Richardson County 4-H Forecast

The 2026 Communications Contest will be held on April 23, 2026 at 6pm at the First United Methodist Church in Falls City.

There are five different contests that members can compete in, they can enter every contest, but only one entry per contest.

Prepared Speech - The Prepared Speech contest provides youth the opportunity to write and prepare a speech on a topic related to their 4‑H experience. The judge will view the speech and evaluate based on the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.

Impromptu Speech - The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4‑H related topic that they select during the competition. They are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.

Public Service Announcement (PSA) - The Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4‑H. The theme for 2026 is "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow". Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA.

Illustrated Presentation - An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

Video Communication - The Video Communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4‑H. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production.

There are three age divisions, determined by 4-H age (age as of December 31, 2025):

Junior (8-10 years)

Intermediate (11-13 years)

Senior (14-18 years)

Five contestants in each age division in prepared speech, illustrated presentation, and PSA categories to advance to the Nebraska 4‑H Premier Communications Event held in Lincoln on June 16-17, 2026. Anyone can enter the impromptu speech or video communication categories at the state contest. To advance to state, entries must include 4‑H as a major component.

For more detailed information, please go to the link below.

2026 4-H FFA Junior Fair Schedule is now available!

Please take note that some days and times may have changed.

Richardson & Nemaha County 4-H are jointly hosting a 3D Archery Contest on May 16, 2026 at 4 Star Shooting Range in Humboldt.

Members will need to be enrolled in 4-H at time of entry and have completed 4 hours of archery instruction with a certified 4-H shooting sports instructor before the day of the contest.

Entry forms due May 1, 2026.

The contest will consist of 30 3D targets that contestants will shoot one arrow at each. They will be scored a 11, 10, 8, 5, or 0 for each target.

There will be practices with certified 4-H shooting sports instructors at 4 Star Shooting Range on April 29, May 2, May 6, May 9, & May 13. The Saturday practices will be at 9am and the Wednesday practices will be at 6pm. All participants will be required to attend at least two of these practices.

The classes will be:

Junior (8-10 yr olds) - target distance 25 yards max

Intermediate (11-13 yr olds) - target distance 35 yards max

Senior (14-18 yr olds) - target distance 45 yards max

Green Leaf Rookie (8 yr olds) - target distance 20 yards max

For more information visit: https://go.unl.edu/2026rc3darchery

The 2026 Richardson County 4-H Music Contest will be held on May 28th at 6pm at the First United Methodist Church in Falls City.

4-H Enrollment is strongly encouraged but not required to participate.

Age Divisions (age as of 12/31/25):

Clover Kid (5-7)

Junior (8-10)

Intermediate (11-13)

Senior (14-18)

The following classes will be available for every age division:

Piano Solo

Piano Duet

Piano Group

Vocal Solo

Vocal Duet

Vocal Group

Instrumental Solo

Instrumental Duet

Instrumental Group

For more detailed information please visit: https://go.unl.edu/2026RCMusicContest

It's never too early to start preparing for your 2026 County and State Fair livestock entries!

We have the 2026 Richardson County 4-H ear tags available in the Extension Office, both the county fair versions and the EID tags required for the State Fair.

If you are planning on showing at the Nebraska State Fair with market, feeder, or breeding beef cattle, market or breeding sheep, market or breeding swine, or market or breeding meat goats, you are required to submit a DNA envelope for each animal. The envelopes are available in the Richardson County Extension Office.

If showing at the state fair, you will need to enter the animals into the nomination website at www.showstockmgr.com and the Extension Office will need to receive the envelopes with hairs by June 15th.

Are you planning on showing in a livestock show during the Junior Fair or at the State Fair?

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry.

Every animal exhibitor is required to complete YQCA every year to complete in the Junior Fair and the State Fair. You can complete your certificate at any time, they will be due by June 15th.

Once complete, please forward a certificate to the Extension Office, we can take paper or electronic copies.

https://yqcaprogram.org/

• Enroll at 4HOnline.com
• During enrollment on 4HOnline, you will be required to select at least one project but are not required to select all projects you will be participating in for the 2025-2026 4-H year.
• If you are participating in the Shooting Sports or Horse projects, you are required to enroll in those projects online since there are forms that are required to be filled out for those projects.
• Our adult leader volunteers are also required to enroll, if you don't have a current screening, the website will let you know if it's required this year and give instructions on how to complete the required screening.
• See the file below for a quick refresher on how to re-enroll for the new year.

With our 2026 calendar of events now available, it's time to plan your upcoming 4-H year!

All dates are subject to change, some dates for statewide events are not published yet and based on last year's dates.

With chick days underway at farm supply stores across Nebraska, many families and small-scale producers are preparing to welcome new chicks this spring. To help ensure strong, healthy development during those critical first weeks, Nebraska Extension will host a free webinar, “Chick Care Basics,” on April 6 from noon to 1 p.m. CT.

The webinar will feature Dr. Sheila Purdum, poultry extension specialist, and Brett Kreifels, Nebraska Extension educator. The presenters will cover essential considerations for raising chicks, including proper nutrition, housing setup and biosecurity practices.

“Those first few weeks are foundational for a chick’s health and long-term productivity,” Purdum said.

“Providing the right feed, environment and care early on helps set birds up for success.”

As backyard poultry flocks continue to grow in popularity, Extension educators emphasize the importance of preparation before chicks arrive. Proper brooder setup, temperature management, clean water, balanced starter rations and disease prevention strategies all play a key role in minimizing stress and supporting healthy growth.

