Saunders County 4-H Update

February 1 - Deadline Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort

February 18 - Beef Weigh In

February 24 - Saunders County 4-H Robotics Mini-Play

February 5 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification begins

February 12 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues

February 19 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues

February 26 - BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification continues

March 12 - 4-H Club Leader Training

March 15 - 16 - FIRST LEGO League Event

March 16 - Chick Days

March 16 - Lancaster Co Spring Rabbit Show

March 16 - Data Driven Event

March 24 - 4-H Horse Stampede - Entries due March 4

April 1 - Saunders County Communication Contest

April 16 - 4-H 101 Training

June 1 - State Horse Entries/Horse ID/Level Testing Due

June 15 - 4-H Sign up, Animal ID and YQCA deadlines

June 17 - 18 - Premier Communication Event (State)

June 20 - 21 - Premier Animal Science Event

July 1 - Online Pre-Entry Deadline for Saunders County Fair

July 20 - Fair Clean up Day

July 13-17 - State Horse Show

July 23 - Superintendent Supper

July 28 - August 4 - Saunders County Fair

August 10 - State Fair Livestock/Contest Entries Due

August 23 - Sept. 2 - Nebraska State Fair

August 24 - State 4-H Dog Show

Register for the certification sessions at https://go.unl.edu/SaundersShootingSports prior to February 5th. Youth MUST attend 3 of the 4 sessions to get certified. Youth must also be enrolled in 4-H and have selected the projects for the consent to get signed. Contact our office if you have any questions (402) 624-8030.

We have some trainings for both families and 4-H Club leaders and our annual Communication Contest scheduled - mark those calendars now!

Congratulations to the Saunders/Lancaster/Washington County Hippology Team on their Reserve National Champion title at the Western National Roundup! Full results below:

TEAM:

Reserve Champion Overall Team

Reserve Champion Written Exam/Slides

3rd place Judging

3rd place Team Problems

INDIVIDUAL:

Maddie Spreeman: Champion Overall Individual, Champion Written Test/Slides, Champion Stations, 4th place Judging

Shea Frink: 6th place Judging

Colleen Savig: 7th place Overall Individual, 5th place Written Exam/Slides,10th place Stations

Brin Egr: Lots of great scores but unfortunately ending up just out of the top 10

The 2024 Special Agronomy Project is Sugar Beets!

The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. In the the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets. Sugar Beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. 4-H members enrolled in the Special Agronomy Project will: • Receive a ‘packet’ of seeds (one packet per youth) in March/April • Grow their seeds in their garden or pots • Receive written resource materials • Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area: o G750011 - Special Agronomy Project - Educational Exhibit (SF259) o G750012 - Special Agronomy Project -Video Presentation o G750013 - Special Agronomy Project (Freshly Harvested Crop) Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project in 4-H Online and sign up at https://go.unl.edu/2024SaundersSAP

**Exciting News for Nebraska Youth**

As you know, in 2023, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to nine years of age. That change increased our participation and provided more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. We had many positive comments from legacy families as well as new.

This fall, we have had follow-up conversations with many of you as well as the show superintendents and various teams that run these events during State Fair and throughout the year. Based on that feedback and our goal of increasing access, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility.

Starting in 2024, all Nebraska 4-H youth age 8 and older will be able to participate in statewide competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest) and in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests).

Note: there will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event as it becomes available.

The age of youth is set as of January 1st of the current year and youth must enroll in 4-H before June 15th, 2024.

We are excited to be launching STEM Backpacks for checkout! This project is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Beyond School Bells.

These backpacks are available for checkout now! Find more information at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/stem-backpacks/

Photo entries will be weekly opportunities for 4-H members to showcase their photography skills based on different categories. Entries will be uploaded to the Nebraska 4-H Website link (4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase) by midnight on Sundays starting on February 11th. Watch the Nebraska 4-H Facebook and Instagram pages for the weekly theme categories. Winners will be announced later in the week with their photo on social media. There will be 4-H Swag prizes given to all category winners.

More information can be found on the 4-H website: https://4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase.

We keep a running list of progress shows and clinics for Small Animals (Rabbits, Poultry, Cat, Dog, Pocket Pets), Horse, Large Livestock (Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat) as well as other clinics of interest. Check them out by clicking the button above.

Clubs and Independent members can apply for a grant to support projects and activities.

Thank you to our 2023 4-H Council Sponsors! Funds raised support the Saunders County 4-H Fair, leader trainings and certifications, Saunders county 4-H members competing at state contests and events, Saunders county contests, scholarships and so much more!

We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with.

These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: go.unl.edu/2nd8.

Contact Jenna @ jhanson19@unl.edu or (402) 624-8052 with any questions.

Registration for the 2024 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort is now open until February 1st, 2024. Please see https://4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned for all of the details.

Calling all teen leaders! Nebraska 4-H is seeking facilitators for this year’s Ag Innovators Experience, Protect the Plate. Application deadline for Local Teen Facilitators has been extended to next Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. More information and applications are available at 4h.unl.edu/ag-innovators-experience.

