Richardson County 4-H Forecast

2026 Fair Shirt Ordering is now OPEN!

Every Junior Fair Participant receives a fair shirt sponsored by Channel and is required to be warn for most fair events. Please fill out your order ASAP for timely delivery before your first 2026 fair event.

The pricing for purchasing additional t-shirts this year will be remaining the same as last year: $15 for youth, $20 for adult, $23 for 2x & 3x sizes with payment in cash or check due at pick up.

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

Fairbooks are now available online and in the extension office!

Pick yours up today & be prepared for the 2026 Junior Fair.

2026 4-H FFA Junior Fair Schedule is now available!

Please take note that some days and times may have changed.

Richardson & Nemaha County 4-H are jointly hosting a 3D Archery Contest on May 16, 2026 at 4 Star Shooting Range in Humboldt.

Members will need to be enrolled in 4-H at time of entry and have completed 4 hours of archery instruction with a certified 4-H shooting sports instructor before the day of the contest.

Entry forms due May 1, 2026.

The contest will consist of 30 3D targets that contestants will shoot one arrow at each. They will be scored a 11, 10, 8, 5, or 0 for each target.

There will be practices with certified 4-H shooting sports instructors at 4 Star Shooting Range on April 29, May 2, May 6, May 9, & May 13. The Saturday practices will be at 9am and the Wednesday practices will be at 6pm. All participants will be required to attend at least two of these practices.

The classes will be:

Junior (8-10 yr olds) - target distance 25 yards max

Intermediate (11-13 yr olds) - target distance 35 yards max

Senior (14-18 yr olds) - target distance 45 yards max

Green Leaf Rookie (8 yr olds) - target distance 20 yards max

For more information visit: https://go.unl.edu/2026rc3darchery

The 2026 Richardson County 4-H Music Contest will be held on May 28th at 6pm at the First United Methodist Church in Falls City.

4-H Enrollment is strongly encouraged but not required to participate.

Age Divisions (age as of 12/31/25):

Clover Kid (5-7)

Junior (8-10)

Intermediate (11-13)

Senior (14-18)

The following classes will be available for every age division:

Piano Solo

Piano Duet

Piano Group

Vocal Solo

Vocal Duet

Vocal Group

Instrumental Solo

Instrumental Duet

Instrumental Group

For more detailed information please visit: https://go.unl.edu/2026RCMusicContest

Registration for the April 4-H Project Discovery Kit is now available!

This month's project is a Wood Bead Vase, which can be entered in the junior fair class C-257-13, Accessory-3D.

All supplies to create one bead vase with a glass insert will be included. Only items needed from home will be a hot glue gun and some faux flowers or other decor to display in the vase.

Registration closes April 24th - Register today at: go.unl.edu/rcaprdiscoverykit

Kits should be ready to pick up at the office the week of May 4th. Each kit is $25 due at pickup by cash or check written to University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

For our graduating seniors, we have a yard sign and cords for your graduation.

Please stop by the extension office and pick up before the big day!

It's never too early to start preparing for your 2026 County and State Fair livestock entries!

We have the 2026 Richardson County 4-H ear tags available in the Extension Office, both the county fair versions and the EID tags required for the State Fair.

If you are planning on showing at the Nebraska State Fair with market, feeder, or breeding beef cattle, market or breeding sheep, market or breeding swine, or market or breeding meat goats, you are required to submit a DNA envelope for each animal. The envelopes are available in the Richardson County Extension Office.

If showing at the state fair, you will need to enter the animals into the nomination website at www.showstockmgr.com and the Extension Office will need to receive the envelopes with hairs by June 15th.

Are you planning on showing in a livestock show during the Junior Fair or at the State Fair?

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry.

Every animal exhibitor is required to complete YQCA every year to complete in the Junior Fair and the State Fair. You can complete your certificate at any time, they will be due by June 15th.

Once complete, please forward a certificate to the Extension Office, we can take paper or electronic copies.

https://yqcaprogram.org/

• Enroll at 4HOnline.com
• During enrollment on 4HOnline, you will be required to select at least one project but are not required to select all projects you will be participating in for the 2025-2026 4-H year.
• If you are participating in the Shooting Sports or Horse projects, you are required to enroll in those projects online since there are forms that are required to be filled out for those projects.
• Our adult leader volunteers are also required to enroll, if you don't have a current screening, the website will let you know if it's required this year and give instructions on how to complete the required screening.
• See the file below for a quick refresher on how to re-enroll for the new year.

