Upcoming Events

August

Aug. 10th - State Fair Livestock & Contest Entry deadline - 8:00pm
Aug. 17th - 4-H Council Meeting, 7PM, Extension Office
Aug. 21st - Static Exhibits are brought to the Extension Office (no food or horticulture) by 5:00pm
Aug. 25th - Food & Horticulture Exhibits brought to the Extension Office by 4:00pm
Aug. 26th - Extension Office Closed in the morning for exhibit transfer to State Fair
Aug. 28th - Sept 7th - State Fair
Aug. 28th- Aug. 30th - 4-HWeekend

September

Sep. 7th - Office Closed, Labor Day
Sep. 8th - Office Closed Picking up State Fair Exhibits
Sep. 9th - State Fair exhibits ready for pick up at the Extension Office.
Sep. 15th - Diamond Clover, 4-H Award Nominations due.

October

Mid October - New 4-H Year Enrollment
Nebraska 4-H Month
Oct. 12th - Office Closed, Columbus Day
Oct. 22nd - Office Closed, All Staff Personal Development

Join our Remind Groups!

To help us share important updates, deadlines, and reminders with all members and families, we use the Remind app for quick and easy communication. Sometimes the updates and information we send will not go through the 4-HOnline email blast, so make sure you don't miss out!

If you’re not already signed up, we encourage you to download the Remind app or follow the provided link to join your club/group. It’s the best way to stay informed about upcoming events, project information, schedule changes, and more!

Don’t miss out on important 4-H news — join Remind today and stay connected!

Sign up for groups that you are involved with to stay up to date with everything happening in Butler County 4-H!

Butler County 4-H Updates (for all 4-H families!): remind.com/join/4ck72bk

4-H Crochet: remind.com/join/9328dc2

Butler County 4-H Council: remind.com/join/fgk2g7

Butler County 4-H Club Leaders: https://remind.com/join/e8d9c4

Butler County Livestock Contests (used for Livestock judging & PASE contest): remind.com/join/992dgh

Butler County 4-H News

Butler County Fair Exhibits at the Office!

Just a reminder that we have exhibits that were left at the Event Center after the Butler County Fair! An email was sent to the families that have items here. Please come get them as soon as you can, we need to start making room for the exhibits that will return for the State Fair!

4-H Survey

Thank you for being a part of Butler County 4-H! We are always looking for ways to improve our programs and provide the best possible experience for our youth and families.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the 2025-2026 Butler County 4-H program and fair. Your feedback will help us celebrate what is working well and identify opportunities for improvement.

As you complete this survey, we ask that you keep your comments constructive and respectful. We are continually learning, growing, and making adjustments each year as we strive to provide the best experience possible for our 4-H members. Our decisions are always made with our youth at the center, and our top priority is creating a positive, educational, and welcoming program for them.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. We truly value your feedback and appreciate your partnership in helping Butler County 4-H continue to grow.

https://forms.gle/jTY6CaYPePXVK8Du5

Butler County Fair Thank You's

All Champion and Reserve Champion winners received a thank-you postcard either in their awards packet or attached to their trophy. Please take a few minutes to sign and mail your thank-you card to the donor who made your award possible. Their generosity allows us to provide trophies, banners, buckles, and other awards that recognize the hard work of our 4-H youth.

If you participated in the Livestock Subsidy Auction, please don't forget to send thank-you notes to the individuals and businesses who supported you. These community members generously invest in our youth and the future of agriculture, and a heartfelt thank-you is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for their support.

A sincere thank-you goes a long way in maintaining these valued partnerships and ensuring we can continue providing these opportunities and recognitions for Butler County 4-H youth for years to come.

Butler County 4-H continues to grow, and we couldn't be more excited!

The numbers tell an incredible story, from increased enrollment and expanded school enrichment programming to another successful summer of workshops and a busy county fair. It's exciting to see more youth discovering all that 4-H has to offer, trying new things, building confidence, and sharing their talents.

This growth wouldn't be possible without our dedicated volunteers, supportive families, community partners, and sponsors. Thank you for helping make Butler County 4-H a place where young people can learn, lead, and thrive. We can't wait to see what the coming year has in store!

2026 Fair Photos

Photos from Darlin Blue Media are now available for purchase & download! Follow the link to find your favorite memories from the Butler County Fair and relive all the smiles, excitement, and accomplishments from this year’s event.

A huge thank you to Alexa Carter for capturing our 4-H’ers throughout the fair! We love having these moments preserved!

