SHERIDAN COUNTY NEWSLETTER

May 1 - Hay Springs YQCA Training at Lister Sage after school

May 9 - Hay Springs Sewing Project Friday

May 18 - Swine, Sheep, Goat Weigh-in starting at 8 am

May 19 - 4-H Council Meeting at 6:30 pm

May 22 - YQCA Training at Extension Office from 2 to 3:30 pm

May 23 - Babysitting Workshop at Extension Office starting at 8:30 am

May 26 - Memorial Day - Office Closed

May 29 - Dawes County Livestock Judging contest starts at 9 am

June 3 - Wilderness Wonders

June 4 - Wilderness Wonders

June 10 - Alarmed and Wired Workshop at Gordon Presbyterian Church starting at 9 am

June 12-14 - Horse Camp

June 16 - Fishing Workshop meet at Gordon City Park at 9 am

June 17 - Alarmed and Wired Workshop at Gordon Presbyterian Church starting at 9 am

June 19 - Beyond the Box Workshop at Extension Office from 1 to 3 pm

June 24 - Sewing in Full Bloom at Extension Office from 9 am to 4 pm

June 25 - Jump Into Summer Workshop at Extension Office from 9 am to 3 pm

June 26 - Clover Bud Workshop at Extension Office from 9 am to 3 pm

DEADLINE DATES:

May 5 - Wilderness Wonders Camp Registration

May 5 - Hay Springs Project Friday Registration

June 15 - 4-H Enrollment

Congrats to our Senior 4-H members who are graduating this year. Austin Child, Lain Tausan, Kaylee Kaiser, Hazel Anderson-Beguin, Braylynne McKimmey, Josephine Kelly, Toby Berndt, and Ethan Bourne.

The fairbook is up on the website. You can find the complete book at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/sheridan/4-h/2025-sheridan-county-fair/

Some changes to note in the fairbook:

• There will be a gilt and barrow division in the swine show
• Decorated cakes will be judged on Tuesday but will go home to a freezer and return for the auction on Saturday.

As a reminder the Fair Schedule for 2025 has changed significantly. Please refer to the attached Fair Schedule for a complete listing of events.

As a reminder Horse participants must complete Horse Testing Level 1 in order to show at the Sheridan County Fair. If members are interested in participating in Break-a-way, they must complete Horse Level 2. Contact the Extension Office to set up a Horse Level Riding test. Written tests may be taken at the office at any time. Study materials can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horsemanship-advancement/requirements-resources/

The 2025 Sheridan County Fair Theme is Sew It, Grow It, Show It!

Congrats to Cedar and Willow Frink for receiving purples and Champion ribbons at the North Panhandle Speech Contest. They are both eligible to attend the state competition in June.

Congrats to Paige Stumpff for being recognized as an Outstanding Emerging 4-H Volunteer for Zone 1. Paige not only has served as a Beef Superintendent but is also a member of the Extension Board and always offers to help beef families with their projects. Thank you Paige for all you do for 4-H!!

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

“I look back at who I looked up to when I was in 4-H and how they affected my 4-H journey and how I wanted to be like them when I got older. I have a passion for beef cattle, and being able to see the kids take an interest into their animals and show them off at the fair is rewarding. I love when the kids come and ask me questions about their animals, and I love being able to have answers for them. I believe having someone you trust and look up to help you with your activities really brings the spark to the kids eyes. 4-H truly has something for everyone.” - Paige Stumpff

Congratulations and thank you for your contributions to the 4-H program in Sheridan County!

Project Friday is coming to Hay Springs! Join us on Friday, May 9th for a sewing Project Friday in Hay Springs. Participants will sew from 9 am to 11 am at Lister Sage on some simple projects like a tote bag. There is a limit of 9 youth participants. Please register by May 5th by contacting the Extension Office at 308-327-2312.

We are excited to have you join us this summer with all the fun events we have planned. Check out all the summer workshops. Below you can find the registration form.

