Saunders County 4-H Update
April 19, 2024
April 20 - Babysitting Basics - Ashland Library sign up thru library
April 20 - April 25 - National Volunteer Week Lunch & Learn sessions
May 4 - Poultry Clinic
May 4 - Rabbit Clinic
May 31 - Babysitting Basics Workshop - Extension Office
June 1 - State Horse Entries/Horse ID/Level Testing Due
June 6 - In person YQCA Training
June 15 - 4-H Sign up, Animal ID and YQCA deadlines
June 17 - 18 - Premier Communication Event (State level)
June 20 - 21 - Premier Animal Science Event (State level)
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 25 - Fashion Show Judging - at Extension Office
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
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/
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 7-21, 2024 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 Fairbook https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/45 . 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
2024 4-H Summer Camps
Check out the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp Offerings for 2024!
2024 Horse Camp
4-H Horse Camp at Fort Robinson Celebrating 50 years of Horse Camp! Register now!
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/fort-robinson-4-h-horse-camp/
Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit
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
We’re excited to announce that entries are officially open for the 2024 UNL Livestock Judging Camp to be held June 5-7 here on east campus this summer! We’re pumped about another opportunity to host a great group of youth here at the animal science complex and we hope you’ll join us for this high level experience. Entry deadline will be May 20th so make sure your entries are postmarked by then! Registration document can be found online at go.unl.edu/judging-camp and please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to a great event, GBR
Mark Thursday, June 13, 2024 on your calendar to spend the day in Hastings, NE exploring Heavy Equipment. This opportunity is open to students entering 8th – 12th grade in fall of 2024. Cost is $30 per individual. The registration link will open May 1, 2024 and close Friday, May 31st by 5 pm CT. You will find the registration link at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment.
If you are a high school or middle school student eager to explore the fascinating world of food science you will not want to miss attending our camps this summer!
Our camps, which are hosted by the Food Science and Technology Department at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, were designed with you in mind. Through hands-on activities, facility tours, and the development of food products, our activities will spark your interest in the science behind the foods you consume every day. Also, during camps you will have a chance to get to know our facilities, interact with experienced food scientists, engage with faculty and students, and immerse yourself in a journey of discovery.
You can choose from a range of camps: one-day, three-day, or week-long experiences. Each camp offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse aspects of a specific food or food group, from pizza to cookies and dairy products! You will not want to miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge while exploring the world of food science.
Secure your spot now by registering at https://foodscience.unl.edu/food-science-summer-camp
**Application deadlines vary depending on the camp.
Questions: Contact Andreia Bianchini at abianchini2@unl.edu.
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!
Registration is now open for the 2024 National Volunteer Week Lunch and Learn series. The series is open to all current or prospective volunteers including parents of 4-H youth. The structure of the lunch and learn sessions is a 30-minute presentation and 30 minutes for questions and networking with other volunteers. Join us for great opportunities to build your capacity as a 4-H volunteer and learn new skills to support 4-H experiences locally. Visit https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-lunch-learn for more information and to register. Registration is free and open until the beginning of each session.
Invitation to Support Nebraska Extension's Agriculture Workforce Needs Survey:
🌾 Help shape the future of Nebraska's agricultural workforce!
🔍 Take our 10-minute anonymous survey.
💼 Contribute to youth recruitment, retention, and training strategies.
🤝 Your insights are crucial for a robust agricultural future.
📝 Survey link: https://go.unl.edu/agworkforce
📧 For inquiries, contact Dr. Kimberly Stanke at kstanke2@unl.edu.
👥 Spread the word within your agriculture network.
🙏 Your voluntary participation is highly appreciated!
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