Burt County 4-H Hotline Newsletter

• Aug 15: State Fair Static Exhibits DUE @ Extension Office
• Aug 22: Office Closed
• Aug 22-Sept 1: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR
• Aug 22-24: 4-H Weekend @ State Fair
• Aug 30-Sept 1: FFA Weekend @ State Fair
• Sept 1: Office Closed - Labor Day
• Sept 3: Pick up State Fair Static Exhibits & Checks
• Sept 25-28: Aksarben Stock Show
• Oct 5-11: National 4-H Week
• Oct 13: Office Closed – Columbus Day
• Nov TBA: 4-H Static Planning Meeting
• Nov TBA: 4-H Livestock Planning Meeting
• Nov 11: Office Closed - Veteran’s Day
• Nov 27-28: Office Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

With State Fair in full swing, conferences on the calendar, and college kids heading back to school, the Burt County Extension Office will be closed on Friday, August 22.

We’ll still be checking email, so feel free to reach out if you need something—we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience as we juggle these busy, exciting events that keep our 4-H program strong and our community connected!

To sign up: go to this link https://www.remind.com/join/burtco4h. Hopefully this way we all don’t forget the fun 4-H things happening!

What a Summer! ☀️🍀

Thank you to everyone who helped make this another amazing summer in Burt County 4-H! We couldn’t have done it without the energy, support, and heart of our incredible team and community.

A very special shout-out goes to Julie Fleischman, our awesome Summer Assistant! Julie is headed back to her “real” job with the school year in full swing, but her impact this summer was unforgettable. Thank you, Julie, for all your hard work and dedication!

We also want to recognize our fantastic summer intern, Elise Anderson! Elise is sticking around a little longer before she heads back to school, and we are so proud of the growth we've seen in her — in both skills and confidence. We’re grateful Burt County 4-H is part of her journey. And wish her all the best as she graduates in December!

We are lucky to have such special people helping guide our youth through their 4-H summers. 💚

Thank you to everyone who took a turn working in the 4-H Kitchen! Each 4-H family is asked to work a shift (or two split shifts) because the Kitchen is more than just great food—it’s a major fundraiser that keeps our Burt County 4-H program running strong. Proceeds cover general program expenses, fund special events, and provide scholarships for our graduating seniors.

A special shout-out to our behind-the-scenes leaders who make it all happen:
🍽 4-H Kitchen Manager: Jessica Mallete
🥧 Pie Lady: Linda Bisanz
🍰 Pie Baker: Michelle Rayburn
Your dedication, organization, and talent keep the 4-H Kitchen the heart (and stomach!) of the fair.

And finally, a big thanks to everyone who rolled up their sleeves for clean-up before and after the fair. Your willingness to pitch in makes our fairgrounds shine and keeps this community tradition going for the next generation.

🎉 Thank You for an Incredible Burt County Fair! 🐄🐖🐑🐐🍀

Congratulations to all of the 4-H'ers and families for doing an outstanding job at the fair! The Burt County Extension Office staff sincerely thanks you for making this another fantastic fair experience.

Our 4-H program and county fair could not happen without the many volunteers, sponsors, and donors who step up every year — and once again, you all delivered. We are so grateful for your time, energy, and generosity.

💌 Show Your Appreciation

If you haven’t already, please take time to personally thank someone who helped make this fair a success. Volunteers are the heart of 4-H — and their behind-the-scenes work makes everything possible, from shows to setup to awards.

Received a trophy or livestock auction premium?
Get those thank-you notes sent out! Just a few sentences about your fair experience go a long way in showing appreciation and keeping our donors engaged and supportive of 4-H.

📝 Who to Thank

• Fair Premiums – Thank the Burt County Ag Society

• Blooming Bucket Premiums – Thank the Burt County 4-H Council

• Selected for State Fair Premiums – Thank First Northeast Bank of Nebraska

• Bedding for Beef Exhibitors – Thank Tom & Jon Weitzenkamp

• Livestock Auction Premiums – Thank your 4-H Buyers individually

💵 Fair Premium Checks

Be on the lookout! Fair premium checks will be mailed out soon from the Burt County Ag Society. Once you receive yours, you’ll have 90 days to deposit it — so don’t delay!

(We'll send out a Remind when they're in the mail 📬)

Thank you again for being part of an amazing fair season. Let’s keep the momentum going with gratitude and community spirit! 💚

As we close the chapter on the 2025 Burt County Fair, we are already excited for next year's fair! Be sure to mark the dates for the 2026 Burt County Fair in your calendar!

• Burt County Fair 2026 - July 17-21 "Load the Wagon"

If you still have a bill from the 4-H Kitchen or a sponsorship payment from this year’s fair, please send it in soon.

Your timely payments don’t just help us wrap up fair season—they make it possible to provide scholarships, workshops, and hands-on learning for Burt County 4-H youth all year long.

If you’re unsure about your balance or need another copy of your invoice, just contact the Extension Office.

Thanks for investing in the future of our kids and community!

👩‍⚖️ Interested in Judging 4-H Projects?

We’re looking for adults interested in judging county or state 4-H projects — including live animal shows, static exhibits, and contests!

Complete the Judges Sign-Up Form to be considered for the 2026 judging season. This includes agreeing to a background screening, UNL Activity Worker Guidelines, and the 4-H Code of Conduct.

🗓️ Deadline to sign up: September 30, 2025
After that, names will be considered for 2027.

🔗 Sign up and learn more

https://4h.unl.edu/resources/judges/.

In Nebraska 4-H, club leaders are the heart of the program. They provide leadership, organization, and communication for 4-H families, helping youth build confidence, character, and lifelong skills. By guiding club activities and fostering educational opportunities, club leaders help create experiences that young people will carry with them for years to come.