When: May 23rd from 8:30 am to 4 pm

Where: Extension Office

Who: 10+

Cost: $35

Registration Deadline: May 15th

Participants will become CPR certified and learn all there is to know about caring for children. Participants will receive their CPR card and create a quick lunch option.

When: May 29th contest starts at 9 am

Where: Dawes County Fairgrounds

Who: 8+

Cost: $25

Youth will test their livestock evaluation skills at this contest. Registration fees will include lunch and prizes for the top winners in each age division.

When: June 10th and 17th from 9 am to noon

Where: Gordon First Presbyterian Church

Who: 8+

Cost: $20

Registration Deadline: June 1

Join Carrie Child in this two day workshop. Youth will learn about basic electricity and circuitry while building a burglar alarm.

When: June 16th at 9 am

Where: Meet at Gordon City Park

Who: 8+

Cost: $15

Registration Deadline: June 1

In partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks, youth will gain fishing tips and make lures. Youth need to pack a lunch.

When: June 19th from 1 to 3 pm

Where: Extension Office

Who: 8+

Cost: $15

Registration Deadline: June 10

Get ready to turn an ordinary cake mix into extraordinary treats at this hands on workshop.

When: June 24 from 9 am to 4 pm

Where: Extension Office

Who: 8+

Cost: $15

Registration Deadline: June 10

Participants will make three projects including a full outfit. Youth will sew a simple bottom, design a t-shirt using the Cricut machine, marble dye and sew together a pillow. Participants need to bring 2 yards of cotton fabric and pack a sack lunch.

When: June 25 from 9 am to 3 pm

Where: Extension Office

Who: 8+

Cost: $40

Registration Deadline: June 10

Create 4 projects for Fair! At this workshop youth will create a bathroom shelf, hammock, blooming pot, and summer wreath. Participants need to pack a sack lunch.

When: June 26 from 9 am to 3 pm

Where: Extension Office

Who: 5-7

Cost: $20

Registration Deadline: June 15

Clover Bud participants will engage in hands on activities and create a yummy snack. Youth need to pack a sack lunch.

Join us for Wilderness Wonders Camp this summer. On June 3rd, the camp is for youth entering in 3rd through 5th grade. June 4th's camp is for youth ages 5-7. The camp will include lunch, t-shirt, activity costs, insurance, and snack. The fee is $50. Registration is due May 5th but spots are limited. 4-H Camp scholarship may be available from the 4-H Council. See the registration below to sign up.

We will also be looking for Camp Counselors. Camp Counselors for this event must be 13 years and older. Please contact Melissa Mracek at mmracek2@unl.edu or (402) 322-0655 if interested.

Come join us at this year's Fort Robinson Horse Camp. Participants will create a lead rope, experience fun interactive sessions, and explore the beauty of Fort Robinson while horseback. Check out the schedule below. There are also scholarship opportunities available.

This year our annual LOG N Camp will be held at Fort Robinson State Park. The youth will get to spend two nights at the camp, learn leadership skills, while being immersed in the rich history of Fort Robinson State Park. The cost of the camp is $80, 4-H scholarships may be available. Check out the application below to apply.

We are excited to have three local Progress Shows this year. The Sheridan County Show will be held on June 22nd in Gordon. See the flyer and registration below for details.

If youth ages 8-18 as of Jan 1 are showing beef, pigs, sheep or goats (this includes breeding, bucket calves and feeder calves), dairy cattle, dairy goats, poultry and/or rabbits at County fair, state fair, AKSARBEN or other shows, they need to complete the YQCA Certification.

