Platte Co. Extension Happenings

Platte County Extension can help guide through many aspects of Nebraska life. Discover how Nebraska Extension is transforming communities through education, innovation and local impact stories.

As we welcome 2026, Platte County 4-H is excited to begin a new year filled with growth, creativity, and meaningful opportunities for youth and families. With enrollment increasing and new clubs forming across the county, this year promises to be one of our strongest yet.

Across Platte County, several new 4-H clubs are taking root—each bringing fresh energy and unique interests into the program. Existing clubs are also experiencing renewed enthusiasm as returning members dive deeper into their passions and new youth join to explore the world of 4-H for the first time. Club leaders have reported strong attendance, successful fall recruitment efforts, and growing interest in both traditional and emerging project areas.

The start of a new year is the perfect time for members to explore new project ideas. Youth are encouraged to try something they’ve never done before—whether it’s robotics, woodworking, plant science, clothing construction, photography, foods and nutrition, livestock projects, or one of the many special interest offerings available. With hundreds of project paths from which to choose, 4-H empowers every young person to discover what excites them and develop skills that will last a lifetime.

Service also remains at the heart of our 4-H mission. Many clubs have already begun planning or completing community service projects for the upcoming year. From creating care packages for local shelters, to organizing food drives, to writing thank-you notes for veterans and first responders, to supporting beautification efforts in their communities, youth continue to demonstrate leadership and compassion through hands-on service learning. These projects not only strengthen our communities but also help youth grow as responsible, engaged citizens.

Thank you to our dedicated club leaders, volunteers, parents, and supporters who make this work possible. Your commitment to youth development ensures that Platte County 4-H can continue to grow, evolve, and provide high-quality experiences for young people across our county.

Here’s to a bright and inspiring year ahead—full of new ideas, new friendships, and new opportunities for our 4-H youth to learn, lead, and thrive in 2026!

DID YOU KNOW...

• 4‑H is the largest out-of-school youth organization with over 6 million youth members!
• In Nebraska, 4‑H reaches 1-in-3 age-eligible youth and engages youth and families in all 93 counties.
• 4‑H has been around for over 100 years!

• One in six Americans suffer foodborne illness each year
• Improper handling can lead to cross-contamination during holiday food prep
• Thaw and cook meat safely; store leftovers properly to avoid bacterial growth

Private Pesticide/Chemigation Training Dates -- Click Below

It’s that time again! The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is gathering information for the 2026 Nebraska Custom Rates Survey, and we need your input.

If you provide custom services in Nebraska — whether it’s planting, harvesting, spraying, hauling, or other custom operations — your participation is vital. The data you share becomes part of the biennial Nebraska Custom Rates Report, a trusted resource that farmers, ranchers, and service providers across the state use to set fair rates and make informed decisions.

Why participate?

• Ensure your operation’s rates are represented.
• Contribute to one of the most widely used decision-making resources in Nebraska agriculture.
• Help create a clearer picture of Nebraska’s custom service economy.

How to join
Sign up now at https://go.unl.edu/cr26 or with this QR code, to receive the online survey by email or to request a paper copy. The more responses we receive, the more valuable and accurate the report will be.

Survey responses are requested by the end of January. Call Glennis McClure, 402-472-0661 with questions.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a series of landlord/tenant cash rent workshops for landowners and operators at locations across the state beginning in December.

The meeting, titled “Financial Strategies for Effective Agricultural Land Leasing and Management” will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include financial considerations for farm succession and transition and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.