SHERIDAN COUNTY NEWSLETTER

Jun 3: Gordon Summer Maker Day - City Auditorium - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Jun 5-6: Tractor Safety Training - Sheridan Co Fairgrounds

Jun 10: Office Closed due to Programming

Jun 12: Beaded Felt Hat Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am -12:00 pm

Jun 12: Crochet Workshop - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Jun 13: Cake Decorating Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Jun 13: Lariat Rope Clock - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Jun 14: Leather Coin Pouch Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Jun 14: YQCA In-Person Training - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Jun 17: Rushville Maker Day - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Jun 19: Rabbit/Chicken Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Jun 20: Barn Quilt Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Jun 20: Cord & Glass Workshop - Extension Office - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Jun 23: Sheridan County Progress Show - Sheridan Co Fairgrounds

Jun 25: Clover Bud Maker Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Jun 26: Sewing Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Jul 4: Fourth of July - Office is Closed

Jul 8: Laser Cutter Workshop - Extension Office - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Jul 8: Genealogy Workshop - Extension Office - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Jul 13: Sheridan County Horse Show

Jul 19: Sheridan County Style Review & Music Contest

Jul 21-27: Sheridan County Fair

DEADLINE DATES:

Jun 15 - 4-H Enrollment, YQCA certificates, Animal Affidavits, summer camp registrations

July 1 - Fair Entries, Dog/Cat Vaccination Forms, Clothing Narration Form

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.

The very last in person YQCA training will be on June 14th at the Extension Office at 1 pm. Families will need to complete the 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.

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

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

Once youth have attended their YQCA in-person test, there's a short, survey-like "post test" they will need to complete in order to print their certificate.

Starting in the 2023-2024 program year, project selection is now optional. By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment by June 1st, youth will be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring.
Please note:

o Youth are only eligible to exhibit in a project area or contest in a single county.

o Horse and shooting sports projects will continue to require project enrollment due to the parental consent required to participate in these projects.

Did you know the 4-H fiscal year is October 1 - September 30?

- If you are new to 4-H please create a profile.

- If you are a returning 4-Her, please register for this coming year!

Age 5-7 are free, Age 8-18 are only $5!

Animal affidavits can be found in our office or they could be found online at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/animal-ownership-affidavits/ All animal affidavits (Except cat & dog vaccinations forms) are due by June 15.

Don't forget the Extension Office has animal tags for bucket calves and stocker feeders!

The 2024 Sheridan County Fairbook has been updated. You can find the updated pages at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/northernpanhandle/2024-sheridan-county-fair/

The biggest update are the class changes in Visual Arts.

New: Due to small numbers in the Small Animal Round Robin, this year the top showmanship exhibitors from the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions will compete together for the buckle award.

New this year the Cake and Cookie Jar Auction will be on Monday, July 22nd with Business Showmanship to follow. Cake judging has been moved to the same time as static judging.

The Fair Entry forms designate the classes members are planning to take to the Sheridan County Fair. These forms are due July 1st. No late forms will be accepted.

New this year, the Cake and Cookie Jar Auction will be held on Monday, July 22nd starting at 5:30 pm in the show ring. Following it will be the Business Showmanship. Everyone will be able to enjoy the 4-H Foundation BBQ.

The Livestock Auction will be held on Wednesday, July 24th in the Dance Hall with the BBQ starting at 5:00 pm. Postcards have been sent out to previous buyers but below are also postcard invites 4-H members can give to potential buyers. Copies will be available at the office.

Reminder – there will be a $10/day or $50 camping fee at the fairgrounds during fair week. The fee helps to make updates around the fairgrounds. Parking passes are now available to purchase at the extension office.

This year for Family Fun Night we are hosting a Business Showmanship competition. The species this year is SHEEP and GOAT. We would like 4-H members who are taking this project to invite a Business professional to show their animal against other local business professionals. It will take place on Monday, July 22nd starting at 7 pm. This is a great opportunity for youth to meet and interact with local businesses. The 4-H Council has compiled a list of potential business professionals to ask, please contact the Extension Office for some of the names. Also please let the office know if you are planning to have someone show your project animal. See the form below.

This year Farm Credit Services of America is sponsoring a new t-shirt for all 4-H members this year. To help us order the shirts, please complete the form below for each youth member prior to June 15th. If you filled this out last month, please fill it out again.

