March Newsletter

Stacey Keys, Extension 4-H Assistant, stacey.keys@unl.edu

Lori Wachter, Office Manager, lwachter3@unl.edu

Email: burt-county@unl.edu

Website: burt.unl.edu

Office: 111 North 13th St., Suite 6, Tekamah, NE 68061

Office #: 402-374-2929

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurtNeExt

Aug 25: State Fair Food and Horticulture DUE @ Extension Office
Aug 28-Sept 7: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR
Aug 28-30: 4-H Weekend @ State Fair
Sept 4-Sept 7: FFA Weekend @ State Fair
Sept 7: Office Closed - Labor Day
Sept 9: Pick up State Fair Static Exhibits & Checks @ Extension Office
Sept 24-27 – Aksarben Stock Show
Oct 4-10: National 4-H Week
Oct 12: Office Closed – Columbus Day

What a Summer! ☀️🍀

Thank you to everyone who helped make this another amazing summer in Burt County 4-H! We couldn’t have done it without the energy, support, and heart of our incredible team and community.

A very special shout-out goes to Julie Fleischman, our awesome Summer Assistant! Julie is headed back to her “real” job with the school year in full swing, but her impact this summer was unforgettable. Thank you, Julie, for all your hard work and dedication!

We also want to recognize our fantastic summer intern, Madeline Pearson! Madeline will be off to college here soon but we so loved getting to see her learn all things Extension this summer!

We are lucky to have such special people helping guide our youth through their 4-H summers. 💚

Thank you to everyone who took a turn working in the 4-H Kitchen! Each 4-H family is asked to work a shift (or two split shifts) because the Kitchen is more than just great food—it’s a major fundraiser that keeps our Burt County 4-H program running strong. Proceeds cover general program expenses, fund special events, and provide scholarships for our graduating seniors.

A special shout-out to our behind-the-scenes leaders who make it all happen:
🍽 4-H Kitchen Manager: Jessica Mallete
🥧 Pie Lady: Linda Bisanz
🍰 Pie Baker: Michelle Rayburn
Your dedication, organization, and talent keep the 4-H Kitchen the heart (and stomach!) of the fair.

And finally, a big thanks to everyone who rolled up their sleeves for clean-up before and after the fair. Your willingness to pitch in makes our fairgrounds shine and keeps this community tradition going for the next generation.

🎉 Thank You for an Incredible Burt County Fair! 🐄🐖🐑🐐🍀

Congratulations to all of the 4-H'ers and families for doing an outstanding job at the fair! The Burt County Extension Office staff sincerely thanks you for making this another fantastic fair experience.

Our 4-H program and county fair could not happen without the many volunteers, sponsors, and donors who step up every year — and once again, you all delivered. We are so grateful for your time, energy, and generosity.

💌 Show Your Appreciation

If you haven’t already, please take time to personally thank someone who helped make this fair a success. Volunteers are the heart of 4-H — and their behind-the-scenes work makes everything possible, from shows to setup to awards.

Received a trophy or livestock auction premium?
Get those thank-you notes sent out! Just a few sentences about your fair experience go a long way in showing appreciation and keeping our donors engaged and supportive of 4-H.

📝 Who to Thank

• Fair Premiums – Thank the Burt County Ag Society

• Blooming Bucket Premiums – Thank the Burt County 4-H Council

• Selected for State Fair Premiums – Thank First Northeast Bank of Nebraska

• Bedding for Beef Exhibitors – Thank Tom & Jon Weitzenkamp

• Livestock Auction Premiums – Thank your 4-H Buyers individually

💵 Fair Premium Checks

Be on the lookout! Fair premium checks will be mailed out soon from the Burt County Ag Society. Once you receive yours, you’ll have 30 days (*NEW* IN 2026) to deposit it — so don’t delay!

Thank you again for being part of an amazing fair season. Let’s keep the momentum going with gratitude and community spirit! 💚

If you still have a bill from the 4-H Kitchen, a sponsorship payment, owe for animal tags or show shirts from this year’s fair, please send it in soon.

Your timely payments doesn't just help us wrap up fair season—they make it possible to provide scholarships, workshops, and hands-on learning for Burt County 4-H youth all year long.

If you’re unsure about your balance or need another copy of your invoice, just contact the Extension Office.

Thanks for investing in the future of our kids and community!

Fair lost & found items are ready to go home—come claim yours today!

We’re looking for adults interested in judging county or state 4-H projects — including live animal shows, static exhibits, and contests!

Complete the Judges Sign-Up Form to be considered for the 2027 judging season. This includes agreeing to a background screening, UNL Activity Worker Guidelines, and the 4-H Code of Conduct.

🗓️ Deadline to sign up: September 30, 2026
After that, names will be considered for 2028.

🔗 Sign up and learn more https://go.unl.edu/2027judgesregistration

As we close the chapter on the 2026 Burt County Fair, we are already excited for next year's fair! Be sure to mark the dates for the 2027 Burt County Fair in your calendar!

• Burt County Fair 2027 - July 16-20 "Bringing the Best of the County Together"

We’re thrilled to announce the 2027 Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) dates! 🎉

PASE 2027 will continue to be a three-day experience held on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:

Wednesday, June 2 – Friday, June 4, 2027

More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but we wanted to make sure this exciting update is on your annual 4-H calendar.

If you have questions about the event, please reach out to Brandy Schulze at bschulze@unl.edu.

Looking for details about 4-H events, schedules, or exhibit information at the Nebraska State Fair? Visit https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair for the most up-to-date information on State Fair guidelines, deadlines, and opportunities for 4-H youth and families. It’s your go-to resource as you prepare for the big event! This helps to navigate to professional pictures and livestreams that occur throughout the Nebraska State Fair.