Thank you for helping us celebrate our amazing 4-H youth!

Find your photos here! https://alexacarter.pixieset.com/folder/wx6sJtQUwSj0/

State Fair Static & Contests

Contests:

Plant, Weed, Tree & Insect ID, Dairy Judging, Dog Skillathon & Culinary Challenge Contests are open to any interested 4-H'er. You can register by entering it into the ShoWorks site before 8:00 PM CST on August 10th. If you are entering the Culinary Challenge as a team, both exhibitors must be entered online.
All modeling contestants chosen from Butler County to model at the state fair have been notified via email. Modeling (Fashion Revue) entries must be entered in ShoWorks before 8:00 PM CST on August 10. All registration forms will be entered online. You can fill out the form attached below and email it to Jacie Milius ( jacie.milius@unl.edu) or fill out the Google Form at these links before August 10. Fabric swatches are not needed.
Constructed Garments: https://go.unl.edu/ne4-hsffashionshowconstructedgarmentsf25.
Shopping in Style Online Entry: https://go.unl.edu/ne4-hsffashionshowshoppinginstylesf184.
For more information visit: State Fair 4-H Contest Participant Resources | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska
For help writing a narration, visit : https://go.unl.edu/exnarrations.

Static Exhibits:

Static Exhibits (Not including food & horticulture) must be brought to the office by Friday, August 21st by 5:00pm
Food & Horticulture Exhibits must be brought to the office by Tuesday, August 25th by 4:00 pm.
For more information visit: 4-H Static Exhibitor Resources | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska

State Fair Entry Link: 4-H & FFA Exhibits | Nebraska State Fair

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Discount Passes for Nebraska State Fair 4-H Static Exhibitors

Back by popular demand! 4-H static exhibitor families are able to order discount passes directly from the Nebraska State Fair! Orders can be placed now until 11:59pm CT on August 27, 2026, and can be placed using the following link and password:

https://go.unl.edu/2026nsfstaticexhibitorpasses

Password: 20264h

Please remember the opportunity to order these discounted tickets is for static exhibitors and their families only. The misuse of this resource may eliminate this opportunity in the future, so please encourage your families not to share this link.

Please note:

We can track who ordered tickets and match it with their 4-H participation. Discount tickets will not be available through the county offices.
All livestock exhibitors and in-person event exhibitors (contests, fashion show, and robotics showcase) will still be able to order discounted tickets when they enter in ShoWorks for State Fair. This process has not changed for those exhibitors coming to the fair.
The Nebraska State Fair also has ticket options available to the general public. You can share the following link with any 4-H families and stakeholders who are planning to go to the fair: https://www.statefair.org/buy-tickets for additional details.

State Fair Livestock

All 4‑H livestock must be entered in ShoWorks before 8:00 PM CST on August 10. This entry process must be completed by the 4‑H exhibitor (or their family). Fees must be paid for using a debit/credit card. There are no other payment options. Livestock will not be entered by the county Extension office. There are entry limits for each organization and each of the individual species. Exhibitors cannot bring more than the limits stated below for 4‑H.

Beef – A 4‑H member is limited to exhibiting up to 5 beef animals
Dairy – refer to the Nebraska State Fair Youth Regional Dairy Show Entry Book.
Meat Goat – A 4‑H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 goats.
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.
Rabbit – A 4‑H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 rabbits.
Sheep – A 4‑H member is limited to exhibiting up to 4 sheep.
Swine – A 4‑H member is limited to exhibiting up to 6 hogs.

Follow this link to enter livestock:

4-H & FFA Livestock | Nebraska State Fair

Nebraska State Fair Exhibitor T-Shirts

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 may be interested in purchasing, also!

Orders can be placed online at https://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4htshirts and are due August 10, 2026. No on-site purchase of shirts will be available. Only pick-up of pre-ordered shirts will be available. Be sure to choose your pick-up location and note the dates and times available for pick-up at each location. Any shirts not picked up during these times will be distributed to county staff members following the Nebraska State Fair. Signature will be required when picking up pre-ordered shirts.

4-H Static Office (4-H/FFA Fieldhouse):

August 29: 10am – 5pm
August 30: 10am – 5pm (Closed during 4-H Day Event)

Livestock Office (West End of Five Points Bank Arena)

August 27: 8am – 8pm
August 28: 8am – 8pm
August 29: 7am – 7pm
August 30: 7am – 4pm

Please contact Jill Goedeken (jgoedeken2@unl.edu) with any questions.