Congratulations to Tenley Ostrander for her design being picked to be the 2024 Sheridan County Fair Theme!

Check out the summer workshop schedule for a listing of all the opportunities.

Youth who are interested in haying this summer for someone other than their family needs to complete this training if they are 14-15 years old. This certification is a great training to learn how to be safe on tractors.

Where: Sheridan County Fairgrounds

When: June 5-6 at 9 am

Who: Youth 14+

Cost: $40

Registration Deadline: May 29th at go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training

Horse Enthusiasts help us celebrate the 50th year of Horse Camp this summer. This camp is full of sessions and trail rides along with creating your own headstall. See the registration form below.

This camp is for youth and adults to attend. Housing and food is on your own but board for the horses is included besides Wednesday night. Youth may also complete a scholarship application to have their fee waived.

Where: Fort Robinson State Park

When: June 6-8

Who: ages 8+

Cost: $65 for youth members, $55 for adult members with a youth

Registration deadline: May 10th to ensure a t-shirt, otherwise day of

Youth members have the opportunity to apply for a Horse Camp scholarship. NEW this year, youth can also create a t-shirt design for the 2025 Fort Robinson Horse Camp. If their design is selected they will also receive a scholarship. Scholarship application is attached below.

Add some flair to a felt hat this summer by attending this workshop. Kaylee Kaiser will help teach youth how to create beaded hat bands as well as bead the rims of hats. Youth must bring a felt hat. Pack a lunch if planning to stay for the Crochet Workshop.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 12, 9 am to 12 pm

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $20

Project: Dept. C Div. 221 Class 7

Registration Limit: 6

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Learn the basics of crocheting with Myrisa Pieper at this workshop while you create hot pads and wash clothes. Pack a lunch if attending the Beaded Hat Workshop as well.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 12, 1 pm to 3 pm

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $5

Project: Dept. C Div. 226 Class 8

Registration Limit: 6

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Learn the basic tips used in cake decorating while frosting some yummy cupcakes with Darchelle Kaiser. Youth will need to bring 6 cupcakes with them. They can also pack a sack lunch to stay at the office if attending the Lariat Rope Clock workshop.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 13, 9 am to 12 pm

Who: Youth 8+

Cost: $10

Project: Classes in Div. 920

Registration Limit: 8

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Add some western décor to your house this summer by creating this Lariat Rope Clock with Phyllis Lindsey. Youth will need to pack a sack lunch if plan to attend this workshop after Cake Decorating.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 12, 1 pm to 3 pm

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $10

Project: Dept. C Div. 257 Class 19

Registration Limit: 6

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Join Wendy Andersen for some stamping, dying, and stitching leather fun at this workshop. Youth members will design and create a leather coin pouch.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 14, 9 am to 11 am

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $15

Project: Dept. C Div. 221 Class 7

Registration Limit: 6

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Youth will design their day to end up with three complete 4-H projects. Members can pick between Hydro dipping, Outdoor Pallet Swing, Camp Fire Chair, Sewing Project, and Cooking. Youth will need to pack a lunch.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 17, 9 am to 3:30 pm

Who: Youth 8+

Cost: $20

Project: Dept. C Div. 257 Class 22, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 24, Dept. C Div. 257 Class 12,

Registration Deadline: June 1st

Level up your poultry and rabbit showmanship speeches by attending this workshop. Get tips and tricks on how to improve your showmanship speech for fair this year!

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 19, 9 am to 11 am

Who: Youth 5+

Cost: FREE

Registration Deadline: June 15th

Get guidance from Artistic Innovations Nebraska as they guide youth and adults through how to create a 2 foot by 2 foot Barn Quilt. Adults are welcome to join. Youth who are nine years old, must have an adult accompany them. Thanks to the Sheridan County 4-H Council, this workshop will only cost $30 for Sheridan County 4-H members and $65 for non-members and adults. Pack a lunch if wanting to join in for the Cord & Glass workshop.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 20th, 9 am to 12 pm

Who: Youth 9+

Cost: $30 for 4-Hers, $65 for non members and adults

Project: Dept. C Div. 229 Class 21

Registration Limit: 20

Registration Deadline: June 15th

Create some awesome and fun pieces for your home during this workshop. Work with Wendy Scheenen to create a stain glass article and Wendy Andersen to utilize hand knitting tools to create a decorative item for your home. Pack a lunch if plan to attend the Barn Quilt workshop as well.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 20, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Who: Youth 8+

Cost: $30

Project: Dept. C Div. 260 Class 11 and Dept. C Div. 257 Class 13

Registration Limit: 8

Registration Deadline: June 15th

Clover Buds will participate in a variety of projects around Healthy Living, Consumer & Family Science, STEM, and more!

