Nebraska Extension - Dakota County
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
Brenda Sale—SNAP-ED bsale@unl.edu
Dakota County 4-H
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
NEBRASKA 4-H MONTH
Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate 4-H Month this February! Wear your favorite 4-H shirt for 4-H Spirit Day on Thursday, February 1. Show our 4-H volunteers some love on Thursday, February 8. Thank our donors and sponsors on Thursday, February 15. Put your hands to larger service on Thursday, February 22. And don't forget to enroll in 4-H for another year -- encourage others to do so on Thursday, February 29!
NEBRASKA 4-H MONTH PHOTORAPHY CONTEST
Photo entries will be weekly opportunities for 4-H members to showcase their photography skills based on different categories. Entries will be uploaded to the Nebraska 4-H Website link (4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase) by midnight on Sundays starting on February 11th. Watch the Nebraska 4-H Facebook and Instagram pages for the weekly theme categories. Winners will be announced later in the week with their photo on social media.
There will be 4-H Swag prizes given to all category winners.
2023-2024 4-H ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
Beat the rush! 4-H enrollment for 2023-2024 is now open.
There are some updates to project listings.
New requirements for volunteer enrollments
https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Early-Bird deadline February 15th.
DAKOTA COUNTY SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
Dakota County 4-H Council provides a $250 one time college scholarship to our graduating seniors.
The purpose is to provide assistance to our 4-H'ers that wish to continue their education at a school of higher learning in any course of study.
Applicant must belong to a Dakota County 4-H Club and have actively participated in the 4-H program, including club meetings, workshops, contest, County/State Fair currently and for the 3 years prior (4 years participation total).
The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $250 to the chosen finalists(s) upon proof of enrolling in an institution of higher learning.
Submission deadline March 29TH, 2024
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/dakota-county-scholarship/
Veterinary Science
- Understand animals basic needs
- Keep health records
- Learn about future veterinary science technology
- Take an animal's temperature and pulse
- Recognize healthy skin and membranes
- Clean and disinfect animals quarters
- Study bacteria, viruses and parasites
- Learn about diseases relationship to nutrition, stress, heredity and poison
- Learn basic disease prevention techniques
- Study environmental influences on animal health
- Learn about maintaining animal health
- Explore veterinary medicine as a career
Make an animal first aid kit, a poster or an exhibit (3-D, a skeleton, actual product and more)
OVERLOOKED PROJECTS
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with. These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: https://4h.unl.edu/news/nebraska-4-h-5-underrated-practical-projects
SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT
This project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will
give them the opportunity to learn about growing,
harvesting,and exhibiting this unique flower.
The Special Gardening Project lets 4-H members try
their hand at growing unusual vegetables, flowers, and
herbs. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners
to grow something fun, new, and different while letting
those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project
area
SPECIAL AGRONOMY PROJECT
The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle!
In the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets! Sugar beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.
Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF'S NEBRASKA BQA WORKSHOP
All Nebraska cattle producers and their families are invited to Certified Angus Beef’s Nebraska BQA Workshop on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Round the Bend Steakhouse’s “The Ball Room” in Ashland.
Even if producers are already BQA certified, they may still attend and choose to recertify or keep their current certification.
An optional Youth Quality Care for Animals (YQCA) training will kick off at 10:00 a.m. YQCA is a requirement for all youth exhibiting beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits or poultry in Nebraska 4H and FFA. Kids are encouraged to stay for the following BQA workshop.
A Certified Angus Beef ® brand lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m., with the BQA sessions starting at 12:00 p.m. This event won’t be the “typical” BQA event. The event will conclude at 3:15 p.m. with guest speaker John Cook, University of Nebraska (UNL) volleyball head coach. Participating in the BQA workshops is required to hear Cook speak and participate in the meet-and-greet with him and UNL volleyball players.
For more information and to register for this event, producers can visit https://go.unl.edu/cabbqa or call 308.632.1230.
The event is made possible through the latest Certified Angus Beef (CAB) and Sysco partnership. In 2023, CAB and Sysco launched a cattle care partnership and a new campaign, Raised with Respect™. This campaign leans into the decades old practices of cattle care to tell a stronger ranch story to Sysco's customers in a way that builds confidence and trust in high-quality beef.
“Certified Angus Beef supports BQA because it’s a credible and effective way for producers to communicate animal welfare to people on the opposite end of the beef supply chain,” says Bruce Cobb, CAB executive vice president of production. “By building trust with this segment and consumers, we can help secure the strong beef demand we’ve been experiencing into the future.”
More information on Raised with Respect™ can be found at www.cabcattle.com/RaisedWithRespect.
AGE ELIGIBILITY FOR 4-H STATEWIDE EVENTS
As you know, in 2023, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to nine years of age. That change increased our participation and provided more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. We had many positive comments from legacy families as well as new.
This fall, we have had follow-up conversations with many of you as well as the show superintendents and various teams that run these events during State Fair and throughout the year. Based on that feedback and our goal of increasing access, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility in 2024 to be 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests) and other state competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest). Note: there will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event as it becomes available.
NEBRASKA 4-H SUMMER CAMP
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 Green. Youth will get to explore and interact with their natural world in six different sessions. Youth will learn how they can use their head, heart, hands, and health to make our natural world a better place for all.
