Johnson County Represented at National 4-H Conference

Clover Clips: Fair Edition

The 2025 Fair Edition of Clover Clips has been published. Click the button below to read and get all the fair news like fair book updates, entry deadlines, specific project requirements, project check-in & judging and MUCH MORE.

Horticulture Judging

Any intermediate and senior aged 4-H'ers interested in horticulture practices and plant identification are invited to join the Johnson County 4-H Horticulture Judging program! Learn the principles of evaluating plants, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, explore best practices in horticulture plant care, and sharpen your ID skills. It’s a fun way to deepen your knowledge, prepare for competitions, and meet others who share the same interests in horticulture. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your horticulture expertise! Fill out the interest form here if you would like to participate.

The Johnson County 4-H Horticulture Judging will compete at the Kansas 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest in Manhattan this August. For more information about judging, click here. Please reach out to our Horticulture Agents, Markis Hill and Anthony Reardon with any questions!

Ronald McDonald House County Fundraiser

The Johnson County 4-H Council Officers have decided to hold a drive for hygiene items. These will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. The Ronald McDonald House provides families a place to stay when a child needs treatment in a hospital that is far away from where they live. It helps families to stay close to their kids and relieves some of the stress that comes with not knowing where they will stay or what they will eat. One important thing that they provide is basic hygiene items. Because when families leave, it probably isn't their first thought to pack a toothbrush, but might still want to be able to brush their teeth. The Ronald McDonald House provides things like shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush, shaving cream, or deodorant for families, but they are mainly a donation-based organization, which means our donations are all the more important.

The specific items that we are looking for are travel size shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. Please share about this collection drive with your clubs. Once you have collected items at your May and/or June meetings, you can either bring your collection to the County Council meeting on July 7th or to the Extension office.

Mr. and Miss 4-H

The Johnson County Mr. and Miss 4-H Program recognizes young people for the leadership and commitment they have contributed to the 4-H program and their communities. Mr. and Miss 4-H support and participate in county events and activities throughout the year including Fair and promote Johnson County 4-H in the community. All 4-H’ers who have been a member for at least three years and are at least 13 (before January 1, 2025) are eligible to apply. More information about the Mr. and Miss 4-H Program can be found here. The application is also posted on the website and is due June 27. Interviews will be held at the Extension office on the evening of July 16 and coronation will take place on July 30.

Cloverbud Camp

Join us for the 2025 Cloverbuds Camp, open to all explorers ages 5-7! The Johnson County 4-H Cloverbuds Camp is two days of hands-on fun, learning, and adventure. Campers will enjoy crafts, nature walks, science experiments, gardening, water games, and more - all in an engaging environment led by Johnson County Extension staff. Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot!



When: June 17th & 18th, 2025 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily

Where: Johnson County Extension Office

Registration: Register here

Poultry Testing

Kansas continues its designation as a Pullorum-Typhoid (P-T) Clean state. The Johnson County 4-H Fair Book states that all poultry (chickens, turkeys, and guineas) must show proof of negative Pullorum-Typhoid testing at check-in. The exception is birds that are less than 90 days old. Johnson County 4-H will hold a testing date on Saturday, June 28th, 9:00 AM - 12:00PM at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. There will be a testing fee of $5.00/per family. If you have questions, please contact the Johnson County 4-H office. For information regarding testing, click here.

County-Wide Knitting Project Meeting

The next county wide knitting project meeting will be held Friday, May 16th at 7:00 PM in the Open Class building at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.

Questions? Contact Sarah Kallansrud.

Knitting Workshop

Join us and learn two essential knitting stitches—knit and purl—while creating a practical dishcloth in this hands-on workshop on Saturday, June 7th, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM at the Gardner Library. Perfect for complete beginners, no prior knitting experience required. All participants welcome; you don't need to be enrolled in the Fiber Arts Project to attend. Find more workshop information and registration here. Registration deadline is Monday, June 2nd.

FCS Agent, Joy Miller, is also accepting two experienced 4-H'ers who would like to assist in teaching participants how to knit. Contact Joy Miller to volunteer.

Johnson County Fair & Kansas State Fair

4-H Horse Shows

Johnson County Fair & Kansas State Fair - To be eligible to participate, 4-H members must properly identify their horse with a Kansas 4-H Horse Identification Certificate by June 1 of the current 4-H program year. **NEW FOR 2025** The 4-H Horse ID Certificate has been updated for the 2025 4-H program year. Please destroy previous versions of the ID form and use the updated certificate moving forward. (Breed registration papers will no longer be acceptable forms of identification.)

**Since June 1 is a Sunday this year, 4-H members must have a copy of the Horse ID form signed by the 4-H agent on file at the Johnson County 4-H office by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025.**

Take note regarding State Fair: 4-H members currently enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project must meet four requirements to be eligible to compete at the Kansas State Fair 4-H Horse Show. One of the four requirements is the horse must be properly identified for the Kansas 4-H Horse Project.