• Added Intermediate Shotgun 16 Yards & Intermediate Shotgun Handicap Classes
• Removed Limited Freestyle Archery Classes
• Added First Time Junior Archery class for 1st time archery 8-9 year olds
• Added 3D Archery Contest
• Check In and Show Dates and Times for most livestock has changed
• Rabbit Showmanship & Poultry Showmanship will run separately and earlier in their day than their conformation shows
• Horse show will run separately, with Nemaha County, at a later date. The event will rotate between Nemaha Fairgrounds and Richardson Fairgrounds. This year is at Nemaha Fairgrounds on August 1, 2026
• Market Dairy Cattle & Market Dairy Goats classes consolidated with market beef cattle and market goat classes - all animals will show together in the respective species Market class
• Added Registered Dairy Goat classes
• Name changed for Division "Heirloom Treasures/Family Keepsakes" to "Home Antique Restoration"
• Added Photography Level 2 & 3 classes "Black & White Photography" and "Creative and Experimental Photo Exhibit"
• Changes to some Forestry Division class descriptions & requirements
• Added class "Shooting Sports Educational Exhibit or Display" in Conservation & Wildlife Division
• Name changed for Division "Safety" to "Disaster Response, Preparedness, and Safety"
• Changes to some Disaster Response, Preparedness and Safety Division class descriptions & requirements.
• Added County-Level Agronomy classes for Grain or Plant Exhibit.

Who we are looking for

• Current high school sophomores (2025/2026)
• Active Nebraska 4-H Members
• Youth ready to grow, lead and commit to the experience

The Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy is a one-year, state-level experience designed for youth who are ready to grow as leaders and make a positive impact. Inspired by the vision of the National 4-H Leadership Academy, founded by Joel Roth, this program brings together 4-H members from across Nebraska who are committed to learning, leading, and serving.

As a Nebraska Roth Scholar, participants will engage in leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Throughout the program, youth will build skills, form meaningful connections, and explore how they can contribute to their communities and beyond.

Program highlights:

• Monthly virtual meetings
• In-person statewide events
• Late summer kickoff in alignment of 2026-27 academic year

Apply by May 4th at: https://go.unl.edu/rothscholars

The Perkins-Chase Livestock Judging Team will be hosting its Southwest Judging Classic on April 18th.

Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?! We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 9-23, 2026 at: http://go.unl.edu/online4hhortcontest

Horticulture judging contest consists of three parts. The first is identification of plant material. Participants identify the plants by common name from a plant list. Specimens may be alive or preserved plant parts like stems, twigs, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, or plant products.

The second is a knowledge portion, usually in the form of a true/false or multiple choice quiz. Questions will test the contestant's knowledge of cultural practices for horticultural crops, plant science, pesticides, horticultural careers and other topics related to the production, processing and consumption of horticultural crops.

The last portion is judging or placings. This is where four different plants, plates of vegetables, or containers flowers are ranked from best to worst based on a set of criteria. Classes are judged on the basis of condition, quality, uniformity, true-to-type, and size.

More information about the Nebraska State contest along with a list of study materials can be found in the Horticulture ID Contest Fairbook. Here you can find the written study materials for the knowledge portion, follow links to plant pictures for help with identification, and read how judging of plant material is done.
More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/online-horticulture-judging-contest

The 2026 4-H Fort Robinson Horse Camp will take place on June 11-13 at Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, NE. All individuals, ages eight and older, are welcome to attend with activities for junior, intermediate, and senior / adult. The 4-H code of conduct will be in effect, but membership is not mandatory.

Program, Registration, & Scholarship Form can be found here at this link: https://extension.unl.edu/.../workshops-programs-camps.../

When: June 11-13, 2026

For more information: (308)432-3373 or tessa.reece@unl.edu

Applications are open for Young Nebraska Scientists (YNS) camps throughout the state in 2026, including:

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS
• Secret Life of Metals Chemistry at Creighton University (Omaha), Grades 6-8, Fee: $60, Commuter/Day, dates coming soon (check yns.nebraska.edu)
• Nano Camp at Creighton U., Grades 6-8, Commuter/Day, Dates & Fee: see yns.nebraska.edu

HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS
• Biodiversity, June 14-20 at Cedar Point Biological Station (Lake Ogallala),
Grades 9-11, Fee: $150, Residential
• Explorations in Biology, June 22-25 at Neb. Wesleyan Univ. (NWU - Lincoln), Grades 9-11, Cost: $150, Residential
• Snack Attack: Apple Edition, July 22-23, Food Innov. Ctr (UNL/Innov. Campus), Grades 9-11, Cost: $40, Commuter/Day
• Rise & Grind: A Wheat Tale, June 16-19, Food Innovation Center (UNL/Innovation Campus, Lincoln), Grades* Cost: $150, Commuter/Day

ONE-DAY FOOD SCIENCE CAMPS
• Science of Ice Cream: May 28, Food Innovation Center – Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus), Grades*, Cost: $20, Commuter/Day
• Science of Chocolate: June 30, Food Innovation Center - Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus), Grades*, Cost: $20, Commuter/Day
*Priority application for high-schoolers; after May 1, middle-schoolers may apply.

Each summer 100+ youths attend YNS camps, which include hands-on science experiences and recreation opportunities at college campuses throughout Nebraska. YNS camp fees include meals and lodging for residential camps; day camps are also available (see yns.nebraska.edu/camps for specifics). Early application deadline is May 1 for YNS camps. Need-based scholarships are readily available.

