By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Over the past several years, there appeared to be a decline in the interest level younger school students showed in the Kansas State Fair other than the carnival and entertainment.
But that appears to be changing when it comes to the fair and the interest youth are taking in ag-related organizations. This year, there are more than 500 FFA entries at the fair. Kansas FFA Executive Secretary Mary Kane says it has come with a change in the organization's approach.
“We saw it as an opportunity . . . to provide greater opportunities for young people to exhibit at the state fair,” Kane said. “We really evaluated what we were doing here and how we could provide experiences here that would be less expensive.”
That means visitors might not see as many farm trailers or other large farm equipment. But the organization still has the ability to showcase agriculture in other ways. Kane says it all starts with the organization's strong connections to schools that promoted FFA and ag science.
“FFA wouldn’t be around unless there was an agriculture education program in the high schools,” Kane said. “When you look at our model, you really can’t separate it, the classroom, the work experience and then the leadership development.”
The same can be said for 4H. The ag-related organization of Kansas State University has also seen a significant increase in participation at the fair. Beth Hinshaw, Regional Director for 4H, says they have seen a great turnaround in numbers, stressing that 4H isn’t just about farming as the organization works to expand its footprint.
“Farming and agriculture are such a strong foundation that we stand on,” Hinshaw said. “However, 4H is in all 105 Kansas counties in Kansas.” Hinshaw says STEM-related projects have been a major reason for the increase in participation in 4H, along with some of the more traditional avenues. But there is always room for more as the organization looks for more ways to attract youth into 4H.
“We want the opportunity to find their spark,” Hinshaw said. “So we want enough projects that kids can find something that’s really meaningful.”
But it’s not just about projects at the fair, as 4H also keeps pushing to build leadership skills in their youth.
“Probably more important is all of the other skills they learn being in the 4H program,” Hinshaw said. “Learning how to relate with other people, learning to serve their community. That’s not necessarily something you see in this building.”
Both organizations say they see a much better connection with the fair than in years past when it comes to engagement and overall interest from the public.
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