Burt County 4-H Hotline Newsletter

• Feb 22-28: Burt County 4-H Week
• Feb 28: Burt County 4-H Enrollment Incentive DEADLINE
• Mar 2: Special Garden & Special Agronomy Project Seed request to office DUE
• Mar 7: 2026 Burt County Fair Foundation Kickoff Event (Tekamah Auditorium)
• April 1: Scholarships DUE
• April 4: Burt County Beef Preview

2026 State 4-H Events

• First Lego League Robotics Challenge (Lincoln) - March 20-21
• 4-H Horse Stampede – April 25-26, 2026
• Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) – May 27-29, 2026
• State 4-H Premier Communication Event – June 16-17, 2026
• State 4-H Horse Expo – July 11-15, 2026

2026 Burt County 4-H Events

• April 6: 4-H Communication Contest @ 6:00pm (Presbyterian Church, Tekamah)
• July 17-21: 2026 Burt County Fair!!

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Carson Civic Center | Tekamah, NE

Join us for a fun night featuring a steak dinner, cash bar, live & silent auction, and entertainment by hypnotist Jared Sherlock!

All proceeds benefit the Burt County Fair Foundation. Come support a great cause and kick off fair season in style!

$30/Ticket. Tickets available at: First Northeast Bank of Nebraska Tekamah, Lyons, & Oakland Branches

The Lucky Spurs 4-H Club is officially up and running — and they’re ready to welcome new members!

If you’re interested in joining, simply select Lucky Spurs 4-H Club when enrolling in 4HOnline. Their club leaders will be notified that you’d like to get involved.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and share your passion for horses through 4-H!

Congratulations to the 2026 Burt County 4-H Council Members!

Officers:
• President — Brooke Ahrens
• Vice President — Madeline Pearson
• Secretary — Breanne Evasic
• Treasurer — Alan Pearson & Leah Miller
• 4-H Kitchen Officer — Jessica Mallette

Council Members: Brooke Peterson, Adrienne Timm, Dave Uhing, Jadyn Fleischman, Isabella Evasic, Brylee Ahrens, Linden Anderson, Gracie Klausen, Carsyn Miller

These dedicated youth and community leaders help guide and strengthen the Burt County 4-H program by supporting fundraising, planning meaningful programs, shaping policies, connecting with community partners, and advocating for local youth and volunteers.

Their work creates more opportunities for youth to build leadership skills, grow confidence, connect with mentors, and become future leaders — strengthening Burt County today and for years to come.

The focus of 4-H Member Month is to encourage enrollment in 4-H Clubs or as an Independent 4-H Member. Through the month, Nebraska 4-H will be celebrating youth who participate in 4-H through membership in clubs and as independent members. 4-H Member Month is an additional highlight that will be observed in our state in 2026; we will also join states across the nation to observe the other National 4-H Moments of Signing Season, Fair, and National 4-H Week.

🌟💚 SHOW YOUR BURT COUNTY 4-H PRIDE! 💚🌟

Let’s flood our feeds with everything that makes Burt County 4-H AMAZING! 📸✨

• Take a picture.
• Post it.
• Share your story.
• Spread the word.

Show us your projects, animals, leadership moments, community service, friendships, and all the fun that makes 4-H unforgettable! Whether you’re a member, volunteer, parent, or supporter — help us celebrate the impact 4-H has on our youth and community.

🌱 Why join 4-H?

• ✅ Build leadership skills
• ✅ Make lifelong friends
• ✅ Learn hands-on skills
• ✅ Grow confidence
• ✅ Be part of something bigger

📢 Let everyone know why YOU love Burt County 4-H and encourage others to enroll today! Together, we’re growing the next generation of leaders. 💪🍀

Enroll in 4-H Online by February 28 and YOUR Burt County 4-H families will receive $10 OFF YOUR 4-H Kitchen bill at the fair this summer! 🍔🌭

✅ Complete your enrollment on 4-H Online (https://v2.4honline.com/)
✅ Meet the February 28 deadline
✅ Enjoy your fair savings!