The 2024 sessions offer tailored age cohorts, providing sessions for younger campers between the ages of 8-10, and an older cohort for ages 10-14.
Families can find dates, session summaries, and registration information by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.
CORN YIELD CHALLENGE FOR 4-H AND FFA MEMBERS
We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.
Key Features:
- Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.
- Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.
- Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.
- Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $500
- Third Place: $250
- Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.
This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.
For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
4-H RABBIT SHOW
4-H Rabbit Show, March 16
The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. at Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall. Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7. This is a great opportunity for youth to talk to other 4-H’ers about where to purchase a good rabbit for a 4-H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit Quiz and Breed Identification contests are free for youth to enter!
Again this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee!
Show flyer is now posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/rabbit/rabbit-show-spring-24.pdf. For questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
DOG ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
The Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages youth to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events, and contests. The program is designed to equip youth with a variety of skills and abilities and prepare them for success in the future. The Dog Achievement Program is open to enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18.
The program consists of 4 levels that require youth to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of recommended accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. At each level, youth must choose a specific number of recommended accomplishments they plan to achieve. Each level also has a certain number of required accomplishments that youth must complete in order to pass the level. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the level, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Dog Achievement program.
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 their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
Members of Excellence are recognized within each 4-H livestock project area, including:
- beef
- sheep
- meat goat
- swine
- dairy cattle
- dairy goat
- rabbit
- poultry
The program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence.
Hippology Academy is back!
It's back! The 2024 Hippology Academy kicks off on February 17. Topics for this year include toxic plants of the northeast, horse evaluation, feeding myths, soil testing and usage, identifying feeds, and fencing. Content for each topic includes practice tests, slides, and digital learning stations in addition to twice weekly lectures.
There are three enrollment levels to choose from:
1. Bronze: All content listed above, accessible until August 31, 2024.
2. Sliver: Everything included in Bronze, plus can ask teacher questions, participate in discussion board, and have access to course material until November 31, 2024.
3. Gold: Everything included in Silver, plus opportunity to participate in live virtual office hours with instructor (Thursday evenings) and access to course material until December 31, 2024.
Learn more and register here: https://catalog.extension.org/?category=6&keyword=hippology&cond=advand&search=Search
DATA DRIVEN; A STATISTICS & DATA SCIENCE FIELD DAY
It's highly probable that if you know a group of high school-aged youth who enjoy statistics, distributions, likelihood or inferences, they will have a blast at Data Driven! Check out this full-day, dynamic event that will engage youth in a world of endless possibilities in data science and literacy. And, $500 scholarships will be awarded! Register today at 4h.unl.edu/data-driven.
JARVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The intent of the scholarship is to assist women who live 3 or more hours drive from Lincoln but wish to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Applicant must reside in Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall on East Campus.
If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net
Application deadline: postmarked no later than March 15, 2024.
Application can be found here: https://go.unl.edu/jarvismemorial2024
(One $500 Scholarship — Fall 2024/Spring 2025—non renewable)
Who is Eligible?
1. Female born high school graduate (or soon to be) OR a UN-L student who has not resided at Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall (LMH) OR an undergraduate transfer student from another college or university pursing any major for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
2. Applicant must be or been a member of 4-H or FCCLA or FFA (minimum of two years) or have taken a minimum of three semesters in Family & Consumer Sciences classes and live in or attend school in the following Nebraska counties: Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Cedar, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Hooker, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Red Willow, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas, Thurston, Wayne, Wheeler.
3. Must have applied (minimum) or been accepted (preferred) to University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
4. Must have requested residency in Love Memorial Hall, a cooperative residence hall on East Campus. Residents rotate responsibilities for cleaning a portion of the Hall and planning/preparing meals (about 1 hour per week; more time during a week when responsible for food preparation). The cost of living in Love Memorial Hall is less than half of what is charged for all other traditional dorms. Over a four year period this amounts to a savings around $24,000. More information about Love Memorial Hall is found at: https://housing.unl.edu/love-memorial-hall Students may change housing preference by submitting a written request to the Housing Office.
For more information: Web - https://housing.unl.edu;
Phone - (402) 472-3561; Switchboard—800-742-8800; Email: housing@unl.edu
4-H VOLUNTEER IMPACT STUDY - YOU MAY BE CONTACTED
What you do makes a difference! We are excited to share that our state will be participating in the 4-H Volunteer Impact Study of volunteers in the North Central Region.
This survey is being conducted as a part of 12 state effort to document the impact of volunteering.
It will focus on three areas:
· the personal benefits of your volunteer experience;
· the impact you have on the organization by volunteering; and
· how your volunteer efforts contribute to your community in which you live and work.
A random sample of volunteers of 1000 volunteers from each state will be surveyed. This study will be conducted through an electronic survey. If you are selected you will receive an email to let you know you have been selected to participate.
You may be picked!!! If you are, please respond. We want to hear from you and learn from your volunteer experiences.
Your comments will be used to quantify the personal, organizational and public impacts of volunteers involved with 4-H Youth Development Programs in our twelve-state region.
WOMEN IN AG CONFERENCE
The Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference is an annual two-day event designed to educate and uplift women involved in any aspect of Nebraska's agricultural industry. Through workshops and presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners. We will be offering a Pre-Conference again this year!
