Welcome to Southwind District

As a part of K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District programs present educational information and programming related to agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community vitality.

We serve the people of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties and have offices in each of those counties.

Our philosophy is to help people help themselves by taking university knowledge to where people live, work, and play. We work at being responsive to the needs of the people by focusing our resources on providing quality information, education, and problem-solving for real concern. The information we provide is research-based and unbiased.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information on these latest events, simply click on the event title.

Walk Kansas-An 8-week healthy lifestyle challenge! Gather a team of coworkers, friends, family, or neighbors-hit the (virtual) trail and make Kansas your walking adventure! Register online at WalkKansas.org or contact your local extension office. Registration is open March 1st-31st, cost is $10/person, register with the QR code on the flyer.

Passport to Fun: Spring Break Edition-This immersive, hands-on experience is designed for youth ages 7-12. Youth will explore four different countries around the globe through movement, creativity, science, and cuisine. 4 Location and Dates Available, see flyer for information! All sessions are 1:00-4:00 P.M. Book your adventure now HERE. Registration due by March 10, 2026.

Beef Quality Assurance-Training & Certification-Presented by Dr. A.J. Tarpoff. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Dinner 6:00 P.M., 6:30 P.M. BQA Training. Fort Scott Livestock. RSVP by March 17th at KBC@KansasBeef.org or 785-273-5225.

Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal-Join Southwind Extension to learn how to protect your family and navigate life after an Alpha-Gal diagnosis. Monday, March 23, 6:00 P.M. Fort Scott Community College, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Call 620-244-3826 by March 20th to register.

Kokedama-Kokedama means "moss ball" in Japanese. It is the art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped with string. March 17, 6:00 P.M. Fort Scott Public Library. March 18, 6:00 P.M. Southwind Extension Office, Iola, KS. $45 and Pre-Registration required HERE!

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy-Bronson-Join this strength training class, twice a week for one-hour and improve your health. March 25th-May 15th, Wednesday's & Friday's, 10:00-11:00 A.M. Community Center, Bronson, KS. Call 620-244-3826 to register by March 20th! Offered at a $10 donation.

Aging With Attitude-Friday, April 24, 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Independence Community College West Campus, 2615 W. Main St. Registration Due April 17th to reserve your meal. Call 620-244-3826 or complete the form on the flyer. Fee: $15.00, please make payments to Southwind Extension and mail to 111 S. Butler, Erie, KS 66733

Grant Writing Workshop-Grants are a vital piece in your community's funding puzzle...and YOU can do it! April 7, 2026, 9:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Southwind Extension Office, Iola, KS. Registration Fee: $60. To register or more information: Amanda Clasen at 620-244-3826 or amclasen@ksu.edu Registration Deadline: March 31st.

2026 Local Food Producer Workshops-For farmers markets, producers, and small food businesses to learn about direct-to-consumer sales and other local marketing needs. Southeast Research & Extension Center, Parsons, KS. March 6th, 2026, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. $25. For additional details scan the QR code on the flyer or HERE!

Beyond The Box: Easy Biscuit Making-Learn to make both drop and rolled biscuits while building practical, from-scratch baking skills. Saturday, March 7, Noon-2:00 P.M. First Southern Baptist Church, Fort Scott, KS. $10 supplies fee. Contact Sandy Haggard to register at 620-365-2242 or sjhaggard@ksu.edu

Dining With Diabetes-Designed especially for people with Type 2 Diabetes, this program will help you learn the skills needed to promote good health. 4 Thursday sessions: March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Scott View Apartments, Fort Scott, KS. Registration required by calling Sandy at 620-365-2242 or sjhaggard@ksu.edu

Theileria in Cattle: Understanding Risk, Spread, and Management-Dr. Cassandra Olds, K-State Veterinary Entomologist and Southwind Agent Hunter Nickell will provide an overview of Theileria in cattle. Wednesday, February 25th, 5:30 P.M. Fort Scott Livestock Market, Fort Scott, KS. Light snacks and refreshments provided. Call 620-365-2242 with questions and reserve your spot!

Walk With Ease-A walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that includes health education, stretching, strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. January 26th-March 4th. Monday's & Wednesday's 10:00-11:00 A.M. Community Center, Bronson. Call 620-244-3826 to enroll!

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy-Join this strength training class, twice a week for one-hour and improve your health. January 20th-March 12th. Tuesday's & Thursday's 9:00-10:00 A.M. Galesburg Community Center. Call 620-244-3826 to register by January 13th. $10 donation.

OWL Hour-Join us for an hour long social gathering where we will come together to discuss and discover new things and topics. Every 2nd full week of the month, 10:00-11:00 A.M. Location Options-Yates Center, St. Paul, Fort Scott, Iola. Call Hollie @ 620-625-8620 for more information.

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