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March Newsletter

2026

March Newsletter 2026
MarchNewsletter2026

May 2026 May 2026

Deadlines & Dates Deadlines & Dates

  • May 25: Office Closed - Memorial Day
  • May 27: From Shirt to Story Workshop (Registration Deadline: May 22)
  • June 1: State Horse Show Entries & ID’s DUE
  • June 2: Babysitting Clinic (Registration Deadline: May 28)

  • June 2: Adventure Day Camp Counselor Training (Registration Deadline: May 28)

  • June 3: YQCA - Tekamah @ 10AM

  • June 3: YQCA - Oakland @ 1PM

  • June 4: Adventure Day Camp (Registration Deadline: May 28)

  • June 8-10: Intro to Welding Workshop (Registration Deadline: June 4)

  • June 9: Let's Paint Run-A-Ways - Acrylic Painting Workshop (Registration Deadline: June 4)

  • June 10: Clover Kids - Dinosaur Explore (Registration Deadline: June 5)

  • June 15: DEADLINE DAY

  1. 4-H Enrollment ABSOLUTE DEADLINE
  2. ALL Livestock Affidavits DUE
  3. State Fair Beef, Sheep, Swine, & Goat DNA & Nominations DUE
  4. YQCA Certification DUE
  • June 18: Blocks & Backstories (Registration Deadline: June 12)

  • June 19: Office Closed: Juneteenth

  • June 23: Clover Kids - Sky Explorers Camp (Registration Deadline: June 18)

  • Tentative June 25: Pie Day I (Methodist Church, Tekamah)*

  • June 30: ALL Burt County Fair Pre-entries DUE

  • June 30: Horse Level Testing DUE

SAVE THE DATES

2026 State 4-H Events

  • May 27-29: Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) - May 27-29
  • June 1: State Horse Show Entries & ID’s DUE
  • State 4-H Premier Communication Event – June 16-17, 2026
  • State 4-H Horse Expo – July 11-15, 2026

2026 Burt County 4-H Fair Events

  • July 1: Bicycle Rodeo @ 6pm (Craig Fire Hall)
  • July 2: Favorite Foods Contest @ 6pm (First Presbyterian Church, Lyons)
  • July 6: Tractor Driving Contest @ 6pm (Lee Valley, Tekamah)
  • July 13: Clothing & Fashion Show Judging, Life Skills Contest @ 9am (Tekamah City Auditorium, Tekamah)
  • July 13: Rocket Launch @ 6pm (Rogers Sod Field, Decatur)
  • July 17-21: 2026 Burt County Fair - "Load the Wagon"

Meet the Burt County 4-H Summer Staff Meet the Burt County 4-H Summer Staff

stacey keys
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Stacey Keys

4-H Assistant

4-H Clover
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Lori Wachter
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Lori Wachter

Office Manager

Julie Fleischman
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Julie Fleischman

4-H Summer Assistant

Jennifer E. Hansen
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Jennifer E. Hansen

4-H Educator Thurston & Burt (based in Thurston County)

Madeline Pearson
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Madeline Pearson

4-H Summer Intern

June 15
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DEADLINE DAY! JUNE 15

Before June 15th make sure you have all these things checked off…

EVERYONE

Ø Enrolled at https://v2.4honline.com (all youth and leaders)

Ø Projects selected on 4honline

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS

Ø Tags from office (Beef, Swine)

Ø ID Sheets/Affidavits (Beef, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits, Swine, Horses)

Going to State Fair? DNA for ALL animals & Online nomination https://showstockmgr.com/ (Beef, Goats, Sheep, Swine)

Aksarben Stock Show
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NEW: Aksarben DNA & Nominations SEPERATE

NEW: Exhibitors that want to show an animal for the NSF and Aksarben Stock Show (AKSS) will be required to submit two separate DNA envelopes and online nominations. AKSS exhibitors will be ordering and purchasing their DNA envelopes through the AKSS website https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/. The DNA process and online nomination process will be SEPERATE between Aksarben & 4-H livestock shows.

