4-H'ers With 250 Years Freedom Flag

May 14, 2026

Patriotic scene of 4-H’ers from around the nation in Washington D.C. standing proudly in front of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Headquarters with a draped "250 Years Freedom Flag" ... during their 2026 National 4-H Conference that included giving briefings on a prepared topics to USDA leadership on April 13, 2026.

4-H’ers are youth participants in the nation’s largest positive youth development program, focusing on hands-on learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), agriculture, health, and civic engagement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) host the 2026 National 4-H Conference April 10-15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

NIFA has administered the National 4-H Conference on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., since 1927. Known as “the Secretary’s Conference,” this Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA. Today, the Conference remains true to its original intent to develop the next generation of leaders while continuing to be future focused. The Conference brings together young people, volunteer leaders, county and state Extension staff, Land-grant University faculty and administrators, as well as State and Federal government officials from across the United States and its territories. During the Conference, delegates will become familiar with the government and future career opportunities and share their voice with federal agencies and congressional committees.

Image created by USA Patriotism! from USDA photo by Christophe Paul. 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | National 4-H Conference