Saunders County 4-H Update

March 23 - 4-H Horse Stampede

March 25 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Practice

April 1 - Saunders County Communication Contest

April 16 - 4-H 101 Night

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

Practices start on Monday March 4th. These practices are open to all youth who have been certified. No registration is required.

Youth should be enrolled in 4-H for the 2024 year and have selected the projects for the consents to get signed. Contact our office if you have any questions (402) 624-8030.

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/

We keep a running list of progress shows and clinics for Small Animals (Rabbits, Poultry, Cat, Dog, Pocket Pets), Horse, Large Livestock (Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat) as well as other clinics of interest. Check them out by clicking the button above.

Clubs and Independent members can apply for a grant to support projects and activities.

Thank you to our 2023 4-H Council Sponsors! Funds raised support the Saunders County 4-H Fair, leader trainings and certifications, Saunders county 4-H members competing at state contests and events, Saunders county contests, scholarships and so much more!

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!

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.

New volunteer resources and information are available for club leaders, parents, and other 4-H volunteers. Visit for more information: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/leader-clubs/

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

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

Office Hours 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday- Friday