It's back! The 2024 Hippology Academy kicks off on February 17. Topics for this year include toxic plants of the northeast, horse evaluation, feeding myths, soil testing and usage, identifying feeds, and fencing. Content for each topic includes practice tests, slides, and digital learning stations in addition to twice weekly lectures.

There are three enrollment levels to choose from:

1. Bronze: All content listed above, accessible until August 31, 2024.

2. Sliver: Everything included in Bronze, plus can ask teacher questions, participate in discussion board, and have access to course material until November 31, 2024.

3. Gold: Everything included in Silver, plus opportunity to participate in live virtual office hours with instructor (Thursday evenings) and access to course material until December 31, 2024.

Learn more and register here.

We are excited to announce the fourth 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 8-9 submits pictures, poster, presentation, and other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value, Intermediates, ages 10-13, 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)

Exciting news!

We're thrilled to introduce the Corn Yield Challenge – a premier contest inviting participation from 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members).

Join us on this journey to explore every aspect of corn production and discover the exciting world of agricultural careers associated with it.

Key Features:

Team Participation: Form teams with two or more youth participants and embark on this collaborative challenge.

Innovative Practices: Youth will take on the challenge of implementing unique production practices to assess their impact on increasing corn yield.

Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.

Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements deserve recognition! Cash prizes and plaques await the top three teams:

First Place: $1,000

Second Place: $500

Third Place: $250

Special Awards: Going the extra mile deserves applause! "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards will be presented, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fuels innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform to honor dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to seize this opportunity, showcase your skills, and contribute to advancing agricultural practices.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please visit Corn Challenge Webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

Let's grow together!

Douglas-Sarpy 4-H is offering a 4-H Golf Clinic in April 2024! This FREE clinic is sponsored and funded by the National Jr. PGA and aims to provide youth ages 7-18 the opportunity to learn how to play golf without the barriers of fees for green spaces, coaches, equipment, etc. The Clinic provides each youth with coaching skills, a backpack, hat, and playing jerseys.

When:

April 4, 5:30-6:30PM

April 11, 5:30-6:30PM

April 18, 5:30-6:30PM

April 25, 5:30-6:30PM

Where: Schmidley's Golf, 4700 N. 120th St, Omaha, NE 68164

Fill out our interest form at https://go.unl.edu/4-hgolf

For more information, contact Ericka at ericka.murray@unl.edu

Planning is in full swing for the 2024 Nebraska State Fair. While the complete and detailed schedule is a work in progress, we wanted to share a tentative schedule overview to help you plan ahead. You can find it on https://www.statefair.org/ag-competitions/livestock-exhibitors under the 2024 Livestock Schedule section.

New volunteer resources and information are available for club leaders, parents, and other 4-H volunteers. Visit for more information: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/leader-clubs/

What you do makes a difference! We are excited to share that our state will be participating in the 4-H Volunteer Impact Study of volunteers in the North Central Region.

This survey is being conducted as a part of 12 state effort to document the impact of volunteering.

It will focus on three areas:

• the personal benefits of your volunteer experience;
• the impact you have on the organization by volunteering; and
• how your volunteer efforts contribute to your community in which you live and work.

A random sample of volunteers of 1000 volunteers from each state will be surveyed. This study will be conducted through an electronic survey. If you are selected you will receive an email to let you know you have been selected to participate.

You may be picked!!! If you are, please respond. We want to hear from you and learn from your volunteer experiences.

Your comments will be used to quantify the personal, organizational and public impacts of volunteers involved with 4-H Youth Development Programs in our twelve-state region.

Your impact is great and we want to hear from you!!!

The 2024 Nebraska 4-H Dog Judges Training will be held in Lincoln in the Animal Science Complex on East Campus on Saturday, February 24th, 2024. New judges are always needed. If you are a parent or someone who wants to help our 4H youth with the dog project, please consider taking the training. This is also a good opportunity for local dog project leaders and older 4-H members (16+) to observe the training and better understand how they will be judged at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Dog Show and local county fairs. Participants will be trained in showmanship and obedience. Participants must be 19 years old and up to be listed as a 4-H Dog Judge who is trained in showmanship and obedience. The training will include hands-on and classroom sessions.

Estimated Time Frame: 9 am-3:30 pm (Lunch is included)

REGISTRATION LINK: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vn9N5fWu452bMW

Fees:

Registration (register by 2/20 to get a lunch provided): $35

All checks should be made out to UNL and mailed to:

Lisa Karr 3940 Fair Street- A214

Lincoln, NE 68583-0908

*No Refunds will be given. Checks with insufficient funds will be charged a $25 fee.

*Registration is not finalized until checks are received.

All registered participants will be notified via email. Of any changes.

For further questions please contact Lisa Karr at lisa.karr@unl.edu

Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.

Enroll as a volunteer or enroll your youth! More details at https://go.unl.edu/SaundersEnroll

The Nebraska 4-H Glossary provides general terminology and language used within the Nebraska 4-H program. Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/glossary

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.

The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made in advance to the Saunders County Extension Office.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Email: Saunders-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/4h/
Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC)

1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 624-8030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaundersCountyExtension4h

Instagram: https://instagram.com/saunders_county_extension_4H

Office Hours 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday- Friday