Dakota County 4-H News

DAKOTA COUNTY OFFICE STAFF

Angela Abts—4-H & Youth aabts2@unl.edu

Julie Boyle—Food Nutrition and Health julie.boyle@unl.edu

Tammy Dunn—Office Manager tpeterson3@unl.edu

Email: dakota-county@unl.edu
Website: https://dakota.unl.edu
Location: 1505 Broadway Street, Dakota City, NE, USA
Phone: 402-987-2140
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLDakotaCounty
Twitter: @NEDakota4HExt

Instagram: NE Extension Dakota County

2026 4-H CALENDAR (pdf)

Use the link above to view/print a 2026 4-H calendar, to help keep you on schedule and in the know - calendar is subject to change.

JULY

3 - Office closed for 4th of July

11-15 - State 4-H Horse Expo at Fonner Park, Grand Island

15 - ALL DAKOTA~THURSTON COUNTY PRE-FAIR ENTRIES DUE!

15 - YQCA due - Certificate must be delivered to Extension Office

15 - D-T Fair board meeting at D-T Fairbrounds, 7:00PM

20-24 Entrepreneurship Camp (Dakota County Extension Office)

25 - Pre-Fair Clean up

27 - 4-H Clothing Day

26 - August 2nd Dakota ~Thurston County Fair

29 - Static Exhibits deliver to Fairgrounds, interview judge

29 - Livestock stalling 6:00 - 7:30PM

AUGUST

10 State Fair Animal and In-Person entries DUE

19 - D-T Fair Board Meeting at Fairgrounds 7:00 PM

25 State fair static exhibits due to Extension Office

28-30 4-H weekend at State Fair

28 - Sept 7 Nebraska State Fair

SEPTEMBER

7- Office Closed - Labor Day

14 - Joint 4-H Council TBD

16 D-T Fairboard meeting 7:00 PM Fairgrounds

24-27 - Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show

The 2026 4-H section of the Fairbook is posted onlne and ready to view!

Visit our website to view the fairbook. Hard copies are available at the Extension Office.

Fairbook

Pre-Fair entries are required and the deadline is WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH, BY 11:59 PM.

It is an online entry system. Visit our website at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-h/dakota-county-fair-state-fair/ to access the different forms needed to complete your entries.

If the online entry system fails, paper entry forms can be provided to you upon request.

The Dakota-Thurston 4-H County Fair has the following policy:

19) Late Policy - 4-H members are to pre-enter their projects for exhibition at the fair. Entries that are submitted past the deadline will be accessed a $10 fee per individual. Entries will be accepted up to one week past the deadline, as long as the late fee has been paid.

These do not apply to any State Fair submissions! State Fair deadlines are hard and firm!

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY AS THINGS HAVE CHANGED THIS YEAR!

Poultry Exhibitors - When you enter your animals Wednesday, July 29th, from 6:00 –7:30PM we are asking that you check your animals in with either the superintendents or Extension Staff. We want to try and ensure that our show programs are accurate. Your assistance on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Rabbit Exhibitors - The Rabbit Show is on Tuesday, July 28th at the Dakota-Thurston Fairgrounds.

· Check in options are: Monday evening 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Tuesday morning from 7:30 - 8:00 AM.

· Showmanship starts at 8:00 AM, and the show starts at 10:30 AM.

Bedding - The fair board will be supplying bedding for livestock projects. If you have special needs for your projects, it is your responsibility to bring the supplies or contact the Fair Board.

Stalling Horses - The Dakota~Thurston County Fairboard voted in 2010, That if a horse is showed, it must be stalled. No veterinarian excuses will be accepted. This applies to all horses exhibiting at the 4-H Horse Show, no expectations. All horses must be stalled and checked in at the fairgrounds with the Superintendents or Extension Staff on Wednesday, July 29th from 6:00-8:00PM.

Livestock Check-in - Wednesday, July 29th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm is check-in day at the fair. Please check-in your animals at the respective livestock scale. This will help us with making sure we have the right exhibitors and livestock that are on the fairgrounds and help with correct stall assignments and correct show programs. Reminder: Swine ear tags need to be purchased for $3.00 each at the time of check-in.