4-H Member Info 4-H Member Info

4-H Communication Contest Results

The Burt County 4-H Communication Contest was held on Monday, April 6th at the Presbyterian Church in Tekamah.

Impromptu Speech

Junior (8-10)

  • Jack Hladik - Purple, Champion
Intermediate (11-13)
  • Macy Kelly - Purple, Champion
  • Trent Miller - Purple, Reserve Champion
  • Jersey Nathan - Blue

Senior (14+)

  • Carsyn Miller - Purple, Champion
  • Hope Roscoe - Purple, Reserve Champion
  • Paisley Peterson - Blue

Prepared Speech Results

Clover Kid (5-7)

  • Lillian Hladik - participation

Junior (8-10)

  • Garrison Gramke - Purple, Reserve Champion (State)
  • Jack Hladik - Purple, Champion (State)
  • Beckett Miller - Blue

Senior (14+)

  • Paisley Peterson - Purple, Reserve Champion (State)
  • Hope Roscoe - Purple, Champion (State)
🐷Pork Award Winners: Jack Hladik

🏅 Champions and Reserve Champions received workshop vouchers thanks to the Burt County 4-H Council.
PSA (Public Service Announcement)
Junior (8-10)

  • James Kelly - Purple, Champion (State)

Intermediate (11-13)

  • Jersey Nathan - Purple
  • Macy Kelly - Purple, Champion (State)

Senior (14+)

  • Paisley Petersen - Blue
  • Elisabeth Vogel - Purple, Reserve Champion (State)
  • Carsyn Miller - Purple, Champion (State)
🐷Pork Award Winners: James Kelly, Macy Kelly

🏅 Champions and Reserve Champions received an item thanks to the Burt County 4-H Council.

Presentation

Senior (Over 12)

  • Macy Kelly - Blue
  • Elisabeth Vogel - Purple, Reserve Champion
  • Hope Roscoe - Purple, Champion (State)

Video Communication

  • Macy Kelly - Purple, Champion

🍨Everyone enjoyed ice cream sundaes with Linda Bisanz's homemade chocolate sauce and ice cream and toppings donated by Burt County 4-H Council.

👏Kudos to all our speakers for stepping up and sharing their talents and passions. These youth are building skills that will carry them far into the future.

Burt County 4-H Thank you! 2026 4-H Communication Contest Nebraska Extension & 4-H logo, surrounds by pictures of participants
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Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy (DUE 5/4)

We are excited to share that applications are now open for the Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy—a pilot, state-level experience inspired by the National 4-H Leadership Academy program founded in honor of the late Joel Roth.

This one-year opportunity is designed for high-potential Nebraska 4-H youth to strengthen their leadership capacity, build meaningful connections across the state, and create measurable impact within their communities.

Participants, known as Roth Scholars, will engage in structured leadership development, mentorship, and statewide experiences that expand their skills, networks, and confidence as emerging leaders.

Youth selected for the program will receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion, reinforcing both commitment and achievement.

Who they are looking for:

  • Current high school sophomores
  • Active Nebraska 4-H members
  • Youth ready to grow, lead, and commit to the experience

Program highlights:

  • Monthly virtual meetings
  • In-person statewide events
  • Late summer kickoff in alignment of 2026-27 academic year

Application deadline: May 4, 2026
Apply here:
https://forms.gle/gFV6PKpjbmr3M7gJ7

Kick-off Summer the 4-H Way sign with a sun, sunglasses and a field
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Kick-Off Summer the 4-H Way!

Thank you to the Burt County 4-H Council for providing snack and drinks to all our clubs, even our independent 4-Her's, to help kick off our summer 4-H Season!! If you are an independent 4-Her stop in the Extension office to get your treat before June 15th. Everyone else don't miss your meetings 🙂

Burt County Curriculum

📚 Did You Know?
Your Burt County Extension Office has free hard‑copy curriculum available for families, volunteers, clubs, and leaders! This includes the free Nebraska 4‑H curriculum currently being offered—plus so much more.

