Burt County 4-H Hotline Newsletter

• June 1: State Horse Show Entries & ID’s DUE
• June 2: YQCA Training - Oakland @ 1pm (Secretary's Building, Fairgrounds)
• June 3: Adventure Day Camp Counselor Training (Registration Deadline: May 29)
• June 4: Cookie Canvas - Decorating Workshop (Registration Deadline: May 29)
• June 4: Sprinkle Some Cake - Decorating Workshop (Registration Deadline: May 29)
• June 5: Adventure Day Camp (Registration Deadline: May 29)
• June 10: YQCA Training - Tekamah @ 9am (Courthouse)
• June 10: Let's Paint Run-A-Ways - Acrylic Painting Workshop (Registration Deadline: June 4)
• June 11: Clover Kids - Lights, Shadows, & Rainbow Wonders (Registration Deadline: June 6)
• June 15: DEADLINE DAY

1. 4-H Enrollment ABSOLUTE DEADLINE
2. ALL Livestock Affidavits DUE
3. State Fair Beef, Sheep, Swine, & Goat DNA & Nominations DUE
4. YQCA Certification DUE

• June 17: Painted Paths & Sand Stories Workshop (Registration Deadline: June 13)

• June 17-18: PASE (UNL)

• June 19: Stitch & Strut - Sewing Workshop (Registration Deadline: June 13)

• June 19: Office Closed: Juneteenth
• June 19-20: State Premier Communication Event (Speech/PSA/Impromptu/Presentation) (UNL)
• June 26: Pie Day I @ 8am (Methodist Church, Tekamah)
• June 30: ALL Burt County Fair Pre-entries DUE
• June 30: Horse Level Testing DUE
• July 1: Bicycle Rodeo @ 6pm (St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Tekamah)
• July 2: Favorite Foods Contest @ 6pm (First Presbyterian Church, Lyons)
• July 3: Clover Kids - Little Scientists, Big Art Camp! (Registration Deadline: June 30)
• July 4: Office Closed: 4th of July
• July 7: Tractor Driving Contest @ 6pm (Lee Valley, Tekamah)
• July 8: Rocket Launch Contest @ 6pm (Rogers Sod Field, Decatur)
• July 9-12: Fremont Expo
• July 12: Pie Day II (Vet's Building, Oakland)
• July 12-16: 4-H State Horse Expo (Grand Island)
• July 13: Fairgrounds Clean Up @ 1pm (Fairgrounds, Oakland)
• July 14: Clothing & Fashion Show Judging @ 9am; Life Skills Contest @ 11 am (Tekamah City Auditorium, Tekamah)
• July 18-22: BURT COUNTY FAIR (Oakland) "We're Here for a Good Time"
• Aug 10: State Fair Animal & In Person Contest Entries DUE
• Aug 15: State Fair Static Exhibits DUE @ Extension Office
• Aug 22-Sept 1: NEBRASKA STATE FAIR
• Aug 22-24: 4-H Weekend @ State Fair
• Aug 30-Sept 1: FFA Weekend @ State Fair
• Sept 1: Office Closed - Labor Day
• Sept 3: Pick up State Fair Static Exhibits & Checks

There are some new laws and Remind can no longer send text messages to certain carriers. So, for the Remind App MAKE SURE that you have the setting marked to send you notifications through the app and/or email. And that you’re getting those app notifications.

To sign up: go to this link https://www.remind.com/join/burtco4h. Hopefully this way we all don’t forget the fun 4-H things happening!

We all know we have our favorite 4-H Kitchen Shift! *AGAIN FOR 2025* We will be using Sign Up Genius to give everyone a chance to sign up at their convenience. This link will be shared out on JUNE 1ST @ NOON through the Remind app and the email that is associated with your 4honline profile. So, if you aren’t enrolled in our system yet, you might not see it right away!

We kindly ask that EACH Burt County 4-H family sign up for 1 (7.5 hour) slot or 2 (4 hour) slots during the fair. Your valuable contribution keeps our 4-H kitchen open and thriving during the Burt County Fair and supports the entire Burt County 4-H Program year round. We also encourage older (8+) 4-H members help in the 4-H kitchen also. Anyone 14 years+ can help behind the counter and younger kids can help with trays and washing tables. Check out the new shifts available on Wednesday, July 9!!

