Saunders County 4-H Update
2/9/2024
February 5 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification begins
February 12 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues
February 18 - Beef Weigh In
February 19 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues
February 24 - Saunders County 4-H Robotics Mini-Play
February 26 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues
March 12 - 4-H Club Leader Training
March 15 - 16 - FIRST LEGO League Event on campus
March 16 - Chick Days
March 16 - Lancaster Co Spring Rabbit Show
March 16 - Data Driven Event
March 23 - 4-H Horse Stampede - Entries due March 4 - registration is open!
April 1 - Saunders County Communication Contest
April 16 - 4-H 101 Training
May 4 - Rabbit Clinic at extension office Time TBD - details coming soon
June 1 - State Horse Entries/Horse ID/Level Testing Due
June 15 - 4-H Sign up, Animal ID and YQCA deadlines
June 17 - 18 - Premier Communication Event (State)
June 20 - 21 - Premier Animal Science Event
July 1 - Online Pre-Entry Deadline for Saunders County Fair
July 20 - Fair Clean up Day
July 13-17 - State Horse Show
July 23 - Superintendent Supper
July 28 - August 4 - Saunders County Fair
August 10 - State Fair Livestock/Contest Entries Due
August 23 - Sept. 2 - Nebraska State Fair
August 24 - State 4-H Dog Show
Congratulations to the Saunders/Lancaster/Washington County Hippology Team on their Reserve National Champion title at the Western National Roundup! Full results below:
TEAM:
Reserve Champion Overall Team
Reserve Champion Written Exam/Slides
3rd place Judging
3rd place Team Problems
INDIVIDUAL:
Maddie Spreeman: Champion Overall Individual, Champion Written Test/Slides, Champion Stations, 4th place Judging
Shea Frink: 6th place Judging
Colleen Savig: 7th place Overall Individual, 5th place Written Exam/Slides,10th place Stations
Brin Egr: Lots of great scores but unfortunately ending up just out of the top 10
Omaha Fashion Week is highlighting themes of reckless self-expression during their Spring 2024 AUDACIOUS Season. As they focus on fashion-for-good they are honoring the audacity it takes to use our voices to create meaningful change in our communities. Amongst the seven groups that will be presenting their designs on the runway during student night, Nebraska 4-H youth will be modeling their designs on Wednesday, February 21st during the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Night at 8:00 pm.
Youth across the state were invited to apply with the design they have sewn for 4-H in 2023. 32 4-Her’s were chosen from 17 counties in Nebraska. They have been practicing their walk for the runway, will be getting their hair and makeup ready by the SOHO hair academy, and will have family and friends in attendance!
Doors open at 6:00 pm, to purchase tickets, visit https://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/ofw-spring-2024-student-night
Youth selected include Maura Tichota from Saunders County!
The 2024 Special Agronomy Project is Sugar Beets!
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. In the 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. 4-H members enrolled in the Special Agronomy Project will: • Receive a ‘packet’ of seeds (one packet per youth) in March/April • Grow their seeds in their garden or pots • Receive written resource materials • Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area: o G750011 - Special Agronomy Project - Educational Exhibit (SF259) o G750012 - Special Agronomy Project -Video Presentation o G750013 - Special Agronomy Project (Freshly Harvested Crop) Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project in 4-H Online and sign up at https://go.unl.edu/2024SaundersSAP
We are excited to be launching STEM Backpacks for checkout! This project is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Beyond School Bells.
These backpacks are available for checkout now! Find more information at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/stem-backpacks/
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.
More information can be found on the 4-H website: https://4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase.
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: go.unl.edu/2nd8.
Contact Jenna @ jhanson19@unl.edu or (402) 624-8052 with any questions.
Are you interested in learning more about the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources? Here's your chance!
The next UNL College of Agricultural Sciences informational webinar in the Zoom In To CASNR series will be held February 26th at 7pm CST.
To register go to: https://go.unl.edu/VB2S
Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit schedule for 2024.
Open to Nebraska 4-H and FFA members ages 10-18. For more information visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-judging-circuit
2024 Chick Days
The 4-H Horse Stampede entry portal is open! Also, new for 2024 is the addition of elementary age group (8-10) for all contests.
Online Entry Procedures:
Entries for 2024 4-H Horse Stampede are utilizing 4-H Online. Youth need to login to their 4-H Online account and click on the events tab, then select the 2024 Horse Stampede event. Or utilize the following link to register (be sure to utilize the same email account used when enrolling in 4-H):
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.
We are excited to announce the fourth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, 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 program consists of three 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. Junior 8-9 submits pictures, poster, presentation, and other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value, 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. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.
Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 1 via the completion form on the website.
Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.
For more information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)
Exciting news!
We're thrilled to introduce the Corn Yield Challenge – a premier contest inviting participation from 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members).
Join us on this journey to explore every aspect of corn production and discover the exciting world of agricultural careers associated with it.
Key Features:
Team Participation: Form teams with two or more youth participants and embark on this collaborative challenge.
Innovative Practices: Youth will take on the challenge of implementing unique production practices to assess their 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 deserve recognition! Cash prizes and plaques await the top three teams:
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
Special Awards: Going the extra mile deserves applause! "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards will be presented, each carrying a value of $200.
This competition not only fuels innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform to honor dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to seize this opportunity, showcase your skills, and contribute to advancing agricultural practices.
For detailed guidelines and participation information, please visit Corn Challenge Webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
Let's grow together!
Companion Rabbit Science
Companion Rabbit Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for rabbits. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about rabbits and the 4-H rabbit project. Companion Rabbit Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about rabbits in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/companion-rabbit-science
Companion Cat Science
Companion Cat Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for cats. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all regardless of age who are looking to learn more about cats and the 4-H cat project. Companion Cat Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about cats in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
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.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications to attend one of the biggest ag youth outreach events in the state. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together hundreds of high school juniors and seniors for a week to learn more about agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry.
NAYI will be held July 8-12, 2024, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Students selected to attend NAYI do so free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2024, to apply. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. This year’s theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”
“From the beginning, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with thousands of Nebraska high school students,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm. “Students participating in NAYI continue the legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska by developing their leadership skills and by increasing their knowledge and passion for agriculture. If you know high school juniors or seniors interested in ag, encourage them to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline.”
NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. Over 250 students attended NAYI last year. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.
NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth.
Planning is in full swing for the 2024 Nebraska State Fair. While the complete and detailed schedule is a work in progress, we wanted to share a tentative schedule overview to help you plan ahead. You can find it on https://www.statefair.org/ag-competitions/livestock-exhibitors under the 2024 Livestock Schedule section.
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.
In the challenge to be the top state, we have fallen to second place - please consider completing the survey if you received one!
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.
Your impact is great and we want to hear from you!!!
Nebraska 4-H is now accepting nominations for a new awards program to recognize the outstanding contributions of 4-H volunteers across the state.
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as and multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the state’s 10 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner will be named in the each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.
“Our 4-H volunteers go above and beyond to serve Nebraska’s youth every year,” said Jill Goedeken, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator. “We are looking forward to another opportunity to recognize 4-H volunteers for their contributions to youth in Nebraska.”
The nomination period runs through March 15, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer (such as robotics or shooting sports), afterschool club volunteer or 4-H camp volunteer. More information, along with the nomination form, is available online at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.
Winners will be announced virtually in April 2024. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair.
The 2024 Nebraska 4-H Dog Judges Training will be held in Lincoln in the Animal Science Complex on East Campus on Saturday, February 24th, 2024. New judges are always needed. If you are a parent or someone who wants to help our 4H youth with the dog project, please consider taking the training. This is also a good opportunity for local dog project leaders and older 4-H members (16+) to observe the training and better understand how they will be judged at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Dog Show and local county fairs. Participants will be trained in showmanship and obedience. Participants must be 19 years old and up to be listed as a 4-H Dog Judge who is trained in showmanship and obedience. The training will include hands-on and classroom sessions.
Estimated Time Frame: 9 am-3:30 pm (Lunch is included)
REGISTRATION LINK: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vn9N5fWu452bMW
Fees:
Registration (register by 2/20 to get a lunch provided): $35
All checks should be made out to UNL and mailed to:
Lisa Karr 3940 Fair Street- A214
Lincoln, NE 68583-0908
*No Refunds will be given. Checks with insufficient funds will be charged a $25 fee.
*Registration is not finalized until checks are received.
All registered participants will be notified via email. Of any changes.
For further questions please contact Lisa Karr at lisa.karr@unl.edu
Volunteer Orientation
Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.
Enroll as a volunteer or enroll your youth! More details at https://go.unl.edu/SaundersEnroll
Nebraska 4-H Glossary
The Nebraska 4-H Glossary provides general terminology and language used within the Nebraska 4-H program. Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/glossary
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made in advance to the Saunders County Extension Office.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Email: Saunders-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/4h/
Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC)
1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 624-8030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaundersCountyExtension4h
Instagram: https://instagram.com/saunders_county_extension_4H
4-H Extension Educator
Cole Meador- cmeador2@unl.edu
4-H Extension Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Sara Hass - shass3@unl.edu