Cowley County 4-H

05/11/2026

🍀 What the 4‑H Clover Really Means 🍀

The 4‑H Clover is more than just a logo — it is a federally protected emblem that represents integrity, quality youth development, and nearly 120 years of trusted educational programming.

Because of what it stands for, the 4‑H Clover is legally protected. Its use is governed by specific licensing guidelines that help ensure the emblem is used correctly, respectfully, and in ways that directly support 4‑H youth.

✅ What does “licensed use” mean?
Businesses that use the 4‑H Clover on items like apparel or promotional products must:
• Apply for official permission
• Follow branding and design standards
• Pay required licensing fees
• Use the emblem only for approved purposes

💚 Why this matters in Cowley County
Here in Cowley County, we are proud to work with businesses that:
✔️ Follow the 4‑H licensing process
✔️ Meet all legal and branding requirements
✔️ Support our local 4‑H Council
✔️ Reinvest in Cowley County 4‑H youth and families
These businesses go the extra mile — jumping through the hoops to do things the right way, because they value 4‑H and the families we serve.

⚠️ A friendly reminder
Sometimes the 4‑H Clover may appear on items that are not licensed or approved. When this happens, it means:
• The emblem is being used without permission
• Licensing fees are not being paid
• Local 4‑H programs do not benefit
While it can be tempting to choose the quickest or cheapest option, supporting licensed vendors helps protect the 4‑H name and ensures our organization — and our kids — are supported for generations to come.

🌱 Thank you
Thank you to our Cowley County families for caring about the meaning behind the Clover, and a big thank you to the businesses who choose to support 4‑H the right way. Your commitment helps keep 4‑H strong, credible, and thriving in our community.
🍀💚

If you ever have questions about proper use of the 4‑H Clover or approved vendors, please reach out to the Cowley County Extension Office — we’re happy to help.

05/08/2026

If you participated in the 2026 Willie & The Beanstalk Contest, your shirt is available for pick up at the Extension Office.

05/04/2026

04/30/2026

The May 2026 4-H Flash is now live on our website:https://www.cowley.k-state.edu/4-h/newsletters/2026%20May%204-H%20Flash.pdf

04/30/2026

🔔Last call for state market beef nominations! 🔔They are due May 1, which is tomorrow! This is a firm deadline.

All market beef, including steers and market heifers of any breed, must be state nominated by May 1 to be eligible for the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and/or KJLS.

✅Animals must be submitted through the online system by 5:00PM tomorrow.

✅Enter all animals under all eligible exhibitors in the online system.

✅Have all eligible exhibitors sign the DNA hair sample envelopes.

✅Use Certified Mail or method that has tracking to send completed DNA envelopes and copy of receipt showing animals were entered online. Get a receipt as proof of mailing. Must be postmarked May 1.

https://kansasnom.fairwire.com/

04/29/2026

One of my favorite events to attend each year!! Dexter FFA does such a great job organizing this fun day! 👏👏👏

04/25/2026

🌱 Willie & the Beanstalk | Cowley County 4‑H Shines! 🌱

We are excited to announce that Wade Hervey has been named Grand Champion in the K–8th grade division of the Kansas State University Willie & the Beanstalk contest! This is out of 153 teams!!! 🎉 Wade earned 1st place in THREE different judging divisions with his massive soybean plant—an incredible accomplishment!

Willie & the Beanstalk, hosted by Kansas State University, challenges Kansas K–12 students to grow the largest soybean plant while documenting their cultural practices and learning the science behind plant growth. Students work to replicate “perfect” growing conditions in a pot—often during a chilly time of year—while learning what makes a plant strong both in a controlled setting and out in the field. This contest may sound simple, but it takes dedication, problem‑solving, and learning year after year!

We are incredibly proud of Wade and all of our Cowley County youth—Cowley County 4‑H members have now earned Grand Champion honors THREE years in a row! 💪🌱

We also want to recognize: 👏 Presley, who earned 7th place overall

👏 Central Elementary School Mustang Team, who received 9th overall and grew the tallest plant at 169 cm—a plant that was especially challenging to judge!

It is always so fun to visit with these youth and learn about everything they tried, adjusted, and experimented with while growing their plants. Their curiosity and enthusiasm truly shine!

A sincere thank you to Master Gardener Dorris Tremal and 4‑H’er Anthony Jelinek for assisting with judging the plants—we appreciate your time, expertise, and support of youth learning! 🌱

We also extend a huge THANK YOU to the Bill House Foundation for their generous donation that funded supplies and the soybean simulator. Because of this support, we were able to provide this opportunity not only to 4‑H youth, but also extend it into our schools and support local teachers. We were happy to assist Central Elementary 3rd grade classes and Country View Kindergarten students this year!

📌 4‑H Participant Reminder:
T‑shirts, certificates, and the Grand Champion plaque are currently being shipped to the Extension office and will be distributed once they arrive.

Great job to all who participated—we are so proud of our Cowley County youth! 🌱💚