Before June 15th make sure you have all these things checked off…

EVERYONE

• Enrolled at https://v2.4honline.com (all youth and leaders)

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS

• Tags from office (Beef, Swine)
• ID Sheets/Affidavits (Beef, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits, Swine, Horses)
• Going to State Fair? DNA for ALL animals & Online nomination https://showstockmgr.com/ (Beef, Goats, Sheep, Swine)
• YQCA Certificates to the office

YQCA is available as an online or face-to-face program for youth everywhere in the United States. EVERYONE MUST REGISTER HERE: https://yqcaprogram.org/.

Requirements:

Online – 3 modules @ $12 total (to receive full certification you must complete 3)

OR Face-2-Face training @ $3 total

• Oakland - Monday, June 2 @ 1pm (Secretary's Building, Fairgrounds)
• Tekamah - Tuesday, June 10 @ 9am (Courthouse)

OR Test Out for Intermediate @ $36 or Senior @ $48

Any traditional 4-H member (8-18) in your family that is enrolled in a beef, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and/or swine project must be certified to show at county and state fair! The deadline for completion to be eligible to show at the Burt County Fair is June 15th! If you have questions please contact us!

Here are some assistances for completing the process. https://yqcaprogram.org/local/youth_parents.php

• Remember, we learned last year that you have to register for the course. And then take a post-course survey before you can access your certificate (which is the part the office needs).

If you are planning to take livestock to the Nebraska State Fair in 4-H there are some things you need to know! More information can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair/live-animal-exhibitor.

Family Responsibilities:

1. Exhibitors will be required to enroll in 4-H by the June 15 statewide enrollment deadline.
2. Exhibitors will review their species fairbooks.
3. Exhibitors showing market and/or breeding beef, feeder calves, market and/or breeding swine, market and/or breeding sheep or market and/or breeding goats at State Fair must have a signed and sealed official DNA envelope with hair samples for DNA verification. Every animal nomination (this includes all breeding animals and feeder calves) will require a DNA submission. DNA must be turned into their county office and have completed the online nomination with payment in Show Stock Manager by June 15. Any animal carrying an 840 EID tag will require the exhibitor to obtain a Premises ID. Contact the local Extension Office for details. (It is recommended that you make a copy or a photo image of the completed envelope you turn into your county.)
4. Exhibitors will be required to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certificate by August 10.
5. Exhibitors will confirm that the ear tattoo and/or identification tag matches the animal nomination submitted by June 15 for confirmation of legibility and/or accuracy.
6. Exhibitors will notify the County Extension Staff of any retags that may occur up to time of check-in at the State Fair.
7. Exhibitors will select which animal nominations they have chosen to show at State Fair on the State Fair entry website by August 10. All nominated and validated animals will be automatically listed as a choice option for entry registration.
8. Exhibitors will be required to bring the breed registration association paperwork to check-in at State Fair for animals wanting to show in a breed class. The registration papers must show the exhibitor’s name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family and is listed with the online nomination in Show Stock Manager. Family farm or ranch names will not be accepted.

Thanks to Cali Madsen, we have a NEW Burt County 4-H T-shirt!! If you preordered they'll be here soon. If you missed it, don't worry we got extra for a few years worth! We'll let you know when they're here!

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITOR DRESS CODE - FOR 2025 & 2026

All exhibitors of livestock are required to wear an official Burt County 4-H t-shirt or FFA t-shirt and dark blue denim jeans. FOR 2025 ONLY* - Both the old official Burt County 4-H t-shirt AND the new official Burt County 4-H t-shirt will be allowed as official dress code. IN 2026* - the NEW official Burt County 4-H t-shirt will be the only official dress code.

Exhibitors of large animals and/or horses are required to wear hard-soled shoes. Dog exhibitors need to wear soft-soled shoes. Horse exhibitors see equine section for specific dress code guidelines.

They are in the office to be picked up. That means the Fair will be here soon!! The Fairbook is also available to view online at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/burt-county-fair/

Linda Bisanz—our legendary 4-H Pie Lady—has pie-making down to a fine art. But even the best need a helping hand, and that’s where YOU come in!

Mark your calendars and join us for one (or both!) of our deliciously fun Pie Days:

🍰 Pie Day 1:
Wednesday, June 26 at 8:00 AM
Methodist Church Basement, Tekamah
Bring rhubarb if you can—we’re baking up strawberry-rhubarb and apple pies!