Horseless Horse Project - 4-H members participating in the Horseless Horse Project must turn in a completed Johnson County 4-H Horseless Horse Certificate to the Johnson County 4-H office by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025 (since June 1 is a Sunday). More information about this project can be found on the website and in this handbook.

3-Year-Old Snaffle Bit Project Nominations - The 3-year-old snaffle bit project nomination/ID Certificate is to be postmarked on or before June 1 along with a $10 fee. Nominations are made through the Johnson County 4-H office and then sent to the State 4-H office, so plan ahead! More information about the 3-year-old snaffle bit project is in the Kansas 4-H Horse Show Rulebook, which is posted on the Johnson County 4-H website here.

All forms can be found on the Johnson County 4-H webpage. Also posted on this webpage is an example of a correctly filled out Horse ID Certificate. Note that it must only be one page (front and back). Please also take time to review the Kansas 4-H Horse Show Rulebook, a link to it is posted at the Johnson County 4-H webpage.

YQCA

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program that focuses on nutrition, animal wellbeing, and character development, through age-appropriate educational curriculum for ages 7-21. 

If you plan to exhibit in the Johnson County Fair or at State Livestock Shows, you need to be certified. You must be certified by June 15th in order to exhibit in the county fair.

Certification can be done by completing an online training. Registrations and payments must be made through the YQCA website. The online training is $12 per youth. (If a family needs financial support, contact the Extension office.)

Families are responsible for printing their YQCA certificate, having it on file with the Extension office, and bringing it to county fair. Additional details can be found here: Johnson County 4-H Livestock

State Livestock Nominations

4-H members planning to show their animals at the Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) and/or the Kansas State Fair must submit nominations to the KSU Youth Livestock office. Commercial heifer, swine, sheep, and meat goat nominations are due by June 15. Information regarding state livestock nominations, ordering DNA envelopes, and the nomination process can be found here: State Livestock Nominations

Local Dog Shows, Clinics & Events

There are several upcoming dog events open to all Kansas 4-H families for the spring and summer, starting May 17th. Visit the webpage to check out the events and get more details. This page lists the local invitational shows that 4-H members can participate in too. These qualifiers use judges from the approved Kansas 4-H Dog Show Judge list, so members can use these shows to qualify for the Kansas State 4-H Dog Show.

Dairy Goat Showmanship Clinic

Sedgwick County is putting on a showmanship clinic and it is open to all Kansas Dairy Goat project youth. Join us for a hands-on learning opportunity on Sunday, May 18th at the Sedgwick County Fairgrounds.

Live demonstrations (clipping, washing, toenail trimming) will take place from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and a showmanship clinic will be offered from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.

This clinic is perfect for beginners and seasoned exhibitors looking to sharpen their skills before fair season. Bring your questions and get ready to learn!

Fashion Revue

Do you have a great outfit you are proud of and would like to show off? You can model at the 4-H Fashion Revue this summer! The categories are Purchased Garments and Everything Under $20. To enter the Fashion Revue, you must be enrolled in the Sewing & Textile Design project. You do not have to sew what you wear in Purchased Garments or Everything Under $20! You can find more information in the Johnson County 4-H Fair Book. Judging for the Fashion Revue is Saturday, July 19, 2025. The Public Fashion Revue is the evening of Thursday, July 24. Even if you are not modeling, all 4-H'ers are invited to come join the fun and watch the show!

Horticulture Workshops

4-H Floral Design Workshop

Wednesday, June 25th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Horticulture Agent, Markis Hill, will guide youth through the basics of floral design, including flower selection, color theory, and the principles of balance, proportion, and focal points. This class is perfect for those who are new to floral arranging or looking to create a standout floral entry for the county fair. Participants will work hands-on to create a fresh flower arrangement to take home and will learn techniques that can be applied to future fair projects. All flowers, tools, and materials will be provided. The class is open to youth ages 12 and up.

Registration can be found here.

4-H Fruit & Vegetable Workshop

Wednesday, July 9th 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Calling all 4-H'ers! Want to showcase your garden’s best at the fair? Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn tips and techniques for selecting, preparing, and presenting fruits, vegetables, and herbs to wow the judges. We’ll cover what makes an entry stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure your produce is at its peak for judging.

Whether you’re new to fairs or a seasoned participant, this workshop will help you put your best harvest forward!

Registration can be found here.

Thursdays, May 15th, 22nd, and 29th 6:30 - 8:30 PM

County-Wide Sewing Meetings

All levels welcome. Bring your sewing machines!

Contact: Martha Powell

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Friday, May 16th 7:00 PM

Johnson County Knitting Project Meeting

Join us for an evening of knitting. All levels welcome!