There are 3 ways to complete this certification:

1. Youth can complete an online course. This course has 3 sections and youth must complete a quiz in each of the sections and pass with an 80% or better. If youth do not get at least an 80% they are locked out for an hour and should review material. This course also has a fee of $12 that must be paid online.
2. Youth can attend an Instructor Led Session put on by the Extension Office. Youth will attend in-person and actively participate through the 60 minute PowerPoint, as well as some hands on activities at the end. This session has a fee of $3 that must be paid online through the YQCA Website. We also ask that you pre-register through the YQCA website so we can make we have enough supplies for the hands on activities.
3. Youth could complete the Test Out option online at the Intermediate or Senior Level. These courses cost $36 & $48 respectively.

Please visit: https://yqcaprogram.org/ for more information, get registered and pay fees for the in-person course, or take the online course.

Dates for Instructor Led Trainings:

• Thursday, May 1 in Hay Springs at after school
• Thursday, May 22 at the Extension Office from 2 pm to 3:30 pm

Deadline to complete YQCA is June 15th! YQCA Certificates need to be sent (mmracek2@unl.edu) or returned to the office.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have more questions.

Weigh-ins for sheep, goats, and pigs will be on Sunday, May 18th starting at 8 am with pigs. Sheep and goats can begin arriving around 9:30 am at the fairgrounds. Youth not able to make this weigh-in can attend the Box Butte or Dawes County weigh-ins.

Box Butte:

• May 15 from 6-7 pm in Hemingford
• May 22 from 6 - 7 pm in Hemingford

Dawes:

• May 29 from 3 to 6 pm in Chadron (no pigs)

REGISTER NOW! 2025 Tractor & Equipment Safety Trainings are scheduled across the state. Certification from this course allows 14- and 15-year-olds to legally drive a tractor and do field work with certain mechanized equipment. Visit go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training to learn more!

Certification is earned 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. Youth under 14 can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult, at no charge.

No Day 1 at your location? You can attend it at another location, or choose the online option!

We are excited to offer Unified Showing again this summer. We would like to identify our mentors and buddies by May 15th to help introduce the pairs at the spring weigh-in. If you are interested in serving as a buddy, please contact Melissa at mmracek2@unl.edu.

The 2025 What’s the Buzz? season of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp will share the importance of pollinators in Nebraska- why they’re important, how they impact agriculture, and what youth can do in their own communities to support the various native pollinators we have in Nebraska. From bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and bats- it’s going to be a week full of learning and fun!

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is returning to Chadron and Burwell for summer camp 2025! Youth new to camping can attend a shorter camp session designed to let them experience all the best parts of summer camp in a 3 day/2 night session. Choose from one of two 5 day/4 night sessions for youth 10-14 years old and returning this year is the Leaders in Training camp for high school youth 15-17 years old! Campers will focus on developing leadership skills with an opportunity to put those skills into practice by volunteering at one of our other camp sessions!

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

These people are YOUR voice! Please contact any of them if you have an idea for a new or existing event or activity, have concerns with the program, or just want to have input in the decision-making process.

David Russell, Wendy Andersen, Michelle Heck, Nicole Janssen, Jake Scott, Kami Scott, Valerie Beel, Tim Campbell, Kris Stumpff, Melissa Mracek

4-H Council:
President - Zach Kearns

Vice President - Jace Stumpff

Secretary - Kaleigh Krebs

Treasurer - Brian Nelson
Members - Clint Vincent, Brad Beguin, Jackie Simonson, Brandon Jancik, and Chet Tausan
Youth Members: Jaxon Kearns, Lain Tausan, Kynsleigh Krebs, and Luke Laws

Extension Board:
President - Matt Albrecht
Vice President - Caleb Peters
Secretary/Treasurer - Paige Stumpff
Members - Trevor Ginkens, Morgan Weyers

Sheridan County Extension Office:

Office Manager - Wendy Andersen

4-H Extension Educator - Melissa Mracek

Livestock Systems Extension Educator - Brock Ortner

Rural Prosperity Extension Educator - Caitlin Roes

Email: sheridan-county@unl.edu
Location: 800 S Loofborrow Street, PO Box 329, Rushville, NE 69360
Phone: 308-327-2312
Twitter: @SheridanCounty