may be club or county-level event scholarships available.
The Kansas Youth Institute is a transformative experience where high school students engage with local leaders and agricultural experts to explore critical global challenges. Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, students discover ways to make a difference in Kansas and around the world. The event, hosted by Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture, will take place on March 6. The deadline to register is February 23. Learn more at kstate.ag/ksyouthinstitute.
Clovia is a 4-H Cooperative Leadership House located near Kansas State University in Manhattan.
Alpha of Clovia is looking to connect with girls with any 4-H, FFA, or leadership experience in
general. Living at Clovia is a great opportunity as it is one of the only ways to live off campus
freshman year at K-State. It provides girls with a community of caring friends, accountability and
fun. Learn details about the March 28-29 Hospitality Weekend at https://www.alphaofclovia.org.
The K-State Junior Producer Days focus on beef and sheep in even years and swine and meat goat in odd years. These are one-day, educational events for families to learn about the selection and management of youth livestock projects. Both events will be hosted at the new Bilbrey Family Event Center. This is a family event!
- Junior Beef Producer Day – Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Junior Sheep Producer Day – Saturday, April 11, 2026
Registration is now open on the Junior Producer Days page of KSU Youth Livestock Program website, which is under the events tab. Cost information and a schedule are also available online. All attendees must register, which includes both youth and adults.
Registration for the junior day events has transitioned to a new platform. Families will be prompted to set up a profile under a parent/guardian and then add at least one child. Once the account is created and you login to register for each day, you will have the opportunity to add children and other adults. The platform is not linear, so if you follow the prompts to the end and have multiple kids or adults to register, you will have to click on the “child” or “additional adult” tab on the left to view the options to add those individuals. Once you checkout, you will be able to view the number of kids and adults registered. A photo release and liability waiver will also be requested for each person through the platform. Families will receive a confirmation email to the address used to set up the profile after the registration is submitted. Families who plan to attend both junior days will need to register through each unique link, separately. A confirmation email for each event will be issued once payment is processed.
9:00 p.m., via Zoom. This clinic has been designed for county fair board members, superintendents,
and volunteers involved in local livestock fair management and leadership. The program consists
primarily of an open forum discussion for individuals working with livestock at their local fairs.
Although some of the topics can be applied generally to the county fair, this program focuses on the
livestock perspective and projects. K-State faculty and staff will facilitate discussion led by fair
board members and extension agents directly related to livestock at local livestock fairs in Kansas.
The clinic has been divided over two evenings, with different topics being covered each night. All
three topics the first night will be general sessions. The second night will be kicked off with a
general session, followed by breakout discussions. It is advantageous to have several
representatives from your county attend. The sessions will be recorded for those who register.
Register online by April 6.
Flyer
Each county hosts a beef weigh-in and a small animal weigh-in. The dates will be shared on your county’s newsletter page. Attending the weigh-in is required to participate in the rate-of-gain contest at your county fair. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to bring your animal to the beef and small animal weigh-in events because attending can assure you are understanding of and ready to meet all exhibition requirements (so you won’t be disqualified at fair); you can connect with other adults and youth in the project for support, encouragement, and assistance throughout the year; and you can get many of your questions answered.
Post Rock District will not sell Kansas 4-H EID tags over-the-counter at our Extension Offices. The state requires our staff to approve all State Nominations for livestock, and part of that approval process is confirming that we have physically seen each Kansas 4-H EID tag in your livestock animal’s ear at tagging time (photos and over-the-counter sales do not qualify). Plan to attend your county’s tagging and verification event (i.e. weigh-in) for beef, swine, sheep and goats. Call the Extension Office ASAP if you know you’ll have a conflict and need an animal verified with an EID tag for State shows.
Small Animal Weigh-in
Jewell County: April 12, 2:00 p.m. at Jewell County Fairgrounds
Lincoln County: April 25, 10:00 a.m. at Lincoln County Fairgrounds
Mitchell County: April 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Mitchell County Fairgrounds
Osborne County: April 26, 4:00-5:00 p.m. at Osborne County Fairgrounds
Smith County: April 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Smith County Fairgrounds
If you are seeking opportunities related to livestock projects - like spring shows and other contests - the KSU Youth Livestock Program website provides a listing of many opportunities. It certainly doesn’t contain every learning and competition opportunity, yet it is a great reference point as you plan for spring and summer. Visit https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/youth-programs/events/. The North Central Kansas Livestock Circuit is not affiliated to K-State Research and Extension or Kansas 4-H, but it provides many showing opportunities in our region. Follow their Facebook page for information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncklc.