Registration: None required

Contact: Sarah Kallansrud

Location: Open Class building, Johnson County Fairgrounds

Monday, May 19th 6:00 PM

Johnson County Entomology Project Meeting

Join us on the third Monday of each month as we dive into the art of pinning insects! Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this hands-on meeting is perfect for anyone looking to improve their skills and take their insect collection to new heights. All skill levels welcome! 

At the May meeting we will learn more about the habitats that we can find insects in. Whether you are a seasoned Entomologist or just learning about the project, there will be opportunities to learn more and have fun with insects. There will also be time to get help with pinning and identifying insects that you have already caught.

NO Registration required

Contact: Patrick Delancy

Location: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (Room #115) 13145 Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS 66062

Friday, May 30th 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Small Livestock Tagging

All market and commercial breeding animals, including beef, sheep, goats, swine, and bucket calves, must be tagged by Extension staff on or before the designated tagging deadlines to be eligible to show in the 4-H division at the Johnson County Fair. Please see the linked Fair News Edition for more information.

Contact: Lexi or Cyla

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Saturday, May 31st 7:00 - 9:00 AM

Small Livestock Tagging

Swine, Sheep, Goat, Bucket Calf Tagging

All market and commercial breeding animals, including beef, sheep, goats, swine, and bucket calves, must be tagged by Extension staff on or before the designated tagging deadlines to be eligible to show in the 4-H division at the Johnson County Fair. Please see the linked Fair News Edition for more information.

Contact: Lexi or Cyla

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Insect Spectacular

Beetles, bugs, dragonflies and more! The State Entomology Workshop will be held Friday and Saturday June 27th and 28th. Activities will take place at the Butler County Community Building located at 200 N. Griffith Street in El Dorado, Kansas. 

Registration is open and runs through May 26th. If you are enrolled in the entomology project, you will be receiving an email from the State 4-H office regarding registration. Once registration closes, it will not be reopened. There will be no cancellations or refunds of money after Registration closes. Cancellations before Registration closes are eligible for a 50% refund. A parent from each family must register and attend the workshop. A parent is to stay with your child or children at the workshop. 

Full registration fee of $85.00 includes supper Friday, lunch Saturday, bottled water, class materials, T-Shirt, and handouts. 4-Hers enrolled in Entomology should pay for full registration.  One State Park Day Permit will be included in Registration fees per family.   

More information on this workshop and registration can be found here. If you have questions, you may contact Vicky Wallace by email or phone (620) 804-9170.

Youth Challenge Day

The Little Balkans Clover Foundation invites Kansas 4-H members to the Annual Southeast Challenge Day on Thursday, June 12 in Emporia, KS. Registration begins at 9:30 AM and youth are encouraged to participate in as many contests as possible.

*Please note that Favorite Foods Show participants must qualify at the local level.

Youth who participate will be entered into a drawing for a $100 scholarship.

Specific contests and the contest chairs are listed on the flyer. This is an excellent way to practice for other state and area contests!

Ag Ambassador Program

Johnson County Farm Bureau Association is excited to continue to foster growth in the next generation of leaders in agriculture through our Ag Ambassador Program. The program's purpose is to provide leadership opportunities for Johnson County seniors interested in agriculture, provide students with an opportunity to learn about Farm Bureau and how it works from the grassroots up, and to develop students to be spokespersons for agriculture. Upon completion of the one-year program, Ag Ambassadors receive up to a $3,000 scholarship. We are currently accepting applications for up to 3 new Ag Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 school year. This opportunity would be for current juniors and is due by 11:59 PM on June 1, 2025. Find the application form here.

Wonders of Discovery

Learn about the wonders of pollination and its importance at this family-friendly event at the Pollinator Prairie in Olathe in conjunction with National Pollinator Week.

When: Friday, June 20th 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: Pollinator Prairie (320 S. Blake Street Olathe, KS)

This is a free community event!

Junior Extension Master Naturalist Wild Kids! Summer Programs

Kids ages 7-14 can explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences! Field trips take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM on select Saturdays, starting June 7, on topics like aquatics Kansas wildlife & habitats, fossils, and more. Learn more and sign up here.

4-H Afterschool Cooking Program in Gardner

The Master Food Volunteers are offering a monthly afterschool cooking program in Gardner that is open to any 4-H’er who is interested! Sessions are usually held the first Thursday of every month from 3:30 PM -5:00 PM, Students will learn how to prepare various recipes and develop skills that are transferable to preparing foods for the fair and beyond. Cooking is an essential skill for life! Parents are encouraged to stay, learn, and participate with their youth. Participants will get to eat or take home food prepared during each session. Food safety, nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and other lessons will be incorporated into each session.

For session topics and to sign-up, visit the website here: Afterschool Cooking Program (k-state.edu)

Clover Clips Submission

The deadline for submissions for Clover Clips will be on the 15th of each month. If you have a submission that you would like to have considered for an edition of Clover Clips please send it to Erin at Erin.Yeung@jocogov.org