We also have helpful resources such as:

  • 4‑H officer guides
  • Leader and project guides
  • Communication and public speaking materials
  • And additional learning tools for a wide variety of project areas

If you're not sure what you need, feel free to stop in and browse our collection. Lori is always happy to help you find the perfect materials!

📚 Come explore and see what we have to support your 4‑H experience! 📚

Volunteer and Leader Info Volunteer and Leader Info

Reminders

  • To complete your volunteer enrollment in 4honline you must finish your Volunteer Orientation. Lori can not approve your enrollment until you have completed the Volunteer Orientation. Good news, it will be good for 3 years! Any issues or questions please contact Lori in the office. lwachter3@unl.edu or 402-374-2929
  • If you are not yet enrolled, please hold off on scheduling or leading meetings and events until enrollment is complete.
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Meeting Ideas

Are you struggling with ideas for your meeting? Looking for something fresh and different? Check out the 4-H Discovery Box. This box delivers fun, engaging learning experiences. Each quarter has a new box. This quarter's kit is all about the world of animal science and caring for all reatures -- big and small! Exploring different breeds and species provides a great introduction to the animal kingdom and veterinary medicine. Learn about different breeds of animals and what they provide, as well as how to measure medicine to give care when they are in need. more details at: https://shop4-h.org/products/4-h-discover-box-critter-care-101

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May Spark Start

Spring is in full bloom, making May the perfect time for youth to learn about the creatures that help our plants and ecosystems thrive. This month's Spark Start highlights May activities on CLOVER by 4-H focused on the power of pollinators.

Youth in grades K-12 can discover the important role pollinators - like ant, bats, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds-play in helping plants grow and supporting the growth of the foods we eat. Through fun, hands-on learning experiences, young people will explore how these small buy mighty creatures make a big difference in the health of our environment.

These engaging activities are easy to use in homes, classrooms, or clubs.

Explore the May Spark Start activies on CLOVER by 4-H: https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects/clover/

4-H Summer Experiences 4-H Summer Experiences

Burt County Workshops and Camps are HERE!!!

Attached are our workshops for this summer! https://go.unl.edu/burtsummer2026 Come join us! Remember, the Burt County 4-H Council offers all Burt County 4-H members a half price scholarship to workshops.
  • Wed, May 27 – From Shirt to Story Workshop (Fairgrounds)
  • Tues, June 2 – Babysitting Clinic (Oakland)
  • Tues, June 2 – Counselor Training - Adventure Day Camp (West Point)
  • Thurs, June 4 – Adventure Day Camp (West Point)
  • Mon, Tues, Wed, June 8-10 - Intro to Welding Workshop (TH CTE Building, Tekamah)
  • Tues, June 9 – Let's Paint Runaways (Lyons)
  • Wed, June 10 – Clover Kids - Dinosaur Explore (Fairgrounds)
  • Thurs, June 18 - Blocks & Backstories (Fairgrounds)
  • Tues, June 23 - Clover Kids - Sky Explorers Camp (Fairgrounds)
Register for Burt County 4-H Summer Workshop HERE!

Counselor Training Adventure Day Camp - June 2/Camp: June 4 (Reg. Deadline: May 28)

We’re looking for Camp Counselors for Adventure Day Camp on June 4th, to make a day of fun for the campers!

Responsibilities as a counselor will be to work through all the sessions with your group, conduct “get acquainted games”, and assist the session leader when needed. And you get to do all the fun stuff TOO!

Date: Tuesday, June 2

Time: 5pm-7:30pm

Place: Neligh Park, West Point

Age Range: 14+

Fee: FREE!! You don’t have to pay to come to camp!!

Additional paperwork will need to be completed for full registration at https://go.unl.edu/adventureday.

Adventure Day Camp

We’re joining Burt, Cuming, Dodge, & Thurston Counties this year for a day of outside fun…

WHAT: Be prepared to have fun! Wear clothes that can get dirty!

