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State 4-H rally held at Great Bend Events Center
4H program convention 2025
Almost every county in Kansas was represented at the 4-H Program Rally, held this week at the Great Bend Events Center. As the final day of the conference got underway Friday morning, agents took part in an icebreaker that can also be used at 4-H meetings. Resources for 4-H program directors were on display at the convention. - photo by photos by Susan Thacker/Great Bend Tribune

More than 100 4-H agents and program managers from K-State Research and Extension were in Great Bend this week to attend the 4-H Program Rally, which took place at the Great Bend Events Center. Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development agent from the Cottonwood District, Great Bend, said nearly every Kansas county sent a representative.

It was the first time within memory that the annual rally was hosted by Great Bend, but Beran said the central location was a draw. “We had people from all four corners of the state.” Also attending were representatives from the Kansas 4-H Foundation and from Rock Springs Ranch, the Kansas 4-H camp near Junction City.

Dr. Sarah Maass, State 4-H youth development program leader, said the rally was a professional development opportunity and a chance for experiential learning as agents tried out updated programs.

There were also tables of materials and gear that 4-H program directors can check out from the regional office, Beran said. That way, they don’t have to spend local dollars on items such as the simulator for cow and pig ear tagging practices, for example.

Christina Hayes with the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau noted that more conventions are being booked at the Events Center. Next week the Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition is coming.