YNS is conducted by Nebraska EPSCoR with support from the National Science Foundation, to encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning and careers. NSF support helps keep YNS camp fees low (need-based scholarships are available); faculty from Nebraska colleges and universities are camp leaders, and camp staff include university students. For information and to apply online, visit http://yns.nebraska.edu.

More details at: https://yns.nebraska.edu

The 2026 Calibraska Summer Program Registration is Open! True to the ‘Cali-braska’ name, this initiative brings specialized arts offerings from the California industries to Nebraska communities where access is limited to technology, cultural or arts institutions, professional mentorship and resources to the creative industries.

Summer programs are open for youth ages 5 years and up. Each class, camp, or workshop is taught by experienced teaching artists and professionals from the West Coast ‘scene’. This includes zooming them in or bringing them out to teach in person on the Calibraska ‘tour.’

For more information on the classes, registration, or to donate, visit https://www.calibraska.org or contact Calibraska at info@calibraska.org or call (Nebraska) 308-631-5704, (California) 661-670-8663.

More details at: https://www.calibraska.org

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!

Federal law restricts youth under 16 from using certain farm equipment unless their parents or guardians own the farm. However, 14- and 15-year-olds can earn an exemption by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing them to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.

For more information or to register visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training

Register today for Heavy Equipment Career Exploration set for Tuesday, July 7th at Central Community College – Hastings. Participants will navigate and drive virtual heavy equipment simulates, have behind the wheel experience, and learn from individuals in the career. Cost is $35. Register at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment by Monday, June 29, 2026. Limit of 25 spots available on a first come first serve basis.

Details:

Check-in: 10 am to 10:30 am

Lunch is included

Wrap-Up: 4:30 pm – Optional Campus Tours will be available.

Open to youth entering 8th – 12th grade in Fall 2026.

Cost is $35

Please register at: https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment

Here's an opportunity to get your animals in the show ring before the Junior Fair!

All shows will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds, Hastings, NE

Saturday, May 30th: Beef Progress Show - Early Bird Registration deadline May 15th

Classes for Showmanship, Market Beef, and Breeding Beef

Saturday, June 20th: Sheep, Goat, Poultry and Rabbit Progress Shows, Saturday - Early Bird Registration deadline is June 10th.

Sheep and Goat classes for Showmanship and Market lamb/goat

Poultry and Rabbits will have showmanship and breeding classes

Visit here for more information

Registration closes on April 15th!

2026 4-H Horse Stampede will be held on Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln.

The 4-H Horse Stampede will have events and contests for youth ages 8-18 to showcase participant's knowledge and talents as they relate to horses.

For more detailed information, please visit https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horse-stampede/

📣 NEW Hippology Practice Contests are HERE!

You asked for them and we delivered! Ready to put your horse science knowledge to the test? Extension Horses has developed three practice contests with Advanced and Introductory Levels to best serve ALL skill levels.

These interactive contests include:
✔️ Slides
✔️ Stations
✔️ Exams
✔️ Scenarios (team problems)

...all in a virtual Hippology-style format!

While awards aren’t provided, you can review your scores, track your progress, and earn a certificate of completion when you score 80% or higher on each section.

Practice as many times as you want during your access period and build confidence before contest day! 💪

💲 Pricing for 90 days unlimited access:
• $20 Individual
• $75 Team (up to 5 seats, designed for 1 coach and 4 team members)

Perfect for teams, coaches, classrooms, and individuals preparing for competition OR simply testing your horse science knowledge.

👉 Enroll today and start learning all about horses: https://catalog.extension.org/catalog?pagename=Hippology

Explore the world of artificial intelligence with the new Google x CLOVER by 4-H AI Activities, now available for FREE to educators, families, and youth nationwide, no account set-up needed. These hands-on experiences introduce young people to how AI is shaping agriculture🌾, technology🖥, and everyday life👩‍💻. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the activities help learners understand how AI works and why it matters. From building innovative farm tools to solving real-world problems, youth can turn ideas into action. Start exploring FREE AI learning today on CLOVER by 4-H, supported by Google.

🍀Access FREE Google x CLOVER AI Activities now - https://4-h.org/clover/activities/google-ai/

WHO: Activities are designed for youth in grades 5-12.

WHAT: 6 interactive activities (approx. 15 minutes each).

WHERE: Available anytime, anywhere on CLOVER by 4-H.

HOW: Free access using the link above, no account set-up needed.

📣 Announcing the Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series!

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 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.

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.

April 15

• Youth & Adult Booster Scholarship Due

April 23

• Communications Contest - 6pm - First United Methodist Church, Falls City

April 24

• Office Closed for Arbor Day

May 1

• Music Contest Entries Due
• 3D Archery Contest Entries Due

May 16

• 3D Archery Contest, 4 Star Shooting Range