Also-if you have projects going check your email for more details that Stacey sent you the week of July 27th! All Static projects except foods and horticulture due in the office Friday, August 21st. Food and Horticulture due in the office Tuesday, August 25th.

Burt County exhibitors competing in livestock, contests, and static exhibits at the State Fair: Brody Ahrens, Brylee Ahrens, Linden Anderson, Meadow Anderson, Ansley Bacon, Madison Bacon, McKenzie Bacon, Ryanna Bacon, Rylen Bacon, Adrianna Bittner, Alivia Bittner, Adele Broekemeier, Maycie Broekemeier, Laurel Brokaw, Taylor Brummond, Katelyn Cameron, Brooklyn Connealy, Jase Connealy, Preston Dockhorn, Silas Dockhorn, Kenadee Eisenmenger, Easton Erickson, Isabella Evasic, Wyatt Evasic, McKinley Goodwin, Ashlynne Gramke, Logan Gramke, Abigail Hansen, Auna Hansen, Harley Hansen, Haylee Jo Hansen, Peyton Hansen, Weston Hansen, Wyatt Hansen, Blaise Hartwell, Holten Hartwell, Sutton Hartwell, Brooklyn Hightree, Luke Hightree, Hunter Jensen, DeanJohnson, Gavin Johnson, Georgia Johnson, Graham Johnson, Ivy Johnson, Laynie Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Margot Johnson, Ellie Jones, Ava Karnopp, Jonathan Karnopp, Gracie Klausen, Emily Loftis, Cali Madsen, MJ Marquardt, Sadie Marquardt, Elizabeth McElmuray, Kahla McElmuray, Beckett Miller, Casyn Miller, Trent Miller, Avelyn Myers, Jersey Nathan, Logan Nathan, Greta Pearson, Madeline Pearson, Hadley Peterson, Paisley Peterson, Bentley Raabe, Oakley Raabe, Shawn Rayburn, Atreyu Siefken, Aaliyah Soll, Greyson Stammer, Caroline Timm, Owen Tupper, Keryn Uhing, Elisabeth Vogel, LilyAnn Willing, and Ava Wimer.

Congratulations and Good Luck to All!

Nebraska 4-H will host 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska. The event will celebrate the people, accomplishments, and experiences that help prepare Nebraska youth to be Beyond Ready for work and for life.

4-H members and their families, volunteers, alumni, and supporters, are invited to attend an afternoon of recognition, activities, and celebration. Guests can enjoy special interactive activities, visit the 4-H Photo Booth, and receive complimentary UNL Dairy Store ice cream (while supplies last). A recognition program will begin at 3 p.m., honoring outstanding Nebraska 4-H volunteers for their dedication to youth development and recognizing members of the Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy. Discounted Nebraska State Fair gate passes for August 30 are available for purchase in advance at https://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4hdaypasses. The special offer includes half-price gate admission for teens and adults (service fee applies; limit two tickets per purchase).

Nebraska 4‑H encourages youth, families, alumni, and friends to join the celebration and to recognize the individuals and experiences that make 4‑H an important part of preparing young people for successful futures.

The 2026 Nebraska Extension 4-H at the state fair app is available for download! Check out the “Nebraska State Fair 4-H App” section at http://4h.unl.edu/state-fair for direct links to the iPad/iPhone and Android apps. Contest and show programs will be made available through the app during the Nebraska State Fair.

Show off your favorite 4-H project -- or even one that didn't go as planned! Every project tells a story of learning, helping youth build the skills to become healthy, productive, and engaged leaders who are Beyond Ready for work and life.

Submit your project for the 4-H Project Showcase by September 15 to be featured during National 4-H Week in October and throughout the year at 4h.unl.edu/project-showcase.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/project-showcase

It’s time to start planning for the 2026 4-H Dairy Judging Contest! We’d love to see Nebraska 4-H youth participate and put their skills to the test. You can find all contest details online here: 2026 4-H Dairy Judging Contest Information

Contest Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Location: Nebraska State Fairgrounds (4-H and FFA live evaluation and oral reasons)

Schedule:

12:00 – 12:15 p.m. (15 minutes) – Contest Registration
12:15 – 12:30 p.m. (15 minutes) – Contest Orientation

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. (1 hour 30 minutes) – Judging Contest (Contestants compete as individuals)

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. (15 minutes) – Break
2:15 – 4:00 p.m. (1 hour 45 minutes) – Oral Reasons (Intermediate and Senior Only)

Entry Deadline: August 10

Registration Fee: $5 per contestant per contest

How to Enter:

Currently enrolled 4-H members will register for the 4-H portion of the Dairy Judging Contest using the same Google Form as FFA participants. Please note: 4-H participants will not use ShoWorks for this contest.

If a youth is participating as both a 4-H and FFA member, they must register separately for each contest (once for FFA and once for 4-H), and a $5 entry fee will apply for each.

Registration Link: Register Here

We hope to see many of you there representing Nebraska 4-H!

Applications are Open!

Who: 10th, 11th, & 12th graders interested in the beef industry

When: November 6 - 8, 2026

Where: University of Nebraska - Lincoln Animal Science Complex

More details: go.unl.edu/nybls

Don’t wait for the next newsletter to stay informed! We share the most recent updates, upcoming events, and new opportunities on our local Facebook page as soon as we receive them. Follow us there to stay up‑to‑date between newsletters. https://www.facebook.com/BurtNeExt

Please sign up for REMIND!! We want to have a quick, easy, instant way to contact you all! If you would like to receive text reminders, text @burtco4h to the number 81010. Or go to this link https://www.remind.com/join/burtco4h. Hopefully this way we all don’t forget the fun 4-H things happening!