Wednesday What-Nots 8/6

Great job to all of our exhibitors for your hard work and dedication throughout the County Fair! A big thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to help make everything successful. We appreciate each and every one of you!

We’ve received numerous shoutouts recognizing 4-H’ers for their outstanding sportsmanship throughout the entire fair - too many to list them all! We want to once again congratulate all of our exhibitors and thank them for showcasing great character and proudly representing 4-H. We’re so proud of each of you!

The Champion and Reserve Champion award stores also close on Friday.

We still have a few static projects, ribbons, and banners that were left behind after the fair. The following individuals have items that need to be picked up from the Extension Office:

• Ethan Bruggeman

• Brenna Sayer

• Madison Jording

• Preston Rumery

• Daisa Smidt

• Kaylyn Smith

• Maci Smidt

• Caroline Hinrichsen

• Hailey Pfeiffer

• Josh Wiemer

• Addisyn Lorrenson

• Hadley Bakan

• Rylee Steinhoff

• Margarette Roberts

• Justin Starling

All static exhibits must be returned to the Extension Office during the designated times listed below:

• Regular Exhibits: August 11–15

• Healthy Living & Horticulture Exhibits: Due August 19 at 3:00 P.M.

• Please contact the office with class and cultivar or variety for each horticulture exhibit by August 14 at 4:00 P.M.

If you have any questions regarding State Fair static exhibits, please contact the Extension Office!

Did you use the scientific method in your 4-H static project? If so, consider applying for the Premier 4-H Science Award at the Nebraska State Fair! All qualifying static exhibits are eligible. Applicants will be recognized for their use of science and could receive a cash award sponsored by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.

How to apply:

1. Choose the exhibit you’re entering.

2. Complete the application form at go.unl.edu/nsfpremierscienceapp
   Deadline: Friday, August 15 at 12:00 PM (CT)

Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/4-h-fairbook-nebraska-state-fair/contests/premier-science-award or contact Sarah Polacek at spolacek2@unl.edu.

Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location: Raising Nebraska, State Fairgrounds, Grand Island
Entry Deadline in ShoWorks: August 10 @ 8:00 PM

• Additional paperwork also due by August 10 (refer to the letter you received at the contest for details).

All forms and links: https://go.unl.edu/ne4hfashionshow

The 2025 Nebraska State Fair 4-H and FFA entry site is open and accepting entries! Click the link below for further information!

State Fair Online Entry Information

State Fair Schedules

2025 4-H Static and Contests, Fashion Show, and Robotics Showcase Schedule
2025 Livestock Schedule (Tentative)
2025 Livestock Arrival & Departure Schedule (Tentative)
2025 Livestock Trailer Schedule (Tentative)
2025 Livestock Veterinary Inspection Schedule (Tentative)

Livestock Rules and Regulations

Nebraska State Fair General Rules & Regulations – Updated 2025
Nebraska State Fair Animal Health Requirements – Updated 2025

Livestock Entry Limits

4-H have different entry limits for each species.

• Beef: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 5 beef
• Swine: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 hogs
• Sheep: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 sheep
• Meat Goat: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 goats
• Rabbit: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 rabbits
• Poultry: A 4-H member is limited to exhibiting 6 live bird entries (egg production trios are considered one entry).
• Egg entries are not considered in the live bird limit. Egg entries are limited to one dozen per exhibitor.

Step By Step Entry Instructions

• It is recommended to download the Step by Step Instructions prior to signing in to the entry site. Note: Even if the youth exhibited at the 2025 Otoe County Fair or the 2024 State Fair, please click “I am a new exhibitor or have yet to register this year”
• Browser: It is recommended to use Chrome as the web browser.

Entry Prices and Optional Livestock Purchase Items

Note: All Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat, Rabbit and Poultry 4-H/FFA exhibitors will automatically receive an 11-day admission wristband at no cost. Exhibitors will not have to select a wristband as it will automatically be provided with the livestock, rabbit, and/or poultry entry. 4-H Dog Exhibitors and other non-livestock in-person entries (4-H Contests, Fashion Show, and the Robotics Showcase) will receive a free daily gate pass. All purchase items will be in the exhibitor packet when the exhibitor checks in at the Livestock Check-In Trailer.

A Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop will be held August 16–17 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva. This workshop is open to adults interested in becoming certified to lead 4-H shooting sports programs in their county. 4-H Council will cover certification costs for early bird entries. Reach out to the Extension office if you plan to enroll.

More details at: https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/

The 2025 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair will take place on Sunday, August 24. Discounted gate passes can be purchased at https://go.unl.edu/2025nsf4hdaypasses.

4-H static exhibitor families are able to order discount passes directly from the Nebraska State Fair!

• Make sure to have the available digitally or printed. There is NOT a pick-up spot.

More details at https://go.unl.edu/2025nsfstaticexhibitorpasses

4-H families have the opportunity to purchase 4-H exhibitor shirts. Livestock exhibitor families may want to purchase an additional shirt, and 4-H static exhibitors have the opportunity to purchase a shirt for the first time!

More details at https://go.unl.edu/2025nsf4htshirts

Tracy Ensor, 4-H Youth Development Associate Extension Educator, tensor2@unl.edu

Kristen Herrick, 4-H Extension Assistant, kherrick3@unl.edu

Ben Jewell, Rural Prosperity Nebraska Associate Extension Educator, bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu

Cheryl Goff, Office Manager, cheryl.goff@unl.edu

Website: www.otoe.unl.edu

Location: 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 269-2301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska-Extension-in-Otoe-County