Don’t wait — get enrolled today and take advantage of this limited-time incentive!

4-H Online 2.0 is open and ready—and so are we! 👉 https://v2.4honline.com/

• 🌟 Returning families: Please do not create a new account. Use your existing login from previous years. Instructions here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/returning-member
• 🌱 New to 4-H? Welcome! Follow the step-by-step guide to get started: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/new-member

⏰ Reminder:
If you're already holding meetings, volunteering, or participating in any 4-H activities, you must be enrolled for the current year. Please get enrolled ASAP!

Let’s make 2026 another amazing year in 4-H! 💚✨

The Burt County 4-H Communication Contest is set for Monday, April 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Tekamah.

🗓 Pre-registration is due by NOON on April 6th.

We have plenty of opportunities for you to share your interests, talents, and voice — and Clover Kids (ages 5–7) are welcome in every division! 🌱

⭐ A 4-H related topic is encouraged and required for State Contest qualification, but is not mandatory at the county level.

✨ Division Options:

• Prepared Speech — Inform or entertain with a speech you’ve prepared and practiced (remember: beginning, middle, and end!).
• PSA (Public Service Announcement) — 60 seconds on any topic. 2026 Theme: “Ready today, learning tomorrow.”
• Impromptu Speech — Receive a topic and get 15 minutes to prepare your speech that night.
• Presentation — A hands-on demonstration explaining a topic of your choice.
• Video Communication — Create a short video (think reel) about anything!

This is your chance to build confidence, develop communication skills, and showcase your creativity. We can’t wait to hear what you have to share!

Learn more: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/contests-events/

The Burt County Sharp Shooters Shooting Sports 4-H Club is reorganizing for the upcoming 4-H year. Youth and families interested in joining the shooting sports club are encouraged to contact Leah Miller at SandLmiller07@gmail.com or 402-720-1355. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Nebraska 4‑H is pleased to announce that all enrolled Nebraska 4‑H youth and volunteers receive complimentary online access to 4‑H curriculum developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!

More than 30 digital publications are available at no cost to enrolled Nebraska 4‑H members and volunteers. These learning resources cover a variety of topics, including clothing, babysitting, shopping, entomology, poultry, and many more.

Access to the digital curriculum is provided through the 4HOnline Member Enrollment system. Once enrollment has been completed and approved, youth members and volunteers will receive an email with a link to begin exploring the available resources.

Enroll in Nebraska 4-H today at https://4h.unl.edu/enroll - and receive more details emailed directly to you from 4HOnline about the Complimentary 4-H Curriculum provided to you by Nebraska 4-H!

The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) program celebrates young people who are creating real change in their communities. This national program amplifies the stories and leadership of 4‑H youth, showcasing how 4‑H has shaped their lives and equipped them to impact others.

Four Award Winners will receive a(n):
1 - $5,000 scholarship for higher education, paid directly to the institution, including two‑year and four‑year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning opportunities.
2 - Year of professional and media development, training, networking, and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader.
3 - All expenses paid trips for each award winner and a chaperone to attend national events.
4 - Official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.

If you know a young person whose work deserves recognition, encourage them to apply today and share their story with a national audience! Applicants must be a 4-H member or recent alum of any type of 4-H program in the U.S. They must also be between the ages of 14-19.

Applications are open now through April 13, 2026, at 11:59pm PST. If you’d like to learn more about the program and application, please register for the info sessions at https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program/application: Youth in Action applicants or parents’ webinar will be hosted on March 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm ET

More details at: https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program

A Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop is scheduled for mid-March in Bloomfield. It will be held March 21-22 at the Knox County Fairgrounds. The early bird deadline to register for the Bloomfield session is by March 11th, 4 pm.

Volunteers have the opportunity to become certified as an adult (21 years and older) or apprentice (14-20 years old) leader in one of the following: Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Archery, or Coordinator.

There is a minimum number of participants required to offer this two-day workshop. Workshop participants will learn under expert instruction from members of the Nebraska State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team.