Kreifels said the webinar is designed for those new to raising poultry, as well as anyone looking for a refresher.

“Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock for eggs or starting with chicks for a youth project, understanding the basics can prevent common challenges,” Kreifels said. “We want participants to feel confident and prepared.”

Topics will include:

• Chick nutrition and starter feeds
• Brooder setup and housing considerations
• Temperature and ventilation management
• Biosecurity best practices to protect flock health

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

The webinar is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit go.unl.edu/chickcare

The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall. Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7. This is a great opportunity for youth to talk to other 4‑H’ers about where to purchase a good rabbit for a 4‑H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit quiz and breed identification contests are free for youth to enter! The knowledge contests are also open to adults for a minimal fee! Show information with classes and registration fees is posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/rabbit-spring-show.

Sponsored by the Lancaster County 4‑H Rabbits VIPS Committee and Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County. If you have questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.

Register today for Heavy Equipment Career Exploration set for Tuesday, July 7th at Central Community College – Hastings. Participants will navigate and drive virtual heavy equipment simulates, have behind the wheel experience, and learn from individuals in the career. Cost is $35. Register at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment by Monday, June 29, 2026. Limit of 25 spots available on a first come first serve basis.

Details:

Check-in: 10 am to 10:30 am

Lunch is included

Wrap-Up: 4:30 pm – Optional Campus Tours will be available.

Open to youth entering 8th – 12th grade in Fall 2026.

Cost is $35

Please register at: https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment

Here's an opportunity to get your animals in the show ring before the Junior Fair!

All shows will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds, Hastings, NE

Saturday, May 30th: Beef Progress Show - Early Bird Registration deadline May 15th

Classes for Showmanship, Market Beef, and Breeding Beef

Saturday, June 20th: Sheep, Goat, Poultry and Rabbit Progress Shows, Saturday - Early Bird Registration deadline is June 10th.

Sheep and Goat classes for Showmanship and Market lamb/goat

Poultry and Rabbits will have showmanship and breeding classes

Visit here for more information

2026 4-H Horse Stampede will be held on Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln.

The 4-H Horse Stampede will have events and contests for youth ages 8-18 to showcase participant's knowledge and talents as they relate to horses.

For more detailed information, please visit https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horse-stampede/

📣 NEW Hippology Practice Contests are HERE!

You asked for them and we delivered! Ready to put your horse science knowledge to the test? Extension Horses has developed three practice contests with Advanced and Introductory Levels to best serve ALL skill levels.

These interactive contests include:
✔️ Slides
✔️ Stations
✔️ Exams
✔️ Scenarios (team problems)

...all in a virtual Hippology-style format!

While awards aren’t provided, you can review your scores, track your progress, and earn a certificate of completion when you score 80% or higher on each section.

Practice as many times as you want during your access period and build confidence before contest day! 💪

💲 Pricing for 90 days unlimited access:
• $20 Individual
• $75 Team (up to 5 seats, designed for 1 coach and 4 team members)

Perfect for teams, coaches, classrooms, and individuals preparing for competition OR simply testing your horse science knowledge.

👉 Enroll today and start learning all about horses: https://catalog.extension.org/catalog?pagename=Hippology

Explore the world of artificial intelligence with the new Google x CLOVER by 4-H AI Activities, now available for FREE to educators, families, and youth nationwide, no account set-up needed. These hands-on experiences introduce young people to how AI is shaping agriculture🌾, technology🖥, and everyday life👩‍💻. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the activities help learners understand how AI works and why it matters. From building innovative farm tools to solving real-world problems, youth can turn ideas into action. Start exploring FREE AI learning today on CLOVER by 4-H, supported by Google.

🍀Access FREE Google x CLOVER AI Activities now - https://4-h.org/clover/activities/google-ai/

WHO: Activities are designed for youth in grades 5-12.

WHAT: 6 interactive activities (approx. 15 minutes each).

WHERE: Available anytime, anywhere on CLOVER by 4-H.

HOW: Free access using the link above, no account set-up needed.

📣 Announcing the Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series!

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states.

Participants will take part in 10 placing classes, enjoy a clinic, and compete for awards in each age division and species. With events hosted in Columbus, Bladen, and Nelson, Nebraska, each day offers something unique—plus fun evening activities, including a BBQ after-party and a final banquet and awards ceremony.

Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.

📅 June 17–19, 2026
📍 Columbus • Bladen • Nelson, Nebraska
🔗 Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26

Join us for three exciting days of livestock evaluation, learning, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! More details to come for each day.

The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The Raikes School is hosting its tenth year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Raikes School Faculty Members Dr. Steve Cooper and Dr. Seth Polsley. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested students!

During the two-week, overnight camp students will:

• Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum
• Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School
• Visit campus research labs and local employer partners
• Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year

Key Details:

• Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027.
• The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills.
• Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.
• The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.
• The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.
• Full and partial scholarships are available - students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026.

Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available.

Interested students can find more details and complete the application at https://raikes.unl.edu/summer-camp/.

If you have any questions about the camp, please email me at tluensmann2@unl.edu.

March 14-15

• State Shooting Sports Contests - BB & Air Rifle

March 25

• 4-H Volunteer Training - Session 4

April 1

• COMMUNICATION CONTEST ENTRIES DUE

April 15

• Youth & Adult Booster Scholarship Due

April 23

• Communications Contest - 6pm - First United Methodist Church, Falls City

April 24

• Office Closed for Arbor Day