Little Apple Times

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to acknowledge the Kansas State Fair and its importance to Kansas culture. Hutchinson, which has hosted the event for over a century, is part of Mann's district.

Mann highlighted that thousands of Kansans travel to Hutchinson each year for the fair. He noted that his family attended this year’s event and shared that Congress typically is not in session during the first week of the fair, allowing him more time to participate.

"The State Fair is one of the crown jewels of Kansas tradition. For more than a century, families have made the trip to Hutchinson every September to celebrate agriculture, spend time together, and to showcase the very best of our state. It is a place where urban and rural Kansans alike come together, where grandparents bring their grandkids to see livestock shows, enjoy funnel cakes and candy apples, ride the Ferris wheel, and come together to honor agriculture as the backbone of our economy and our culture. The State Fair is truly a reflection of who we are as Kansans," said Mann.

He emphasized agriculture’s central role in Kansas life: "In Kansas, agriculture is more than an occupation — it is a calling. A calling that is the heartbeat of the Big First District. The fair celebrates that and honors the men and women who devote their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. From livestock shows to crop displays, the fair is a reminder of the faith, work ethic, and service that define our communities. It is also a place where we invest in the next generation by highlighting the accomplishments of FFA and 4-H students who will carry our agricultural tradition forward and emerge as future leaders of agriculture in our state."

Mann described participating in announcing this year’s Legislative Showmanship competition with Mary McCurry from the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board. He stated: "This event is unlike anything else in the country. It gives lawmakers the opportunity to learn directly from Kansas FFA and 4-H students about how to show livestock and, more importantly, about the commitment and dedication it takes to care for those animals. These young people are the future leaders of agriculture, and I was inspired by their passion and knowledge. I would also like to acknowledge Mary Kane with Kansas FFA and Ann Sankey with the Kansas State Fair Foundation Board for putting on a great event. Congratulations again to this year’s winners and thank you to everyone who made the event possible."

He also met with farmers, ranchers, producers, and industry leaders at this year’s fair: "We reflected on how Congress delivered big wins for Kansas agriculture this summer through the Working Families Tax Cuts, but we still have work to do. Kansas farmers and ranchers still need a fiscally conservative, five-year Farm Bill that addresses the needs of today, not those of 2018. My House Agriculture Committee colleagues and I are working hard to deliver Farm Bill 2.0 to further support the men and women who show up every single day with determination to feed, fuel, and clothe the world."

Mann concluded: "Mr. Speaker, The Kansas State Fair is about more than rides exhibits ,and shows .It is about honoring kansas families traditions make agriculture strong investing next generation maintain leadership tomorrow .Kansans proud tradition ,I proud represent hutchinson big first district home kansas state fair here house representatives .Thank you Mr Speaker I yield"

Tracey Mann has served as U.S Representative for Kansas' 1st District since 2021 after succeeding Roger Marshall (FACT 1; FACT 2). Born in Quinter in 1976 (FACT 3), he graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in 2000 (FACT 4).