No early release of animals - Please refer to the fair book for the following rule: All live animals, 4-H/FFA, Open Class (except cats, dogs, household pets/birds) will remain on the grounds for the duration of the fair. No early releases. Also see the following statement from the Fair Board: Penalty– Premiums will be pulled for exhibits leaving the fairgrounds prior to the aforementioned release time.

Cat, Dog, & Ferret Exhibits - Vaccinations are required for cats, dog (and ferrets) shown at the Dakota - Thurston County Fair. Please submit proof of vaccinations with your animal entries that are due on July 26th. Forms are available here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-h/dakota-county-fair-state-fair/#tab-item-cat,-dog-&-companion-animal-12100

Bucket Calves - Record books for the Bucket Calf project are due to the Fair Livestock Office by Noon on Thursday, July 30th.. Interviews will be from 1-3 PM that same day! There will also be a sign up sheet for Bucket Calf Interview times in the Livestock Office on Wednesday evening!

Click here for more info: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-h/dakota-county-fair-state-fair/#tab-item-beef,-sheep,-swine,-&-goats-12095

4-H is all about learning! But at the fair we want you to tell us all the things you learned while making and working on your projects! For a quick reference list on the supporting information click here: Paperwork for 4-H Exhibits.docx

Dakota Cunty did not order new shirts for 2026. However there is a small selection of shirts availalbe in the Extension Office. These are on a first come basis. Limited sizes and colors available $10 each $20 sweatshirts.

The Dakota~Thurston County Fair does have shirts with the current fair theme for sale. You order them through the fair store link here.

Order deadline is July 5th.

NOTE: THESE SHIRTS ARE NOT APPROVED TO WEAR FOR 4-H SHOWS.

Please see the fairbook general rules for dress code rules.

This year's special project is the Commissioners Cookie Jar Contest.

Stop in the extension Office to pick up your jar, grab the instructions, decorate your jar and fill with cookies.

Enter on July 29th during entry day.

Winning jar will be presented to commissioners on Wednesday evening during the Prince & Princess contest.

· Volunteers are still needed for the fair! Some of the livestock shows may need additional help with wrangling youth, show order, ring set up or miscellaneous duties.

· We need volunteers or parents to help with the 4-H Sponsored Movie on Saturday, August 1st. It's at 9:00 PM with free admission after the Extreme Bull Riding!

· Help is also needed in the exhibit hall all day on July 29th for check in! Please contact the office if you are willing to volunteer!

· Volunteers also needed for Kids Day at the fair this year! This is held on Friday evening and Saturday!

The wristbands will be given to each 4H youth that are exhibiting during fair week. These will be handed out to Dakota & Thurston Extension kids starting Wednesday July 29th during Static entry check in, and the additional wristbands can be handed out to kids as they pick up backtags in the livestock office. The wristbands allows them to get into the following events for free:

· Thursday - Tractor Pull

· Friday - Figure 8 Racing, Kids Day Activities, and Laser Tag

· Saturday - Kids Day Activities, Extreme Bull Riding

Wednesday Night: The fairboard will be cooking up

FREE burger and hot dog meal to all 4H families and volunteers. Located in the Show Arena starting

at 6:00

We have not yet received all the donations needed to support our awards. Please reach out to community members, businesses and family members to donate.

Awards youth can select are:

• Traditional trophy
• Stadium blanket
• Tumbler
• Picture Frame
• Bag Chair

A trophy will be available during the fair for photo opportunities. Youth will be given a Grand Champion certificate for the class(es) they have won. Then they will select the award they want and it will be ordered and delivered at a later date.

Trophy donations are still needed. If you would like to donate funds to be used for awards. Please send to

Dakota County Extension

PO Box 129

Dakota City, NE 68731

Campsites are available at the fairgrounds campgrounds. If you are interested, please reach out to Miranda Extochen at: (402)922-0992 or Mary Paeper at (402)922-1299 by July 5th.

Campsite letters will be sent out at the end of June for everyone that had a spot last year that plans on returning.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is required for any 4-h members showing, beef, sheep, swine, goat, poultry, or rabbit.

Youth take an online module based on their age. The training is good for 1 year.

Visit: https://yqcaprogram.org/

This needs to be completed prior to County fair. Ideally completed by June 15th if at all possible.