The registration fee is $140 per person for initial certification and those individuals adding an additional discipline. The registration fee for Apprentice Instructors (14 to 20 years of age) is $120 for this workshop. This fee includes meals, supplies, and program materials. Individuals are officially registered when payment is received. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements. Registration on Saturday runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

While participants might need to bring limited, if any, equipment to the in-person discipline training site, there are a series of four National 4-H Shooting Sports online modules which individuals MUST complete prior to the training to become eligible for certification. Information on the modules and how to enroll, 4-H Shooting Sports Online User Guide, can accessed by using the link found on the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports website under Calendar of 4-H Shooting Sports Events at https://4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports, under the Bloomfield Workshop - this provides step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for and complete the entire series of modules before the workshop. Individuals who have already completed the Online modules are not required to complete them again.
As individuals follow each of the instructions in the Online User Guide, they will be asked to choose a payment method. Participants are responsible for the $20 (per person) one-time registration fee. The entire series of modules will take approximately 3-4 hours, so please plan some time accordingly.
Please share this information with volunteers in your county. For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page or contact Steve Pritchard at (402)395-2158 or (308)536-2691. Registration is available only online at the link provided in the brochure or individuals can register directly by clicking HERE.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/shooting-sports-program/

Starting Monday, January 5th, the Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Orientation will be implemented through 4-H Online. Volunteers who enroll BEFORE this date WILL NOT have to do the orientation training for this current year. They won’t have to do the orientation until the 2026-2027 4-H year. These volunteers’ Orientation training 3-year rotation period will start on 2026-2027 program year.

If volunteers enroll ON or AFTER this date, they WILL be required to complete the orientation for the current year regardless of if they have completed previously already. The current program year will become the start of their 3-year rotation period for the orientation.

Volunteer Orientation will now be required every 3 years through 4-H Online. This is a change from it being required only during a volunteer’s rescreening year. This will allow us to update the Orientation trainings more frequently if the need arises. Volunteers will be able to do the training in 6 separate sections (each being 10 minutes or less) at their own pace rather than in one sitting. They may be able to do it simultaneously on separate devices with their spouse/partner/another volunteer if they wish, however each individual volunteer will need to do the Orientation training associated with their respective member profile. There will be no workaround permitted at this time. If you have any questions, contact Lori at our office (402-374-2929).

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp, youth live on and explore the Nebraska campus, meet students from across the country, investigate an interest or potential career, and have lots of fun making new friends. (This is not a commuter camp). During the week-long camps, students will work with university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like engineering, digital media, or food systems. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, families are invited to attend a capstone presentation where students showcase their achievements.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are open to students going into grades 9-12 during the 2026-2027 school year. Housing and food are provided. Space is limited, and camps will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. To ensure the optimal co-hort learning experience, each camp sets a maximum registration. A waitlist option will be available.

Please see Camp Sessions for a list of camps offered, descriptions, capacity, costs, and scholarship opportunities.

2026 Dates & Deadlines

• Registration Opens - Tuesday, February 10, at 8:00 a.m. CT; for the rest, go to the above camp sessions
• Early Bird Tuition Rate Deadline - Friday, April 17
• Regulation Tuition Rate Deadline - Friday, May 1
• Late Tuition Rate and Final Registration Deadline - Friday, May 22
• Health Form Submission Deadline - Friday, May 22
• Big Red Camps - June 7-12, 2026

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

During the 2026 Exploring Ecosystems season, 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.

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. The Raikes School is hosting its tenth year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Raikes School Faculty Members Dr. Steve Cooper and Dr. Seth Polsley. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested 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

Key Details:

• Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027.
• The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills.
• Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.
• 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.

Please consider sharing this invitation with the students you work with, as well as other teachers and community partners who may encourage students to apply.

Interested students can find more details and complete the application at https://raikes.unl.edu/summer-camp/.

If you have any questions about the camp, please email me at tluensmann2@unl.edu.