BRING: Bug Spray, Sunscreen, Extra Set of Clothes, & Life Jacket (if you have one)

Date: Thursday, June 4

Time: 8 am—3:30 pm

Place: Neligh Park, West Point

Age Range: 8-11

Fee: $40 (Burt 4-Her: $20)

Additional paperwork will need to be completed for full registration at https://go.unl.edu/adventureday.
Image with a Kubota tractor and young person driving.  Nebraska Tractor & Equipment Safety Training.  Register Now Cost $60
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Tractor Safety Days

Cuming County Extension is hosting the Tractor & Equipment Training this year at the Nielsen Center & Cuming County Fairgrounds on June 10-11.


Certification from this course allows 14- and 15-year-olds to legally drive a tractor and do field work with certain mechanized equipment. Visit go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training to learn more!


Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing them to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit. Youth under 14 can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult, at no charge.


Registration 🔗: https://cvent.me/0oRoRz

In a classroom laboratory during a YNS camp, a boy and a girl work with flasks of colored liquids while another table of students gathers in the background.
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Young Nebraska Scientists Summer Camp

Each summer 100+ youths attend YNS camps, which include hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities at college campuses throughout Nebraska. YNS camp fees include meals and lodging for residential camps; day camps are also available. Need-based scholarships are readily available.

More details at: https://yns.nebraska.edu

Calibraska Arts Initiative
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Calibraska Summer Program

The 2026 Calibraska Summer Program Registration is Open! True to the ‘Cali-braska’ name, this initiative brings specialized arts offerings from the California industries to Nebraska communities where access is limited to technology, cultural or arts institutions, professional mentorship and resources to the creative industries.

Summer programs are open for youth ages 5 years and up. Each class, camp, or workshop is taught by experienced teaching artists and professionals from the West Coast ‘scene’. This includes zooming them in or bringing them out to teach in person on the Calibraska ‘tour.’

For more information on the classes, registration, or to donate, visit https://www.calibraska.org or contact Calibraska at info@calibraska.org or call (Nebraska) 308-631-5704, (California) 661-670-8663.

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2026 Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp season

Youth are invited to join us and Big Gumdrop Outdoors as we explore the world around us through our Exploring Ecosystems theme.

During the 2026 Exploring Ecosystems season, campers will explore Nebraska’s natural world, discover how ecosystems connect, and learn how they can help care for the environment - all while having fun at camp!

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is offering day camps camp opportunities. Day camps will be held in Grand Island (June 30) and Lincoln (July 22) for youth ages 8–12 providing a great introduction to the camp experience. The overnight camp in Chadron is all ready full with a long waitlist.


Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, scholarships, and the link to register can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/nebraska-4-h-summer-camp/.

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UNL Big Red Camps - June 7-12, 2026

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp, youth live on and explore the Nebraska campus, meet students from across the country, investigate an interest or potential career, and have lots of fun making new friends. (This is not a commuter camp). During the week-long camps, students will work with university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like engineering, digital media, or food systems. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, families are invited to attend a capstone presentation where students showcase their achievements.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are open to students going into grades 9-12 during the 2026-2027 school year. Housing and food are provided. Space is limited, and camps will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. To ensure the optimal co-hort learning experience, each camp sets a maximum registration. A waitlist option will be available.

Please see Camp Sessions for a list of camps offered, descriptions, capacity, costs, and scholarship opportunities.

2026 Dates & Deadlines

  • Registration Opens - Tuesday, February 10, at 8:00 a.m. CT; for the rest, go to the above camp sessions
  • Regulation Tuition Rate Deadline - Friday, May 1
  • Late Tuition Rate and Final Registration Deadline - Friday, May 22
  • Health Form Submission Deadline - Friday, May 22
  • Big Red Camps - June 7-12, 2026

Burt County Fair 4-H Information Burt County Fair 4-H Information

2026 Burt 4-H Fair Updates

BE READY! – 4-H Kitchen Shift Sign Up Release Date – June 1

We all know we have our favorite 4-H Kitchen Shift! *AGAIN FOR 2026* We will be using Sign Up Genius to give everyone a chance to sign up at their convenience. This link will be shared out on JUNE 1ST @ NOON through the Remind app and the email that is associated with your 4honline profile. So, if you aren’t enrolled in our system yet, you might not see it right away!