🥧 Pie Day 2:
Saturday, July 12 at 8:00 AM
Vet's Building, Oakland

Come ready to roll dough, mix fillings, and share some laughs. If we’re still baking past noon, the 4-H Council will provide lunch for all our wonderful volunteers!

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just want to lend a hand, we’d love your help making these Pie Days a sweet success.

Get ready—County Fair Pre-Entry time is almost here! Just like last year, everything must be pre-entered online by June 30.

🔗 Visit https://burt.fairwire.com to complete your entries.

No paper forms will be mailed this year, but if you prefer that option, printable forms are available at:
📄 Burt County Fair Info Page
📍 Or stop by the Extension Office.

Keep an eye on your email after June 15—we’ll be sending out important 4-H pre-entry instructions you won’t want to miss!

Let’s get ready for a great fair season! 🎡🐄🌽

New for 2025 the deadline for Horse Level Testing to show at the Burt County Fair will be June 30.

If you are planning to participate at the State Level, the deadline for entry and Horse Level Testing has not changed from the June 1 deadline.

• State Level showing - June 1

• Burt County ONLY showing - June 30 deadline

Exhibitors will pre-enter for Showmanship in their respective species by the pre-entry deadline of June 30th.

If an exhibitor has not pre-entered and they wish to participate in Showmanship, please notify the superintendent during check in/weigh.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Burt County 4-H is looking for FAIR SUPERINTENDENTS to help support our local youth and make this year’s fair a success!
AREAS: Cat, Dog, Companion Animal
TASKS:

• Exhibit Check-In: Record ribbons and manage awards.
• Judging Support: Assist judges and track selections.
• Show Day: Prep the ring, check in animals, announce results, and hand out ribbons.

No experience needed — just a passion for helping 4-H kids!
INTERESTED? Call 402-374-2929.

The Burt County Ag Society is looking for a Bathroom Custodian for the 2025 Burt County Fair (July 18 – July 21).

This is a paid position and a great opportunity to be part of our community event!

For more details or to apply, contact Jaime Bacon at 402-720-0878.

Help us keep the fairgrounds clean and welcoming!

Would you like to earn money for your club? The Burt County Ag Society is going to give out $100 to whoever wants to help promote the 2025 Fair.

You get will get the opportunity to walk in a local parade and hand out fair schedules WHILE you also promote your club and 4-H! Spaces limited to two clubs for each parade.

DATES:

July 4 - Tekamah 4th of July Parade

Who wants in? Remember this is limited to the first two clubs that sign up for each parade. And yes... you can sign up for more than one parade! Message the Burt County Fair page on Facebook to sign up!

We would like to encourage you to apply for the Fremont 4-H Expo Ambassador. This is a great opportunity to highlight several leadership and community activities that you have excelled in. The first step is to fill out the application by June 20th. It can be found at: https://go.unl.edu/ambassador25

Feeder Calf-Bull Class (County Only, not eligible for State Fair)

• A feeder calf must be born during the current year but before June 1.

Bottle Goat & Bottle Lamb Classes (County Only, not eligible for State Fair)

• These classes will be similar to our Bucket Calf class with a record book, interview, and showing the animal at fair. More clarification will be coming.
• If you are interested in a bottle goat - Holly Loftis would be willing to connect you to your potential project!

• G062023 – Dummy Roping
• G062024 – Ground Goat Tying

As you empty those ice cream buckets this year, please save them for the 4-H Kitchen this summer! They come in handy to store so many things in the 4-H Kitchen.

You may bring them to the Extension Office or to the 4-H Kitchen at the beginning of the fair. Also, as you’re planning your garden, don’t forget we’ll be wanting cucumbers and tomatoes for the kitchen!

To go with the fair theme of “We're Here For A Good Time” this year’s Burt County Photography Theme is “A Good Time.” Take as much creative liberty with this as you’d like, everything from a clock, to a time of day, to a good experience. Make this theme your own! Remember, this exhibit is open to any Burt County 4-H member – you don’t have to be enrolled in the Photography 4-H project.

Over the past few years, our county has faced several weather-related disasters. These experiences have shown just how important it is to be prepared, stay informed, and help others in times of crisis. Now, 4-H members have the chance to turn those real-life lessons into powerful projects that can educate, inspire, and make a difference.