The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) program celebrates young people who are creating real change in their communities. This national program amplifies the stories and leadership of 4-H youth, showcasing how 4-H has shaped their lives and equipped them to impact others. Award Winners will receive a(n):
$5,000 scholarship for higher education, paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning opportunities; Year of professional and media development, training, networking, and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader; All expenses paid trips for each award winner and a chaperone to attend national events; Official reference letter from a National 4-H Council leader for educational or career purposes. Applications are due April 13. To learn more about the program and application process, National 4-H Council is hosting a webinar for applicants and their parents on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET. To sign up for one of these webinars and review application details visit the program website.
Super Saturday is set for Saturday, March 21, in Hays at Fort Hays State University.
Register online to participate. You can review the flyer with details on the Post Rock District
4-H events website.
- Judging Contests: ($7.00): 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Crops, Entomology, Horticulture, Life Skills, Photography, Livestock Skill-a-thon, NEW this year Wildlife Skills and Geology; 12:30 p.m. - Livestock Judging (FHSU enclosed Rodeo Arena, north of I-70)
- Volunteer Sessions for parents and volunteers - 10:30 a.m. (Free)
- Project Opportunities (non-livestock judging youth): 1:00-3:00 p.m. ($5.00); Afternoon filled with STEM and Visual Arts rotation stations, including robots, circuits, building block engineering, painting, and paper crafts.
- Sack Lunches provided with mandatory RSVP. ($8.00)
Photography Clinic, Phillipsburg, March 28
Robin Chester, 4-H volunteer and veteran fair judge, is hosting a photography project
clinic on March 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Phillips County Extension Office in
Phillipsburg. Youth and parents are welcome. Topics will include photography advice,
consultation judging tips, and more. Feel free to bring photos to receive feedback
about. If interested, let Emma Anderson (emmaand2026@ksu.edu) know by March
15 and she’ll communicate Post Rock District interest to the hosting extension office
and volunteer presenter.
Shutterbug Photography Workshop, Jewell, May 2
The State Photography Volunteer Team and Jewell County 4-H Council are teaming
up to bring a state-level photography workshop to Jewell, KS on May 2. Save the date
for an interactive day of improving your photography skills. We will have more details
available in the next newsletter!
Post Rock District is in need of more certified instructors for our shooting sports program. Kansas 4-H is hosting the required training at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City on May 2 - 3. There are multiple steps that must be completed before the training in order to attend. There is a cost to become certified, but
many times we can help secure local support for stepping up to serve our youth in these project areas. If you are interested in instructing 4-H Archery, BB gun, Air Pistol, Air Rifle, Small Bore Rifle, Muzzleloader, or Hunting Skills please contact Nora Rhoades at 785-378-3174 or nrhoades@ksu.edu by April 1 so we can help you through the process.
Date: March 28, 2026, from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Council will pay for one game for all 4-H members and Cloverbuds. All other bowlers are welcome, but please sign up so we can reserve lanes. Food is available at the venue, on your own. Email Emma at: emmaand2026@ksu.edu or call the Extension Office at: 785-282-6823 to sign up!
The Association of Kansas 4-H Volunteers is hosting "Spring Into Volunteering" at the K-State
Polytechnic Campus in Salina on Saturday, April 25. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the day
will conclude at 3:00 p.m. This is for anyone serving as a 4-H Volunteer or considering it! The goal is
for volunteers to go home recharged, excited, and ready to try new things in their volunteer roles.
Let your local Extension Office know if you’d like to attend, and we can share the registration and
schedule as soon as more details are available!
Central Kansas District is hosting a UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft System) workshop on March 14 for
youth across the state who are ages 7-18. The state-level event is organized in collaboration with KState
Salina. Registration is due online by March 9. $15 registration fee. The day will feature
sessions covering the basics (including rules and flight overview), flight competition, and prizes.
There is also a workshop for parents. Learn more on the flyer available within the registration link.
Are you (or a student you know) interested in plants, livestock, or wildlife? This hands-on camp is a
great opportunity to learn about range plant identification, plant growth, stocking rates, livestock
nutrition, and rangeland wildlife management — all while enjoying field trips, hiking, fishing,
swimming, and even a steak dinner! Kansas Youth Range Camp has been educating youth for over
50 years! It will take place June 9-12, 2026 in Kingman County. Find all the details and registration
information on the camp’s website.
YQCA is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program that covers food safety, animal well-being, and character development. It is a great learning experience for youth involved in any livestock project! The class is required to be completed annually by all KSF Grand Drive and KJLS participants. YQCA training can be completed online or in person. Register for the in-person YQCA classes we have scheduled. Youth register and pay for the course through the national YQCA website. Participants also need to take the online pre-test at the YQCA website before attending. We need 10 participants at each site to host the course!
- LINCOLN SENIOR CENTER - Friday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. Register on the YQCA website searching class name “2026 Lincoln County Training."
Reference the “Help Guide for Registering for YQCA” on our Post Rock District 4-H YQCA website.