4-H Newsletter
Seward County - October 2026
Important Dates in October
October 1: 4-H Achievement Application, County Award Applications, Clover Kid Record Books and Diamond Clover Reports due
October 5: 4-H Online enrollment opens for 2026-'27
October 4-10: National 4-H Week
October 12: Columbus Day (Office Closed)
October 25: Scare at the Fair
November 8: 4-H Achievement Day
BIG DAY! OCTOBER 1
PLEASE PICK UP YOUR STATE FAIR EXHIBITS
Achievement Application
Due October 1st
Start working on it today!
To be eligible for 4-H County/State awards and Scholarships, the Achievement Application must be submitted.
Diamond Clover Reports
Due October 1st
Are you working on a Diamond Clover level this year? Don't forget that Diamond Clover Reports are due October 1.
- Members participating in Diamond Clover submitted a goal sheet in April.
- The report is used to document activities completed and reflect on what was learned throughout the year.
- Members who successfully complete a Diamond Clover level receive a Diamond Clover Pin and a special prize.
- Diamond Clover members will be recognized at the Seward County 4-H Achievement Party in November.
- Diamond Clover Reports are due October 1.
Be sure to submit your report and receive recognition for your hard work and accomplishments!
Haven't Participated in Diamond Clover Before? The Diamond Clover Program encourages members to explore new experiences, develop life skills, and set personal goals. If you didn't participate this year, watch for information next spring. Members begin each level by submitting a goal sheet and then complete activities throughout the year to work toward their Diamond Clover achievement.
https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/awards-recognition/diamond-clover/
4-H County Award Applications
Due October 1st
- Tim Sheehan Memorial Award (outstanding livestock exhibitor)
- Bev Waegli Memorial Award (outstanding Family & Consumer Science exhibitor)
- Chris Clover Award (4-H involvement point-based award)
- Outstanding 4-H Club
Click this link https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/seward/4-h/all-other-4-h-resources/ and scroll until you see the Award and Scholarship Resources heading at the bottom of the page.
Clover Kids
Due October 1st
Clover Kids...we LOVE hearing about your 4-H experiences. Please use this link to tell us about your projects. Clover Kid Record Book due to the Extension Office by October 1st. Click on the link below to locate the Clover Kid Record Book.
County Project Pin Application
Due October 1st
Did you know you can apply for County Pin awards?
National 4-H Week October 4 - 10
We'd love to see photos of how you're celebrating! Share them with the Extension Office!
Day 1: Go Green — Monday, October 5, 2026
On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H State spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni and supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H programs being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint — anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN on Monday, October 5th!
Day 2: Thankful Thursday — Thursday, October 8, 2026
On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the mentors, educators, and volunteers who are making positive impact on young people’s lives in 4-H. Share who you’re thankful for and celebrate how they are making a difference on Thursday, October 8!
Congratulations to all of our State Fair exhibitors!
Seward County 4-H
Congratulations to all Seward County 4-H'ers who represented our county at the Nebraska State Fair! We are incredibly proud of every youth who exhibited, competed, and showcased their hard work on the state stage.
This graphic recognizes Seward County exhibitors earning statewide Top 5 placings at the Nebraska State Fair. We also want to congratulate the many Seward County 4-H members who earned Division Champion, Reserve Division Champion, and other outstanding honors throughout the State Fair.
Enrolling in 4-H for 2026-27
4-H Enrollment for 2026 will re-open on October 5th.
County Fair and State Fair checks are here at the office
Did you know that you earn premiums for the projects exhibited at the county fair? Thank you to Seward County Agricultural Society for providing these premiums. You can now stop by the Extension Office to pick up your county and state fair premium checks.
4-H Seward County Senior College Scholarships
This information is intended for Seward County 4-H members graduating high school in 2027.
Seward County 4-H seniors graduating in 2027 are invited to apply for college scholarships through the Seward County 4-H Council and the Seward County 4-H Foundation. Together, these organizations award a significant amount of scholarships each year.
- Senior Scholarship Application (more info coming later) - Due January 5, 2027 with counselor’s signature verifying GPA.
- Interview - Applicants will meet with members of the 4-H Council and Foundation in late January or February to share how 4-H has shaped their growth.
- Enrollment- Students must be enrolled in Seward County 4-H for 2026-2027. Enrollment opens October 5.
- Must have submitted your Achievement Application on October 1st.
Make sure to apply. Annually $7,000 - $10,000 is awarded in total to graduating seniors who complete the application and interview process. Individual awards can range from $500 - $2,500 with all 4-H scholarships combined.
To help with this process, a Scholarship Work Day will be scheduled at the Extension Office. Seniors will have the chance to work on applications, receive feedback, and practice interview skills.
For more information or to schedule individual assistance, contact Ann Dobesh at the Seward County Extension Office.
4-H Council Election
Nominations Open for Seward County 4-H Council Ballot
The Seward County 4-H Council is now accepting nominations for youth and adult members to serve on the 2026-2027 Seward County 4-H Council. Serving on the Council is a great opportunity to help guide countywide 4-H programs and events, represent the interests of 4-H members and families, and develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Positions Open for Election
Adult Members
- District 1 Representative (two-year term)
- District 2 Representative (two-year term)
- At-Large Representative (one-year term)
Youth Members
- District 1 Representative (two-year term)
- District 4 Representative (two-year term)
- At-Large Representative (one-year term)
How to Nominate
Nominations are due October 1, 2026. Both youth and adults may be nominated by someone else or choose to self-nominate.
Council elections will be held during the Seward County 4-H Achievement Party on November 8, 2026.
For more information about serving on the Seward County 4-H Council, contact the Extension Office.
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
Exciting news! A new STEM group is forming now to bring circuits, electronics, basic coding, robotics and drones to our Seward County 4-H'ers. This club will also participate in field trips throughout the year and bring in experts to teach lessons and help build projects for the 2027 fair.
For more information, please contact Andrew Uden at 308-325-9677. This group is limited to the first 20 participants.
A NEW Opportunity for our Clover Kids!
Click the form below to register for the Clover Kid Discovery Club
Make a T-Shirt Quilt in 4-H Afterschool
- Open to Seward County 4-H'ers ages 10+
- Helper recommended
- Limited spots available
- Join us in a relaxed atmosphere to work at your own pace with guided help
- Basic sewing skills required
- We start October 20th
Click the form below to register for the T-Shirt Quilt Club
Livestock Judging Team - Seward County
Livestock judging will be held monthly on every 2nd and 3rd Monday at either the Extension Office or Seward Memorial Library. Contact Andrew Uden for a start date and more information at 308-325-9677.
Ag Literacy Festival - October 6, 2026
The Agricultural Literacy Festival provides an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture. This one-day field trip at the Seward County Fairgrounds features interactive stations to help students gain a greater understanding of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives.
Any interest in Home Antique Restoration?
If anyone would like to refurbish a trunk for the 2027 county fair, please contact Brenda Raymond for more information. 402-646-0574.
Lost and Found
Are you missing a Nordic Ware round pan or a Heartland Triple Crown cup?
Seward County Team Members
Ann Dobesh - ann.dobesh@unl.edu
Jacie Pelikan - jpelikan3@unl.edu
Jill Payne - jpayne15@unl.edu
Lori Hamling - lhamling2@unl.edu
Julie Roebke - jroebke2@unl.edu
Email: seward-county@unl.edu
Website: https://seward.unl.edu
Location: 322 South 14th, Seward, NE
Phone: 402-643-2981
See additional information on our Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ExtensionSewardCo
Nebraska 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. Nebraska Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.