Projects can be entered in a variety of areas like Safety, Citizenship, Photography, Computers, and more. Examples include:

• 📸 Challenging Photo Exhibit: Tell the story of a disaster through impactful images

• 🧰 72-Hour Emergency Kit: Show what every home should have on hand

• 📒 Disaster Scrapbook or Poster: Capture community response and lessons learned

• 🎓 Disaster Response Training or Career Exploration: Share what you've learned or discovered

• 💌 Care Package Display: Show how small items can make a big impact in tough times

• 💻 Computer Slideshow, Video, Virtual Presentation, Website, or App: Use tech to educate or inform

Because your project could help a neighbor be better prepared. Because your story might inspire someone to act. Because real experiences can lead to real change.

This is your chance to turn past challenges into future preparedness—for yourself, your family, and your community. Let's build a stronger tomorrow, one 4-H project at a time.

Watch your Remind messages and check your email soon — a Google Form is coming your way to cast your vote for this year’s 4-H King and Queen!

✅ Every enrolled 4-H’er gets one vote for King and one vote for Queen — make your voice count!

🎓 All candidates will receive a $100 post-secondary scholarship from the Burt County 4-H Council.
🏆 The crowned King and Queen will each receive a $500 scholarship to support their future education!

If you're eligible to run, the 4-H office will be in touch soon with a few quick questions about why you should be the next Burt County 4-H King or Queen!

🗳️ Voting closes Tuesday, July 15 — don’t miss your chance to celebrate and support your fellow 4-H'ers!

Summer is here, and that means it’s the perfect season to sharpen your biking skills and have some serious fun at the 4-H Bicycle Rodeo — happening Tuesday, July 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Tekamah Catholic Church parking lot.

🚨 Deadline to enter: Call the Extension Office by NOON on July 1st to sign up!
📣 Open to ALL Burt County 4-H members, including Clover Kids!

Why join the Bicycle Rodeo?
Because it’s more than just riding a bike — it’s about building confidence, learning real-world safety skills, and having a blast with friends and family. Whether you’re new to biking or a seasoned pro, this event is a fun, no-pressure way to grow your skills and test your balance, control, and focus.

What to Expect:
✅ A quick & friendly bike safety quiz (read aloud with helpful explanations)
✅ Four exciting riding challenges:

• Balance Challenge: Ride between two rows of blocks without touching them — once as fast as you can, once as slow as you can!

• Figure 8 Ride: A three-loop challenge that’ll test your coordination and direction-following skills. (Pro tip: Practice makes perfect!)

• Slalom Race: Zig-zag between cones in a fun speed event from start to finish!

🏆 It’s not about perfection — it’s about participation, progress, and having fun.

🎉 Helmets are encouraged (but not required)
👪 Spectators welcome — don’t forget your lawn chairs and sunscreen!

Need more info or want to get a head start?
Find full details and helpful practice resources at:
👉 https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/4-h-burt-county/contest-events

This event helps kids gain bike handling skills, learn road safety, and become more independent riders — all while having a great time. It’s the kind of hands-on, confidence-building experience that sticks with them long after the cones are packed up.

Let’s roll into summer the 4-H way — with fun, friends, and two wheels! 🛞🌞

Mark your calendars! The annual Favorite Foods Contest is coming up, and we want YOU to be part of it!

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 2
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church, Lyons
📝 Pre-Registration Due: NOON on Wednesday, July 2

This hands-on contest is more than just cooking—it's about learning valuable life skills like meal planning, nutrition, public speaking, and creative presentation. It’s a fun way to gain confidence, showcase your talents, and share something you’re proud of!

Who Can Participate?

Youth will compete in the following age divisions:

• Clover Kid (5–7)

• Junior (8–10)

• Intermediate (11–13)

• Senior (14+)

• Team (2 exhibitors)

What Will You Do?

• 🍽 Choose a favorite recipe and make it from scratch (no boxed mixes unless creatively modified!).

• ✍️ Prepare a recipe card and a menu card (4"x6", handwritten by the 4-H member).

• 🪄 Design a place setting and centerpiece that fits your menu’s theme.

• 🧁 Present your food (either the whole dish or a single serving).

• 🗣 Be interviewed by a judge for 5 minutes about your dish, your setup, and your knowledge.

Parents may help carry items to the registration table, but participants set up their display themselves.

Why It Matters:

This event helps youth:

• Build confidence in presenting and explaining their ideas

• Practice meal planning and healthy eating habits

• Learn etiquette and design through table setting

• Develop skills they’ll use for a lifetime

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just discovering your favorite dish to make, this is your chance to shine!