*REMINDER* Burt County Pre-entry for Showmanship

Exhibitors will pre-enter for Showmanship in their respective species by the pre-entry deadline of June 30th.

If an exhibitor has not pre-entered and they wish to participate in Showmanship please notify the superintendent your entry will be added during check in/weigh in time for your animal.

*REMINDER* State Fair - Livestock Nominations

Exhibitors will confirm that the ear tattoo and/or identification tag matches the animal nomination submitted by June 15 for confirmation of legibility and/or accuracy. All entries must have EID & tattoo if applicable to be able to switch between breeding & market or from registered to commercial at State Fair.

Livestock nominations for the Nebraska State Fair will be verified by the Extension Office using county ID sheets submitted by June 15. Family name(s), exhibitor name(s), and livestock identification must match between the county and State Fair nominations.

4-H Kitchen – Ice Cream Buckets Needed

As you empty those ice cream buckets this year, please save them for the 4-H Kitchen this summer! They come in handy to store so many things in the 4-H Kitchen.

You may bring them to the Extension Office or to the 4-H Kitchen at the beginning of the fair. Also, as you’re planning your garden, don’t forget we’ll be wanting cucumbers for the kitchen!

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Burt County Photography Theme: "Wagons"

To go with the fair theme of “Load the Wagon” this year’s Burt County Photography Theme is “Wagons.” Take as much creative liberty with this as you’d like, everything from a covered wagons, to wagon wheels, to toy wagons. Make this theme your own! Remember, this exhibit is open to any Burt County 4-H member – you don’t have to be enrolled in the Photography 4-H project.

Senior Scholarships Senior Scholarships

4-H Council Senior Scholarships Awarded

Congratulations to these seniors who have received a scholarship for the Burt County 4-H Council!

We are so proud of all your academic and 4-H accomplishments! Go out and change the world!

  • Ashlynne Gramke - Oakland-Craig = $450
  • Avery Bacon - Lyons-Decatur Northeast = $450
  • Grant McElmuray - MVAOCOU = $100
  • LilyAnn Willing - Tekamah-Herman = $500
  • Madeline Pearson - Oakland-Craig = $500
  • Parke Loftis - Tekamah-Herman = $400
  • Hope Roscoe - Homeschool = $400

4-H Coronation Scholarship Winners

These seniors have participated in your Burt County Fair Coronation and will be receiving scholarship sponsored by the Burt County 4-H County.

  • Ashlynne Gramke – Queen Candidate = $200
  • Avery Bacon - Queen = $500
  • Grant McElmuray - King Candidate = $100
  • Madeline Pearson - Queen Candidate = $100
  • Parke Loftis - King Candidate = $100
  • Elijah Schlichting - King = $500
  • Aaliyah Soll - Queen Candidate = $200

Nebraska State Fair Information Nebraska State Fair Information

Sunflower with other colorful flowers in a natural area
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2026 ONLINE Horticulture Judging contest

Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?! We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 9-23, 2026 at: http://go.unl.edu/online4hhortcontest

Horticulture judging contest consists of three parts. The first is identification of plant material. Participants identify the plants by common name from a plant list. Specimens may be alive or preserved plant parts like stems, twigs, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, or plant products.

The second is a knowledge portion, usually in the form of a true/false or multiple choice quiz. Questions will test the contestant's knowledge of cultural practices for horticultural crops, plant science, pesticides, horticultural careers and other topics related to the production, processing and consumption of horticultural crops.

The last portion is judging or placings. This is where four different plants, plates of vegetables, or containers flowers are ranked from best to worst based on a set of criteria. Classes are judged on the basis of condition, quality, uniformity, true-to-type, and size.