4-H Awards Banquet

Our awards banquet will be taking place later this fall, approximately October/November! If you are celebrating a year pin, applying for awards, or if you were a buckle winner, please plan to attend to receive your awards!

Butler County 4-H Awards - Due September 15th

Butler County is proud to reward 4-H & Clover Kid Members for their commitment to the program! Below you will find a list of all the awards applications. These are due September 15th and will be presented at our fall Awards Banquet!

Annual Achievement Application: a $10 incentive from Butler County 4-H Council for every member turning in the application: Achievement Application | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska

Chris Clover Application: a special award for the first and second year members

4-H Workshop & Summer Camp Scholarship: provided by the 4-H Council, members can apply for up to $25 Workshop Scholarship or up to $150 4-H Camp Scholarship.

Clover Kid Record Books - a $5 incentive for every Clover Kid turning in the record book, courtesy of the Butler County 4-H Council

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Diamond Clover Awards - Due September 15

The Nebraska 4‑H Diamond Clover program encourages 4‑H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills and abilities that will prepare them for success in the future. The program is designed to reach and recognize all youth engaged in 4‑H, from club members and campers to school enrichment, afterschool, and special interest program participants.

The program consists of six levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Nebraska 4‑H Diamond Clover program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4‑H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the 4‑H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4‑H year, 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 Diamond Clover program.

Completed forms due to the Extension Office by September 15th.

Diamond Clover forms can be found at this link: Diamond Clover | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska

Butler County 4-H Honorees

Each year, we like to spotlight youth, businesses, alumni & volunteers that helped our 4-H be successful this past year. Follow the links to nominate those who have helped Butler County 4-H grow! These are due by September 15th and will be voted on by our 4-H Council prior to the Achievement Banquet.

2025 Winners:

Outstanding 4-H'er - Gunner Fencl
Outstanding Volunteer - Katie Fencl
Outstanding 4-H Alumni - Aubree Siffring
Outstanding Business Supporter - Bank of the Valley

Outstanding 4-H'er: https://forms.gle/yJQ82gUhD9NYrD259

Outstanding Volunteer/Friend of 4-H: https://forms.gle/4pP9R8nhSYZnB8Gu9

Outstanding 4-H Alumni: https://forms.gle/i3zvkhB3N6fnaoeK7

Outstanding Business Supporter: https://forms.gle/txZnJPRiw3KZYT7M9

🤖 Butler County 4-H & David City Aquinas Catholic School are exploring a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team! 🤖

Pending scholarship funding, we are excited to offer youth ages 15–18 (as of January 1) the opportunity to participate in an advanced robotics experience focused on engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving.

FTC is a step beyond FIRST LEGO League and offers new equipment, exciting challenges, and opportunities for youth interested in STEM!

📅 Practices: Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: David City Aquinas Middle School
👥 First season: Limited to the first 8 youth who pre-register

⏰ Pre-registration closes Monday, August 10, at 9:30 a.m.

Interested youth are encouraged to complete the pre-registration survey!

Interested in coaching? If pre-registration exceeds eight youth, additional volunteer coaches will be needed to expand the program. If you would be interested in coaching, please complete the coaching question included in the pre-registration survey. Additional teams may be added based on volunteer support and pre-registration numbers.

Learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge: https://www.firstinspires.org/programs/ftc/

🔗 Pre-registration Survey:
https://go.unl.edu/xiw7

2026 Premier Communcations Event

Congratulations to Nate & Levi Moravec, who represented Butler County with outstanding results at the Premier Communications Event in June!

Nate Moravec earned 2nd Place Overall in Intermediate Prepared Speech, as well as a Purple Ribbon for his Intermediate Radio Public Service Announcement.
Levi Moravec placed 3rd Overall in Senior Prepared Speech and also received a Purple Ribbon for his Senior Radio Public Service Announcement.

We are incredibly proud to have such strong representation from Butler County at the state level. Congratulations again to both Nate and Levi on your well-deserved achievements!

Nebraska 4-H & UNL News

Roth Scholars Leadership Program

Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy - our pilot, state-level experience inspired by the National 4-H Leadership Academy program founded in honor of the late Joel Roth.

This is a one-year opportunity designed for high-potential Nebraska 4-H youth to grow as leaders, build connections across the state, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Participants (Roth Scholars) will engage in leadership development, mentorship, and statewide experiences.