🔗 Need ideas or guidance? Visit: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/4-h-burt-county/contest-events

📌 Don’t miss the July 2 pre-registration deadline! We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table—literally!

Date: Monday, July 7
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Lee Valley Farms

Open to all 4-H & FFA youth!

🔔 Important: You must pre-register by NOON on July 7 to participate!

Whether you're an experienced driver or just getting started, the 4-H Tractor Driving Contest is your chance to show off your skills, learn something new, and have a great time with fellow 4-H and FFA members (ages 8–18). This fun and educational event includes:

• ✅ A Safety Quiz to test your knowledge

• 🛠️ A Practicum Test to identify what’s wrong—or what needs checking—on a tractor

• 🧭 A Driving Skills Course tailored to various tractor sizes and experience levels

This contest isn’t just for fun—it helps you build real-world skills in ag safety, critical thinking, and equipment operation that you’ll use for life, whether on the farm or in future careers.

💡 Can’t make it?

If you have a scheduling conflict, contact Scott Olson at Lee Valley (402-374-2792) to make alternate arrangements.

📚 Resources & Study Materials:
Find them here

📞 Still have questions?
Call Nebraska Extension in Burt County at 402-374-2929 or contact Scott at Lee Valley at 402-374-2792.

Don’t miss your chance to drive, learn, and grow! 🌾

Tuesday, July 8th | 6:00 PM | Rogers Sod Farm, Decatur | Pre-register: NOON, July 8

Do you have a rocket ready for the fair? Come get one of your required launches checked off at our Rocket Launch Contest! You'll be judged on how well your rocket launches and how confidently you can follow the proper launch procedures on your own.

It’s a great chance to show off what you’ve learned this year, soak up some sun, and connect with fellow 4-H'ers who share your passion for rocketry.

📚 Find resources and scoresheets here:
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/4-h-burt-county/contest-events/

Let’s get the fairgrounds ready for the best week of the summer!
Join friends, neighbors, and fellow fair lovers for our annual Pre-Fair Cleanup and Setup Day, starting at 1:00 p.m. With everyone pitching in—brooms, scoops, gloves and tools in hand—we’ll have the grounds sparkling and ready by 3:00 p.m. (if history repeats itself!).

Your help sets the stage for a fun, safe, and successful County Fair that our whole community can be proud of. Every swept path, every picked-up piece of trash, helps make the fair a place families love to return to year after year.

Bonus: Stick around for snacks and good company when the work is done!

Let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen—see you there!

If you won one of the big livestock or herdsmanship traveling trophies last year, we want to celebrate your hard work! These trophies will be proudly displayed during the fair in the beautiful livestock office display case for everyone to admire.

To help us create a stunning display, please bring your trophy to the fairgrounds on the first day of the fair. Even better—bring it early to the Extension Office, or to Clean-Up Day on Sunday, July 14th. This gives us time to arrange everything and showcase the dedication and accomplishments of our amazing exhibitors over the years.

Let’s make this year’s display the best yet!

To help ease the fair week rush, Burt County 4-H will hold judging for Clothing items, the Fashion Show, and Life Skills Contest on Monday, July 14, at the Tekamah Auditorium (yes—air conditioning included!). CLOTHING EXHIBITS are REQUIRED to be judged MONDAY!!

Participants will be contacted based on their pre-entries. Remember: exhibits will need to return to the fair on Friday, and participants will also take part in the public Fashion Show Friday evening.

Supporting information sheets and narration templates are available at:
🔗 extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/burt-county-fair

• Get hands-on, spark creativity, and build real-world skills — all while having FUN this summer!

Thanks to the Burt County 4-H Council, all Burt County 4-H members receive a half-price scholarship to workshops!

📅 Workshop Lineup

• Tues, June 10 – Let’s Paint Runaways (Oakland)

• Wed, June 11 – Clover Kids: Light, Shadows, & Rainbow Wonders (Fairgrounds)

• Tues, June 17 – Painted Paths & Sand Stories (Fairgrounds)

• Thurs, June 19 – Stitch & Strut: Sewing Workshop (Tekamah-Herman School Library)

• Thurs, July 3 – Clover Kids: Little Scientist, Big Art Camp! (Fairgrounds)

💡These workshops are more than just fun—they help youth develop creativity, critical thinking, confidence, and new skills they can use in school, future careers, and everyday life.

