What's Happening In 4-H Now?

Stay up-to-date with what is currently happening in 4-H! Please note that images may take you to registration pages or to other articles with more information you can trust!

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4-H Newsletter

Please read the July 4-H Newsletter so you don't miss 4-H deadlines, announcements, activities, events, and Douglas County Fair updates, registration, and information.

Upcoming Event Reminders

January 4 | 2:00 p.m. - Douglas County 4-H Market Beef Meeting

• Any member planning to exhibit a Market Beef Animal at the 2026 Douglas County Fair, will need to attend the Market Beef Project Meeting. The meeting will be held in person, and we ask that at least one member of your family attend. If you are unable to attend, please contact Nickie at nharding@ksu.edu by January 1, 2026.
• Please RSVP by January 1 at:https://forms.gle/ssXYne217JRvT7z6A.

January 11 | 2:00 p.m. - County -Wide Cloverbud Project Meeting (ages 5 - 8 as of January 1, 2026)

• Explore the 4-H Project area of Clothing and Textile Design during a fun hands-on activity based, meeting.
• Questions about the Cloverbud Project Meetings, or to RSVP for a meeting, may be directed to Kjrsten Abel-Ruch at: kjrstena@hotmail.com.

January 11 | 2:00 p.m. - County - Wide 4-H Swine Project Meeting

• This session will focus on preparing for the swine project and getting members off to the best possible start. Topics include animal selection, feeding and watering, health considerations, facility needs, training, and overall project readiness.
• RSVP Required by January 7 at: https://bit.ly/SwineProjectMeetings

January 18 | 2:00 p.m. - County-Wide Poultry Project Meeting

• Come and learn about buying show-quality birds, showing at the county fair, opportunities for judging, field trips, and more!
• Questions about Poultry Project Meetings or to RSVP for a meeting, may be directed to Janine Leslie at: j9dolphins@hotmail.com or call/test at 785-330-3867.

January 20 | 6:00 p.m., Dreher Family 4-H Bldg. | County-Wide Plant Science Project Meeting

• The first Plant Science Project meeting will be a planning session for upcoming sessions and preparing plant and seed flashcards for horticulture judging practice.
• Please RSVP to Nancy by January 16.

February 15 & 16 | Kansas 4-H Citizenship In Action (Ages 13-18 as of January 1 2026)

• The purpose of the event is for Kansas youth to learn how the state legislative process works and how their voice and participation in decision-making can make a difference in their local communities.
• Space is limited! To Learn more and to register by January 26 please click here .

February 21 & 22 -|Kansas 4-H Horse Panorama (Ages 9-18 as of January 1, 2026)

• Horse Panorama gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of equine science, structure, movement, and more in a competitive yet supportive environment that emphasizes learning, fairness, and fun.
• Events include, Horse Bowl, Public Presentations, and Hippology
• To learn more and to register, click here

March 7 | County 4-H Club Day

• 4-H County Club Day offers youth the opportunity to develop and showcase their communication, leadership, and performance skills. Participants present in a variety of formats, including speeches, demonstrations, parliamentary procedure activities, and talent performances—either individually, in small groups, or as part of a club.
• To learn more, view contest details and to register beginning January 1, click here.

March 8 | Douglas County 4-H Beef Weigh-In and Tagging

• All Market Beef intended to exhibit at the 2026 Douglas County Fair must be tagged by March 8, 2026.
• Register by March 4, 2026, at: https://bit.ly/2026BeefTagging.

 

 

 

Check - out our latest Podcast Below

• Beyond Ready Podcast Show Notes

  We all know the saying that every building needs a solid foundation to stand strong. However, it is seldom noted that the framework is also crucial in supporting the interconnected parts that carry the building's load. The same can be said for the youth in our community. Having a good foundation is just the start.

  Listen in as Nancy, our 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant, shares her experience with her co-host, 4-H alum, and daughter, Claire. Learn from the perspectives of both the parent and the child on how being raised in 4-H helped build a solid framework of skills that are being used well into adulthood.

  Resources

  4-H Team Judging - Winning at Life Skills

  Kansas 4-H Photography Judging Contest

  Horse Judging - Kansas 4-H

  Interested in joining 4-H, or simply learning more about it? 

  4-H of Douglas County Program Area Web Page

Meet the Staff