Congratulations to our own Kristin Coufal, who was selected to be a part of this inaugural year of the Roth Scholars. We are excited to see all that you do!

Share Your Favorite 4-H Fair Photo

Every 4-H fair experience is a chance for youth to put their skills into action. Whether volunteering, exhibiting, showing, or leading, 4-H’ers are demonstrating the confidence, responsibility, and real-world skills at the fair that prepare them to be Beyond ready for work and for life.

Upload ONE favorite photo of yourself, or a favorite 4-H’er, participating in a fair experience that shows those real-world skills in action, or share a favorite fair experience in the guestbook at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hfairseasonphotos.

A statewide fair 4-H photo gallery will be created to share during the Nebraska State Fair, celebrating how the impact of the Nebraska 4-H program goes beyond the ribbon, reaching youth in every county across the state.

Nebraska 4-H Day at the State Fair

Celebrate the people and experiences that help Nebraska youth become Beyond Ready at 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, August 30, from 2–4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska! Enjoy interactive activities, a 4-H photo booth, complimentary UNL Dairy Store ice cream (while supplies last), and help recognize outstanding volunteers and members of the Nebraska 4‑H Leadership Academy during the 3 p.m. program. Purchase discounted August 30 gate passes for teens and adults (service fee applies; limit two tickets per purchase) in advance at http://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4hdaypasses and join us for an afternoon of 4-H fun and celebration!

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Judge for 4-H in 2027!

Calling all potential 2027 county and state fair 4-H judges!

Sign up now to be a part of the Nebraska 4-H judging team. Help Nebraska youth be beyond ready for work and life through 4-H project exhibits by serving as a 4-H project judge!

Deadline to sign up: September 30, 2026

Register here: https://go.unl.edu/2027judgesregistration

Join us and help shape the future of 4-H!

Buter County Extension Office

Email: butler-county@unl.edu

Website: Nebraska Extension in Butler County

Phone: 402-367-7410

Location: 451 N 5th St. David City, NE 68632

Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch, 12 - 1)

Social Media: Facebook

Butler County Staff

Thays Silva, Health & Wellbeing Educator: thays.silva@unl.edu

Janessa Rawhouser, 4-H Assistant: jbergman3@unl.edu

KateLynn Ness, 4-H Educator, Butler & Colfax Counties: kness2@unl.edu

Louise Niemann, Office Manager: lniemann2@unl.edu

Butler County 4-H Newsletter

August 2026

Upcoming Events

August

September

October

Join our Remind Groups!

Butler County 4-H News

Butler County Fair Exhibits at the Office!

4-H Survey

Butler County Fair Thank You's

Butler County 4-H continues to grow, and we couldn't be more excited!

2026 Fair Photos

State Fair Static & Contests

State Fair Livestock

Nebraska State Fair Exhibitor T-Shirts

4-H Awards Banquet

Butler County 4-H Awards - Due September 15th

Diamond Clover Awards - Due September 15

Butler County 4-H Honorees

🤖 Butler County 4-H & David City Aquinas Catholic School are exploring a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team! 🤖

2026 Premier Communcations Event

Nebraska 4-H & UNL News

Roth Scholars Leadership Program

Share Your Favorite 4-H Fair Photo

Nebraska 4-H Day at the State Fair

Judge for 4-H in 2027!

Buter County Extension Office

Butler County Staff

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

August

September

October

Join our Remind Groups!

Butler County 4-H News Butler County 4-H News

Butler County Fair Exhibits at the Office!

4-H Survey

Butler County Fair Thank You's

Butler County 4-H continues to grow, and we couldn't be more excited!

2026 Fair Photos

State Fair Static & Contests

State Fair Livestock

Nebraska State Fair Exhibitor T-Shirts

4-H Awards Banquet

Butler County 4-H Awards - Due September 15th

Diamond Clover Awards - Due September 15

Butler County 4-H Honorees

🤖 Butler County 4-H & David City Aquinas Catholic School are exploring a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team! 🤖

2026 Premier Communcations Event

Nebraska 4-H & UNL News Nebraska 4-H & UNL News

Roth Scholars Leadership Program

Share Your Favorite 4-H Fair Photo

Nebraska 4-H Day at the State Fair

Judge for 4-H in 2027!

Buter County Extension Office

Butler County Staff

Upcoming Events

Butler County 4-H News

Nebraska 4-H & UNL News