National 4-H Conference 2026

Bringing hundreds of 4-H'ers to the nation's capital each spring, the National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). By providing opportunities for young people between the ages of 15 and 19 to share their voices with the federal government, this nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders. Experience unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking with 4-H'ers from around the world. During the Conference, delegates will become familiar with the government and share their voice with federal agencies and congressional committees with the goal of impacting change in America. It is a multi-day working conference where 4-H'ers work together to present ideas to Federal partners with the goal of impacting change in America. It also offers opportunities for youths to network, collaborate, sightsee, and learn about careers in agriculture. Attendees are put to work preparing a Youth Perspective Briefing where they choose a topic, research an issue, develop a 45-minute briefing, and formally present their recommendations to the federal partner.