🔗 Register today: https://go.unl.edu/burtsummer2025

We can’t wait to grow, learn, and create with you this summer! ☀️

Is your student ready to dive into the exciting worlds of robotics, coding, and cybersecurity? Northeast Community College’s summer camps are the perfect hands-on opportunity to spark creativity, build critical problem-solving skills, and prepare for tomorrow’s tech-driven careers!

Why Attend?
These camps don’t just teach technology—they empower students to become innovators and future leaders in STEM fields. Whether building LEGO or VEX robots, programming Python games, or cracking cybersecurity puzzles, campers gain confidence, teamwork experience, and real-world skills that matter.

Camp Highlights:

• LEGO Robotics (5th-6th Grade) — Build, code, and compete with fun LEGO robotics challenges.

• VEX EXP Robotics (7th-8th Grade) — Take robotics to the next level with advanced engineering and programming.

• Python Arcade Coding (8th-12th Grade) — Learn coding basics and create your own arcade-style games.

• Cybersecurity Escape Room (8th-12th Grade) — Solve puzzles to understand real-world cybersecurity threats and defenses.

Locations & Dates:

• Norfolk Campus, O’Neill, South Sioux City, West Point — Camps running June through July.

Explore camp details and register today at northeast.edu/campus-visit/summer-camps.

Join us to inspire innovation and open doors to tomorrow’s technology careers—because the future is built by those who learn today!

Nebraska youth (grades 5–12), join us for a fun, hands-on ag competition! Learn crop scouting skills, win prizes, and qualify for regionals in Iowa! 🌽

👥 Teams of 3–5 + adult leader
💵 Prizes: $500, $250, $100
📅 Register by July 15 – only 10 teams accepted!
🔗 https://go.unl.edu/cropscoutingreg
📖 More info: cropwatch.unl.edu/youth

Sponsored by Nebraska Extension & partners.

Show Stock Manager is open for livestock nominations for the 2025 Nebraska State Fair!

Website Link: https://showstockmgr.com/

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to complete an online nomination with payment through Show Stock Manager and submit a DNA collector envelope with a hair sample. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Each State Fair nomination will be $7.00 per animal in Show Stock Manager. 4-H and FFA livestock nominations are due on June 15, 2025. ALL State Fair livestock DNA envelopes are DUE TO THE OFFICE BY JUNE 15!

Refer to the 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Requirements for additional information on 4-H exhibitor eligibility at the State Fair.

If you have any questions on how to submit your online nominations, you can review the 2025 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions document.

Special Note: For 4-H/FFA families who are planning on nominating the same animals for the NSF and Aksarben Stock Show, obtain your DNA envelopes from the local Extension Office or FFA Advisor. Turn in your completed DNA envelopes to the local Extension Office or FFA Advisor. Submit the DNA payment and complete the online nomination in Show Stock Manager. 4-H/FFA families will only be required to submit DNA and pay once for an animal. After these steps, complete the online nomination process for the Aksarben Stock Show. The Aksarben Stock Nomination online nomination system will be different than Show Stock Manager. Guidance on how to nominate State Fair animals in the Aksarben Stock Show online nomination database will be provided at a later date.

We are excited to announce the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The program consists of three levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Junior 8-10 submits pictures, poster, presentation, and other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value, Intermediates, ages 11-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.

Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 1 via the completion form on the website.

Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.

For more information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)

The program consists of levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the 4-H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Dog Achievement program.

More information can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/dog-achievement-program

Join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield, NE for a full day of friendly competition, learning, and livestock excellence! From goats and sheep to beef and bucket calves, this Blow & Go show is open to 4-H’ers of all experience levels — including Clover Kids!

What to Expect:
✅ Showmanship classes (FREE!)
✅ Divisions for Junior, Intermediate, and Senior participants
✅ Lunch stand on site
✅ Exciting updates: Exhibitors now declare their own market weights at check-in!

🐾 Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 14 at 11:59 PM.
Register now: Pre-entry Form

Let’s make this year’s show the best yet — see you at the barn!

Questions? Contact Brett Kreifels at 402-444-1799.

Don’t want to wait for the newsletter to come out to learn the upcoming information? No worries! We post the most recent and updated information on the local Facebook page as soon as we get new information of upcoming events and opportunities. @BurtNeExt