The Special Garden Project is a way to offer Nebraska youth the chance to grow unusual and fun projects in their gardens.

The 2026 Special Garden Project will focus on the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold. This marigold produces creamy, yellow flowers on compact plants. This variety not only has a unique color, but it also has a very long bloom time.

Youth are encouraged to enroll for Horticulture/Plant Science through 4-H Online. To get your name on the list, contact Lori at the office: 402-374-2929 or lwachter3@unl.edu.

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 in. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we will be exploring a crop that can be marketed different ways depending on the variety.

To get your name on the list, contact Lori at the office: 402-374-2929 or lwachter3@unl.edu.

In the sixth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore TWO varieties of popcorn! The first is an heirloom variety that was discovered and developed by a farmer in eastern Nebraska, called Nebraska Red. The second is a commercial variety, Robust 997. Be sure not to plant sweet corn in your garden with these to prevent cross pollination.

Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.

Contact your local Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. Please have your order placed prior to March 2nd.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.

To go with the fair theme of “Load the Wagon” this year’s Burt County Photography Theme is “Wagons.” Take as much creative liberty with this as you’d like, everything from a covered wagons, to wagon wheels, to toy wagons. Make this theme your own! Remember, this exhibit is open to any Burt County 4-H member – you don’t have to be enrolled in the Photography 4-H project.

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/continuing-education/

Burt County 4-H Seniors in High School! Tis the season of scholarship applications. Good luck!

• Burt County 4-H Council Scholarship - Due April 1st
• Burt County Cattlemen's Association Scholarship - Due April 1st
• East Oaks 4-H Club, Jacob Johnson Memorial Scholarship - Due April 1st
• Phillip Hennig Memorial Scholarship - Due April 1st
• Burt County Pheasants Forever Scholarship - Due April 1st

The UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is bringing back Zoom In To CASNR for the 2025-2026 academic year!

Zoom In To CASNR is a virtual visit session where prospective students can talk to department representatives and current students to learn more about CASNR. This was an initiative that was created in hopes of providing a more accessible campus visit for students who might not be able to come to UNL East Campus.

The 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification & Nomination page has been updated to reflect the 2026 edits.

Summary of Updates

· There are no changes to livestock identification or nomination requirements.

· Youth will continue to pay $7.00 per State Fair nomination and will enter online nominations through the Show Stock Manager site.

· While there are no changes, please remind exhibitors to review individual State Fair Fairbooks for registered animal requirements. Some additional items are required to exhibit in a breed class at State Fair but are not required for nomination.

· Also as a reminder, registration papers must list the exhibitor’s name or a co-owner who is an immediate family member and is included with the online nomination in Show Stock Manager. Family farm or ranch names will not be accepted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office - 402-374-2929.

https://animalscience.unl.edu/extension-outreach/poultry/chick-days/

An educational event for small and back-yard poultry producers and youth featuring speakers on the following topics:

8:30 Registration - at Dept. of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

9:00 Presentations - Room B101

• Talk 1: Reading feed tags for your flock nutrition program, Jodi Holmes, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Retail Field Rep., Holdrege, NE.
• Talk 2: Backyard Flock Health Management—Brett Kreifels, Extension Educator, Leader, Douglas Sarpy Counties, Omaha, Nebraska

10:30 Workshop—Preparing for 4-H and FFA Poultry Judging Competitions (Rooms D105 and D107)- Ashley Bigge, Extension Educator, Penn State University

Noon—Lunch Break, Free Omelet Lunch - Ani. Sci. Commons

1:00 Contest Winners Announcement—B101

1:15 Quiz Bowl Contest—B101

Contests include:

• Egg Art – Adult & Youth
• Poultry Photography- Adult & Youth
• Poultry Quiz Bowl – Adult & Youth Teams

The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – 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! The knowledge contests are also open to adults for a minimal fee! Show information with classes and registration fees is posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/rabbit-spring-show.

Sponsored by the Lancaster County 4‑H Rabbits VIPS Committee and Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County. If you have questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.

