Monthly Newsletter

Thursday, April 2

5:00pm- Tournament practice

Saturday, April 4

Maxwell tournament

Sunday, April 5

1:00pm- Trap practice

Thursday, April 9

5:00pm- Tournament practice

Saturday, April 11

Ogallala tournament

Sunday, April 12

1:00pm- Trap practice

Thursday, April 16

5:00pm- Tournament practice

6:00pm- In-person YQCA training in Scottsbluff at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center (PREEC)

Saturday, April 18

North Platte tournament

Sunday, April 19

1:00pm- Wranglers painting North side of fairgrounds, open to all clubs

1:00PM- Trap practice and Sharpshooters all-club meeting

Thursday, April 23

5:00pm- Tournament practice

Saturday, April 25

Sidney tournament

Sunday, April 26

1:00pm-Trap practice

Tuesday, April 28

5:00pm- Tournament practice

Thursday, April 30

Cornhusker JR HI Doniphan Tournament

Friday, May 1

Cornhusker JR HI Doniphan Tournament

Saturday, May 2

Cornhusker JR HI Doniphan Tournament

Thursday, May 14

6:00pm- Sheep and Goat weigh-in at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds

Monday, June 15

By 5:00pm- Member enrollment deadline

By 5:00pm- Ownership Affidavits due

By 5:00pm- YQCA certificates due

Monday, July 6

By 5:00pm- Fair entry forms due

Each year, the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees challenges 4-H members from all over the country to submit an essay on a topic related to honey bees. Each state chooses its finalist and submits his or her essay to the Foundation for judging.

2026 Essay Topic: The Power of Pollen

For this essay, a 4-H student should answer these questions: How is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? If so, are those changes affecting bees? When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity?

Competition Rules & Essay Requirements: Any active 4-H Club member interested in writing an essay should contact their local 4-H office for competition details. The state selection process must be completed through the 4-H system. Failure to meet any one of the essay requirements will result in disqualification.

Awards:
Three cash prizes will be awarded in the 2026 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition. The author of the highest-scoring essay will win first prize. The author of the second-highest scoring essay will win second prize. The author of the third-highest scoring essay will win third prize.

First Prize: $750

Second Prize: $500

Third Prize: $250

July 19- August 1, 2026

The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students.

During the two-week, overnight camp students will:

· Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum

· Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School

· Visit campus research labs and local employer partners

· Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year.

The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.

· The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.

· Full and partial scholarships are available - students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026.

Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available.

Get ready for a cool hands-on adventure!

How can simple ingredients turn into something delicious? There’s only one way to find out! This month, we’ll be using science to mix up a tasty treat. Get ready to shake, create, and explore in this sweet STEM experience.

You won’t want to miss this fun and yummy surprise!

(Note the possibility of food allergens, contact the Extension Office for more details)

** Be sure to RSVP to the Extension Office at 308-254-4455 by April 15 so we have enough supplies for everyone to enjoy! **

• Where: Sidney Public Library
• When: Friday, April 17 1:30 - 2:30 pm
• Who: Youth ages 5-7 as of Jan 1

The Colfax County Livestock Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, April 18th at the Colfax County Fairgrounds in Leigh. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the contest beginning at 9:00 a.m. Contest will include evaluation of market and breeding classes of beef, sheep, goats, and one class of swine.

A concession stand for lunch will be available on the grounds.

To pre-register and for more information contact: Colfax County Extension Office at colfax-county@unl.edu or 402-352-3821.

Nebraska 4‑H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete quality assurance training through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) every year. YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program focused on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. YQCA training can be completed online or at in-person training events. Youth are free to choose the option that works best for them, and in-person training can be in any county.

**Every 4‑H member who exhibits Beef, Dairy Cattle, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, or Swine must complete Quality Assurance and provide a copy of your certificate to the Extension Office by June 15.

Phelps County 4-H Council invites all youth interested in rabbits, poultry, and pocket pets to join us for the Small Animal Progress Show on Saturday, June 6! Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the show starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Phelps County Fair Grounds, 1308 2nd Street, Holdrege NE.

Whether you are new to showing or want to practice before county fair, this is a fun, low-pressure way to build your skills. Prizes are available for 4-H aged youth. Clover Kids are welcome to exhibit. The Lone Star 4-H Club will have concessions for breakfast and lunch. Plus, a fun raffle available throughout the day!

Dawes County is offering a 4-H horse camp June 11-13 2026 at the Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, NE.

For more information, you can contact Tessa Reece at tessa.reece@unl.edu or 308-432-3373

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

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 both day camps and overnight camp opportunities. Camp will return to Chadron for a 5 day overnight session (June 15-19) for youth ages 8–14. 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.

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, scholarships, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

Enrollment is open!

While youth may enroll in 4-H at any time during the year, they must be enrolled by no later than June 15 to participate in County and State Fair. Other projects, such as shooting sports or robotics, may require earlier enrollment to participate in practices or events. Please contact the Extension Office if you have questions or would like more information.

The Extension Office Staff are here to serve you!

Use our website as a valuable resource for information on Beef Systems, Community Environment, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Crop and water systems, Food Nutrition and Health, and The Learning Child.

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Telephone: 308-254-4455

Address: PO Box 356, 920 Jackson Street, Sidney, NE 69162

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