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 25, 9 am to 12 pm

Who: Youth 5-7

Cost: $15

Project: Clover Bud projects

Registration Deadline: June 15th

Come sew with us! We will be creating shorts, designing our own t-shirts, and creating an accessory.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: June 26, 9 am to 4 pm

Who: Youth 8-12

Cost: $20

Project: Dept. C Div. 211 Class 11, Dept. C Div. 221 Class 3, Dept. C Div. 221 Class 7

Registration Deadline: June 15th

Meet youth from across the panhandle at this fun overnight camp at Cedar Point Biological Station. Transportation will be provided.

Where: Cedar Point Biological Station

When: July 1-2

Who: Youth 5th- 7th grade

Cost: $80

Registration Deadline: June 1 at go.unl.edu/logn24

This online contest provides youth an opportunity to test their knowledge of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Open to all youth and adults.

Where: Online

When: June 7-21

Who: Youth 8+

Cost: FREE

Register at: https://go.unl.edu/hortquiz2024

Youth will create a fun project using a laser cutter. If planning to attend the Genealogy workshop, please pack a sack lunch.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: July 8, 9 am to 12 pm

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $25

Registration Deadline: July 1st

Youth will learn how to research their family to create a cool heritage project. Youth will need to pack a lunch if attend the Laser Cutter Workshop. Also youth should be names and birthdates of their family members.

Where: Sheridan County Extension Office

When: July 8, 1 pm to 3 pm

Who: Youth 10+

Cost: $10

Project: Dept. A Div. 101 Class 1

Registration Deadline: July 1st

Youth have an opportunity to practice for fair at area Progressive Shows. The first is June 15th in Dawes County then in June 22nd is Box Butte, and June 23 in Sheridan County. Below are their registration forms.

If you are interested in participating in Unified showing at the 2024 Sheridan County Fair as a Mentor or Mentee please message Melissa at mmracek2@unl.edu by June 1st!

State Fair Livestock must be nominated at https://showstockmgr.com/ before June 15th.

Step-by-Step instructions can be found below. All resources including the State Fair 4-H schedule can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to submit a DNA nomination. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Aksarben Stock Show. All animals will automatically be eligible for both breeding and market–no additional fees or double payments will be required.

Sioux County is inviting area 4-H members to participate in their open horse show on Tuesday, July 30th with check in from 7 to 8 am. The show will start at 8 am. The show will follow the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show Judging Guide except for the 4-H member attire. 4-H members are allowed to wear a button down shirt and jeans. They are not required to wear a white shirt or hat.

Families can register by July 1st at: https://go.unl.edu/siouxcohorse or complete the registration form below.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes loans to youth to establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is $5,000.

Youth Loan Eligibility Requirements:
1) Be a citizen of the United States (which includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) or a legal resident alien
2) Be 10 years to 20 years of age
3) Comply with FSA’s general eligibility requirements
4) Conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above
5) Demonstrate capability of planning, managing and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the youth loan applicant, along with providing adequate supervision.

For more information and help preparing the application forms, contact the farm loan team at the nearest USDA Service Center. To find the nearest office, visit: farmers.gov. Additional information about youth loans can be found at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index.

The 4-H Volunteer Connection is a monthly e-newsletter for 4-H volunteers to get exclusive tips, tricks and support to help volunteers excel in their role, all delivered straight to their inbox. Volunteers subscribe to this e-newsletter at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-connection.

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 - EJ Frink

Secretary - Brad Beguin

Treasurer - Jackie Simonson
Members - Candace Nelson, Clint Vincent, Jace Stumpff, Brain Nelson, Ryan Paul
Youth Members: Kirsten Heck, Jaxon Kearns, Wyatt Feddersen, Kyler Vincent

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

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