More information about the Nebraska State contest along with a list of study materials can be found in the Horticulture ID Contest Fairbook. Here you can find the written study materials for the knowledge portion, follow links to plant pictures for help with identification, and read how judging of plant material is done.
More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/online-horticulture-judging-contest

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State Fair 4-H Dog Show

For 2026, the 4-H Dog Show will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026 and will be held in the Thompson Food Indoor Arena. We are excited to share that this location will host all dog show classes, including obedience, rally, showmanship, and agility.

Bringing all events together in one location will make it easier for youth to move between classes and will help improve communication from show officials. Additionally, the arena flooring will be leveled and packed to better support dogs’ movement, helping reduce joint stress during activities such as running and jumping.

Animal Science Info Animal Science Info

YQCA - Youth for the Quality Care of Animals
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Youth for the Quality Care of Animals - YQCA

YQCA is available as an online or face-to-face program for youth everywhere in the United States. We will be using the same website as last year (even with all of it’s glitches) https://yqcaprogram.org/.

Requirements:

Online – 3 modules @ $12 total (to receive full certification you must complete 3)

OR Face-2-Face training @ $3 total

  • June 3: Extension Office, Tekamah 10am - 11am
  • June 3: Argo 4-H Club, Fairgrounds 1pm - 2pm
  • TBA: Logan Valley Clovers, Lyons

OR Test Out for Intermediate @ $36 or Senior @ $48

Any tradition 4-H member (8-18) in your family that is enrolled in a beef, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and/or swine project must be certified to show at county and state fair! The deadline for completion to be eligible to show at the Burt County Fair is June 15th! If you have questions please contact us!

Here are some assistances for completing the process. https://yqcaprogram.org/local/youth_parents.php

  • Remember, we learned last year that you have to register for the course. And then take a post-course survey before you can access your certificate (which is the part we need).

2026 Show Stock Manager is OPEN!

Show Stock Manager is open for livestock nominations for the 2026 Nebraska State Fair!

Website Link: https://showstockmgr.com/

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to complete an online nomination with payment through Show Stock Manager and submit a DNA collector envelope with a hair sample. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Each State Fair nomination will be $7.00 per animal in Show Stock Manager. 4-H and FFA livestock nominations are due on June 15, 2026.

Refer to the 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Requirements for additional information on 4-H exhibitor eligibility at the State Fair.

If you have any questions on how to submit your online nominations, you can review the 2026 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions document.

Aksarben Stock Show
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NEW: Aksarben DNA & Nominations SEPERATE

NEW: Exhibitors that want to show an animal for the NSF and Aksarben Stock Show (AKSS) will be required to submit two separate DNA envelopes and online nominations. AKSS exhibitors will be ordering and purchasing their DNA envelopes through the AKSS website https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/. The DNA process and online nomination process will be SEPERATE between Aksarben & 4-H livestock shows.

Blue Ribbon 4-H Progress Show Flyer with QR code to register.
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Beef Progress Show in Arlington

Blue Ribbon 4-H is hosting a progress show for the following classes: Breeding Heifers, Market Heifers, Market Steers, Feeder Calves, Showmanship & Clover Kids

Saturday, June 20th at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Arlington

This is a Blow & Show with cash prizes. To register scan the QR code on the flyer.

Questions contact Stacy Nelson 402-670-7491.

40th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show

Goat, Sheep & Beef Show

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Sarpy County Fairgrounds - Springfield, NE

Pre-Entry of Livestock. https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cOLB7MCMVcC6uBU

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY WILL BE FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH AT 11:59 PM

This is a Blow & Go Show. No use of tapes, glues, adhesives of any kind.

All goats must be shown in smooth chain collars or halters. NO SPIKED COLLARS. All sheep not shown in hand can use a halter or smooth chain but No Spiked Collars.

Email Stacey or Lori for more information.

Pitzer 4-H Horse Judging Clinic & Contest Picture
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Pitzer 4-H Horse Judging Clinic & Contest

📝Register for the Pitzer 4-H Horse Judging Clinic & Contest held at Pitzer Ranch outside of Ericson, Nebraska. The clinic and contest will focus on riding classes in 2026. Register individuals at https://go.unl.edu/pitzer. You will also have the option to enter the team contest at event check-in. Registration is $10 per person.