The 55th annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) will be held July 6-10, 2026, on UNL’s East Campus.

Applications are now available to students who are currently high school juniors and seniors on our website at: www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi

As always, applications will be due on April 15th.

https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska.Department.Agriculture

https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaAgYouthInstitute

www.Instagram.com/the_nayc

NAYI RECOMMENDATION FORMS

Students who are applying for NAYI will need to have an adult submit a recommendation form on their behalf. We initiated this form last year, and it worked very well to help streamline the process for our scoring committee. The recommendation form can be found on the NAYI website (www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi) and will also be due on April 15th.

NAYI APPLICATION SUBMISSION

After submitting the application students receive an immediate automated email from Google Forms with their responses that they should keep in their records. They will also receive a confirmation email from a @nebraska.gov address within 1–2 business days. If a student does not receive either email, their application was not received, and they must email christin.kamm@nebraska.gov or agr.youthcouncil@nebraska.gov before the deadline.

YQCA is available as an online or face-to-face program for youth everywhere in the United States. We will be using the same website as last year (even with all of it’s glitches) https://yqcaprogram.org/.

Requirements:

Online – 3 modules @ $12 total (to receive full certification you must complete 3)

OR Face-2-Face training @ $3 total (Club leaders-book Stacey to come to a club meeting or TBD at the Extension Office the week of June 8th)

OR Test Out for Intermediate @ $36 or Senior @ $48

Any tradition 4-H member (8-18) in your family that is enrolled in a beef, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and/or swine project must be certified to show at county and state fair! The deadline for completion to be eligible to show at the Burt County Fair is June 15th! If you have questions please contact us!

Here are some assistances for completing the process. https://yqcaprogram.org/local/youth_parents.php

• Remember, we learned last year that you have to register for the course. And then take a post-course survey before you can access your certificate (which is the part we need).

The Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede offers a variety of 4-H horse contests that do not require live animals, including public speaking, demonstration, quiz bowl, art, horse judging, hippology, and photography contests. The 4-H Horse Stampede will be held at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln April 25-26, 2026 (date changed). Registration is due April 15, 2026. Entries for 2026 utilize 4‑H Online. Login to your 4‑H Online account and click on the events tab, then select the 2026 Horse Stampede event. Or utilize the following link to register (be sure to utilize the same email account used when enrolling in 4‑H): https://nehorsestampede2026.4honline.com/#/public/ins_11/evt_1d6

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states.

Participants will take part in 10 placing classes, enjoy a clinic, and compete for awards in each age division and species. With events hosted in Columbus, Bladen, and Nelson, Nebraska, each day offers something unique—plus fun evening activities, including a BBQ after-party and a final banquet and awards ceremony.

Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.

📅 June 17–19, 2026
📍 Columbus • Bladen • Nelson, Nebraska
🔗 Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26

Join us for three exciting days of livestock evaluation, learning, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! More details to come for each day.

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 in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The livestock achievement program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related educational, leadership and citizenship 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.

Youth completing the application, plan & report, and the project record for their designated species receive member of excellence distinction for their project area. Applications are due June 15, but why wait? Visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement to get started.

The 2026 Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) dates! 🎉

The event continues to grow and evolve—PASE 2026 will now be a three-day experience held on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus. We’re also exploring an earlier time in the year to better accommodate the busy summer schedules and create even more opportunities for youth engagement.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29, 2026

To get involved with the Burt County Livestock Judging Team contact Leah Miller or Kylie Penke!!

We can’t wait to make PASE 2026 our best year yet!
The Nebraska 4‑H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) features a variety of state-level animal science contests. The event is held annually at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln. Youth explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and work with other youth from across the state. Youth have the opportunity to participate in livestock contests that do not require owning or exhibiting a live animal, including livestock, meat, poultry, companion animal, and animal welfare judging, as well as livestock skill-a-thon and livestock quiz bowl. In addition, youth will have chances to explore the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus, meet with faculty members and current college students, and have fun with friends!

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