• Online at– https://yqcaprogram.org/ 3 modules @ $12 total (to receive full certification you must complete 3).
• Test Out for Intermediate @ $36 or Senior @ $48.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAMP

Across the region, kids are starting up their own business and making money from home. Experience making and selling a product while learning what it takes to develop you own ideas for a business. This will be an exciting five day camp experience. Youth will be selling their products during Chamber Coffee Hour at the Dakota ~Thurston County Fair on July 31st.

July 20th - 24th, 2024

1:00PM - 4:00PM

Ages 3rd - 8th grade

Cost: $50 per student

Nebraska Extension IN Dakota County

1505 Broadway

Dakota City, NE

go.unl.edu/entrepreneurshipcamp2026

The 4-H Discover Box delivers fun, engaging learning experiences directly to your doorstep! This quarterly activity kit allows youth to explore different topics within 4-H - learn something new and maybe even spark a new hobby or 4-H project! Each kit is curated around a topic with activities that come directly from 4-H curriculum! The guide inside includes activity instructions and opportunities to keep the fun (and learning) going with activities on CLOVER by 4-H!

This quarter's kit is all about the world of animal science and caring for all creatures -- 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

State Fair is coming sooner than we can realize. Here are some deadlines that you should be aware of:

June 15 - 4-H & FFA Livestock Nominations & 4-H enrollment due

August 10 - Livestock & In-Person 4-H Events

August 18 - 4-H Static Exhibits are submitted (our office does this)

August 21 - FFA Static Exhibits are submitted

DON'T FORGET!! If you are planning on exhibiting Livestock or participating in and In Person Contest your deadline is August 10, 8:00 PM CST.

For more information visit: https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/state-fair/livestock-exhibitor/livestock-identification/

Livestock includes: All large animals, rabbits, poultry and basically any livestock.

In Person Contests include: Fashion Show, Presentations, ID Contests, and basically anything else that you have to come in person to participate.

All 4-H rabbits exhibiting at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within 15 days of exhibition. The CVI must list the Nebraska State Fair as consignee and will need to have the official identification (ear tattoo) listed on all rabbits being exhibited during the State Fair. The health papers will be checked by a representative of the State Veterinarian’s Office.

Per State Fair General Rules

Copyrighted writing, artwork, videos, and images may be used in 4-H educational exhibits under Fair Use for educational purposes of Copyright Law. In order to qualify for Fair Use, 4-H’ers must:

1) only use a small amount of the copy-written work,

2) add new meaning to the work to make it original,

3) rework it and use it in a totally different way, and

4) use it for nonprofit purposes (not to make money).

Giving credit to the original creator is also recommended.

Summer show season means thousands of livestock will cross state lines as families head to junior nationals, breed shows, and state fairs. While the focus is on competition, animal health and travel requirements deserve equal attention. This year, producers should pay particular attention to interstate movement requirements and the evolving New World Screwworm (NWS) situation which is dynamic and changing daily.

To view the complete article use this link.

https://beef.unl.edu/managing-new-world-screwworm-risk-during-show-season/

🐄🐑🐖 Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program – Year 5! 🐐🐔

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is back for its fifth year, recognizing youth who go above and beyond in their livestock projects! This program promotes learning in selection, production, leadership, and exhibition across all livestock species.

🔹 Open to enrolled 4-H livestock youth
🔹 Species include beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, rabbit, poultry.
🔹 Three achievement levels: Junior, Intermediate, Senior

🗓 Apply by June 15
🗂 Plans & Reports due August 1
🏆 Members of Excellence will be recognized at the Nebraska State Fair Grand Drive.

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://go.unl.edu/lap

If you would like to learn the safe, science-based methods of food preservation plan to enroll in the FREE Virtual Educational Series offered via zoom by Nebraska Extension.

Register at least one week ahead of each class. All participants will receive an email link to log-into the ZOOM program. Each class will be held from 12:00 to 1:00PM CT.

May 20 – Making Jams & Jellies

June 10 - Boiling Water Canning

June 17- Dehydrating Foods

July 15 - Freezing Foods

July 22 - Pressure Canning

August 12 - Tomatoes or Salsa

August 20 - Pickling

September 15 - Squash/Pumpkins

More details and registration can be found at:

https://go.unl.edu/virtualfoodpreservation.

For additional questions, contact your local Nebraska Extension office or go to www.food.unl.