🐴Event Details - Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  • 8:30AM Check-In & Team Registration
  • 9:00AM Welcome & Orientation
  • 9:15AM Clinic - Riding Classes
  • Lunch - Available for Purchase on Grounds
  • Following Lunch - Contest - Riding Classes

🎈Divisions

  • Juniors - Ages 8-11 by January 1
  • Seniors - Ages 12-18 by January 1
  • Adults - 19+ by January 1

Hustler Progress Show

The Hustler Progress Show is Sunday, June 7 at the Cuming County Fairgrounds in West Point, NE. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/HustlerProgressShow/

Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series! (June 17-19)

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states.

Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.

📅 June 17–19, 2026
📍 Columbus • Bladen • Nelson, Nebraska
🔗 Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26


Join us for three exciting days of livestock evaluation, learning, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! More details to come for each day.

📣 Hippology Practice - Virtual 🏇

You asked for them, and we delivered! Ready to put your horse science knowledge to the test? Extension Horses has developed three practice contests with Advanced and Introductory Levels to best serve ALL skill levels.

These interactive contests include:

  • Slides
  • Stations
  • Exams
  • Scenarios (team problems)

...all in a virtual Hippology-style format!


While awards aren’t provided, you can review your scores, track your progress, and earn a certificate of completion when you score 80% or higher on each section.

Practice as many times as you want during your access period and build confidence before contest day!

Pricing for 90 days unlimited access:

• $20 Individual

• $75 Team (up to 5 seats, designed for 1 coach and 4 team members)

Perfect for teams, coaches, classrooms, and individuals preparing for competition OR simply testing your horse science knowledge.


Enroll today and start learning all about horses: https://catalog.extension.org/catalog?pagename=Hippology

Any questions regarding this opportunity, please reach out to Kathy Anderson kanderson1@unl.edu.

Livestock Achievement with Yellow Ribbon
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4-H Livestock Achievement Program

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The livestock achievement program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related educational, leadership and citizenship accomplishments.

Youth completing the application, plan & report, and the project record for their designated species receive member of excellence distinction for their project area. Applications are due June 15, but why wait? Visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement to get started.

Shooting Sports Shooting Sports

Page 1 of a flyer about the event
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2026 Holt County 4-H Invitational Shoot

  • Expanded to a Two-Day Event
    The invitational will now take place over two days:
    • Saturday, June 6
    • Sunday, June 7
      When registering, please be sure to select the correct day when choosing your line times.

Register online: https://forms.gle/WSmTQLNNFeX8tryG9
Registration deadline: June 1, 2026 (no day-of registrations will be accepted)

  • Camping Available
    With the addition of a second day, camping will now be offered.
    • Flat fee of $15 (covers one or two nights)
    • All campers must sign the Holt County Fair Board Camper Waiver upon arrival

Reserve your campsite: https://forms.gle/YFg33CXBq5ND3jk5A

  • Invitational T-Shirts Available
    Event apparel is now available for purchase: https://hcssinvite26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
  • Partner Shoot Information
    Page 5 of the flyer includes full details about the Partner Shoot. We’re excited to offer all eight disciplines this year and look forward to continued growth of this event.

Partner Shoot Registration: https://forms.gle/5vCu2bas5uuNLh1q6


For the full flyer information, please email Lori before May 13th. lwachter3@unl.edu

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Don’t wait for the next newsletter to stay informed! We share the most recent updates, upcoming events, and new opportunities on our local Facebook page as soon as we receive them. Follow us there to stay up‑to‑date between newsletters. https://www.facebook.com/BurtNeExt

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Get Reminders!

Please sign up for REMIND!! We want to have a quick, easy, instant way to contact you all! If you would like to receive text reminders, text @burtco4h to the number 81010. Or go to this link https://www.remind.com/join/burtco4h. Hopefully this way we all don’t forget the fun 4-H things happening!

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Stacey Keys
Associate 4-H Youth Development
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