Leavenworth County Extension reports rebound in 4‑H participation, new agents and volunteer growth

Jacob Thomas, president of the Leavenworth County Extension Board, updated the commission April 1, 2026, on extension programming, reporting a strong rebound and growth in 4‑H participation since the COVID‑19 pandemic and expanded outreach to nontraditional and urban families.

Thomas described expanded youth programming beyond traditional agriculture topics (including electronics, rocketry and baking), a newly hired agriculture and natural‑resources agent with a farming and military background, and a family‑consumer‑science agent offering nutrition, cooking and household finance classes targeted at both seniors and young adults.

Extension volunteers were highlighted as a critical resource: staff tallied about 187 active volunteers this quarter and estimated, conservatively, that volunteers contributed roughly 10 hours each so far—totaling about 1,870 volunteer hours and an estimated $63,000 in wage savings.

Thomas also announced a public spring festival at his farm April 18 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and April 19 (1 p.m.–5 p.m.) with baby animals and local vendors to showcase extension programs. He encouraged commissioners and residents to attend and support the county’s extension work.

Why it matters: Extension services provide education and direct support to agricultural producers, youth and households. Commissioners noted the role extension plays in workforce development, community engagement and local food production, and welcomed the outreach to schools and new program offerings.