Why it Matters:
When you step into a club leader role, you’re not just coordinating meetings — you’re shaping the learning environment, inspiring youth to explore their interests, and connecting them to their community. The leadership you provide directly impacts the success of the club and the growth of every member in it.

What Club Leaders Do:

• Lead & Organize: Work with members, officers, and volunteers to keep the club running smoothly.

• Build Youth Development: Create a safe, encouraging space where youth can learn, lead, and grow.

• Facilitate Learning: Plan educational experiences, often around project areas.

• Encourage Community Service: Help youth give back to their communities.

• Communicate: Keep 4-H families, volunteers, and the county Extension office connected.

• Ensure Compliance: Follow Nebraska 4-H policies and maintain an active club charter.

Getting Started is Simple:

1. Enroll in 4-HOnline as a volunteer.

2. Complete Volunteer Screening for working directly with youth.

3. Participate in Volunteer Orientation.

4. Apply for a Club Charter if starting a new club.

Ready to Make a Difference?
The new 4-H year begins in October — now is the perfect time to let us know if you’re interested in becoming a club leader or volunteer so we can get you set up for success.

Resources to Support You:

• Nebraska 4-H Club Leader Resources: 4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders

• Your local county Extension office (we’re here to help every step of the way!)

Join us in making a lasting impact on youth and our community — the future starts with you!

Looking for details about 4-H events, schedules, or exhibit information at the Nebraska State Fair? Visit https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair for the most up-to-date information on State Fair guidelines, deadlines, and opportunities for 4-H youth and families. It’s your go-to resource as you prepare for the big event! This helps to navigate to professional pictures and livestreams that occur throughout the Nebraska State Fair.

So many of our friends are competing against the best of the best in Nebraska 4-H! Wish them luck and come support them on 4-H Week (or FFA because we claim them too)!

Burt County exhibitors competing in livestock, contests, and static exhibits at the State Fair: Brody Ahrens, Brylee Ahrens, Linden Anderson, Rowdy Anderson, Ansley Bacon, Ryanna Bacon, Rylen Bacon, Adele Broekemeier, Maycie Broekemeier, Laurel Brokaw, Taylor Brummond, Daisy Cameron, Katelyn Cameron, Lily Cameron, Jase Connealy, Brooklyn Connealy, Miley Daugherty, Preston Dockhorn, Kenadee Eisenmenger, Madison Enstrom, Isabella Evasic, McKinley Goodwin, Ashlynne Gramke, Genevieve Gramke, Garrison Gramke, Abigail Hansen, Auna Hansen, Talmage Hansen, Haylee Jo Hansen, Weston Hansen, Blaise Hartwell, Sutton Hartwell, Holten Hartwell, Waylon Hartwell, Brooklyn Hightree, Hunter Jensen, Gavin Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Georgia Johnson, Graham Johnson, Ivy Johnson, Dean Johnson, Ellie Jones, Parke Loftis, Ava Karnopp, Gracie Klausen, Garrett Klausen, Jaxon Logan, Trey Logan, Cali Madsen, Avery Mastin, Sadie Marquardt, MJ Marquardt, Carsyn Miller, Trent Miller, Jersey Nathan, Karsen Olsen, Sydney Olsen, Emersyn Pagels, Madeline Pearson, Tate Penke, Tye Penke, Paisley Peterson, Josie Peterson, Rocco Peterson, Eli Peterson, Tate Pruess, Patrick Rayburn, Hope Roscoe, Elijah Schlichting, Aaliyah Soll, Greyson Stammer, Caroline Timm, Keryn Uhing, Elisabeth Vogel, Skilar Watson, LilyAnn Willing

Congratulations and Good Luck to All!

You are invited to join 4-H youth, families, alumni, and friends from across Nebraska on Sunday, August 24, for the 2025 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair!

A special celebration will take place from 1-3pm CT in the Pump & Pantry Pit (north of the Horse Barns) to celebrate the impact of the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. Enjoy delicious UNL Dairy Store ice cream, ‘Showcase Your Fair Face’ at the 4-H photo booth, and be part of the launch of “Beyond Ready” – Nebraska 4-H’s commitment to help youth in our state to be ready for life and work after high school. Plus, at 2:30pm, we will be honoring amazing 4-H volunteers who make the 4-H program happen.

Don’t miss out! Discounted gate passes can be purchased at https://go.unl.edu/2025nsf4hdaypasses. Bring your family and be a part of the excitement at 2025 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair! We can’t wait to celebrate with YOU!

Nebraska 4-H's success throughout the Nebraska State Fair without hardworking volunteers. If you would like to volunteer during the state fair, check out the volunteering opportunities and sign up here!

NYBLS is at the Animal Science Complex, November 21-23, 2025. More details about the symposium and the application link can be found at https://animalscience.unl.edu/extension-outreach/youth-programs/nebraska-youth-beef-leadership-symposium/. Please note the application deadline of October 1. If an individual is selected to participate, a $75 registration fee will be collected at that time.

The Norfolk Beef Expo is on September 7, 2025, with registration due by August 29, 2025. This year, the show will include market, breeding, and showmanship divisions.

The Norfolk Beef Expo Scholarship is for high school junior and senior students that exhibit at the 2025 Norfolk Beef Expo and planning to major in an agri-business or related field. Applications are due October 10.

Check https://norfolkareachamber.com/beef-expo/ for more information.

Don’t want to wait for the newsletter to come out to learn the upcoming information? No worries! We post the most recent and updated information on the local Facebook page as soon as we get new information of upcoming events and opportunities. @BurtNeExt