Dodge County 4-H Blast

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1. 4-H Calendar
2. 2026 4-H Schedule
3. YQCA Scholarship Opportunity
4. Pork Workshop
5. Dodge County Communications Contest
6. Dodge County 4-H Archery
7. Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series
8. Babysitting Basics Workshop
9. Clover Kid Day Camp
10. Spring Rabbit Show
11. Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program
12. Midwest FEEDS Practicum
13. 2026 Nebraska 4-H Camp
14. 4-H Horse Stampede
15. UNL Chick Days
16. Fort Robinson Horse Camp
17. Animal Science Discover Days
18. 2026 Special Garden Project
19. 2026 Special Agronomy Project
20. 4-H Enrollment
21. YQCA
22. Animal ID Deadline
23. State Fair Livestock ID
24. Ambassadors
25. 4-H Council

*Items in BOLD are new items*

*LOCAL (DODGE COUNTY) EVENTS IN BOLD

March 7 - UNL Chick Days @ Dept. of Animal Science

• Registration @ 8:30am
• Presentations begin @ 9:00am

March 13 - Pork Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 9am-1:30pm

March 13 - YQCA #2 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 1:30pm-3pm

March 14 - Spring Rabbit Show @ Sandhills Global Event Center - South Hall

• Registration & Check-in: 9:30am-8:30am
• Show starts @ 9:00am

March 14-15 - BB and Air Rifle Championships @ Kimball, NE

April 7 - Instructor Led YQCA Training #3 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 4:30pm-6:00pm

April 7 - 4-H 101 Night @ Dodge County Extension Office, 6:00pm-8:00pm

April 16 - Dodge County Communication Contest @ Masonic Home, 6:00pm

April 25-26 - Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede @ UNL East Campus

May 27-29 - PASE (Premier Animal Science Event) @ UNL East Campus

May 28 - Babysitting Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 9am-3pm

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must be in the age range of a high school senior to 21 years of age. Applicants must have experience with an animal project in one of the species covered by YQCA (beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, or rabbits). All applicants must show a commitment to pursuing a career path in agriculture, livestock, or food systems. Applicants must meet one of the following education and career pathway requirements:

• High School Seniors: High school seniors may apply if they have been accepted into an accredited college, university, or certification program in an agriculture-related field.
• High School Graduates: High school graduates must be currently enrolled in one of the following:
  • A 2- to 4-year college or university agriculture program
  • An agriculture-related certification program

Proof of enrollment is required before scholarship funds are released to the institution.

To apply for this scholarship program - click here!

Join us for a full day of learning with our Pork Workshop from 9:00 AM–1:30 PM, followed immediately by YQCA Training from 1:30–3:00 PM.

YQCA is required for all youth exhibiting livestock, so this is a great chance to get everything done in one day!

📅 March 13th, 2026
📍 Dodge County Extension Office

https://go.unl.edu/beefporkworkshop

DC Shooting Stars has started offering Archery as a discipline in Shooting Sports! Participants are welcome to bring their own archery equipment, we will have equipment available for use if you don’t have your own equipment. Practices are held every Thursday night @ 7pm in the basement of the Dodge Auditorium! Participants need to follow the 4-H Shooting Sports age requirements to participate and be members of the D.C. Shooting Starts 4-H Shooting Sports club. Select Archery as a project in 4honline!

If you have any questions regarding enrollment, please reach out to Andy Beckman or the Dodge County Extension Office.

Andy Beckman, cell: 402-843-6336, email: circlexhunter@hotmail.com

The County Contest is a stepping stone event to get youth exposed to Public Speaking and develop Communication Skills that they can further develop through the Premier Communication Event (PCE) at East Campus in Lincoln from June 19-20.

Qualify for PCE in Prepared Speech, Radio PSA, or Illustrated Presentations with a Purple Ribbon at the County Contest. Impromptu Speech & Video Communication Contests are open to all youth at the PCE.

To register for the Dodge County Communications Contest - Click Here!

📣 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.

Check out our Babysitting Basics Workshop for Youth ages 11+ that is happening on June 3rd! During the workshop, they will learn all things about First Aid & Emergency Preparedness, how to keep children safe, bathing/diapering/feeding young children, and many more things!

When: May 28th, 2026, 9am-3pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code to get to our registration to get them signed up. Registration is due by May 22nd, 2026.

Our youngest 4-H members will create 2-3 Projects that they can then exhibit at the Dodge County Fair.

When: June 18th, 2026, 9am-3pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code in the picture to get your 4-H'er signed up!

Registration is due by May 29th, 2026.

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.

🐄🐑🐖 Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program – Year 5! 🐐🐔

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is back for its fifth year, recognizing youth who go above and beyond in their livestock projects! This program promotes learning in selection, production, leadership, and exhibition across all livestock species.

🔹 Open to enrolled 4-H livestock youth
🔹 Species include beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, rabbit, poultry.
🔹 Three achievement levels: Junior, Intermediate, Senior

🗓 Apply by June 15
🗂 Plans & Reports due August 1
🏆 Members of Excellence will be recognized at the Nebraska State Fair Grand Drive.

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://go.unl.edu/lap

Join us for the Midwest FEEDS (Forage, Education, and Efficiency in Diversified Systems) Practicum, a hands-on, multi-session educational program designed to equip participants with essential skills for success in the cattle industry. This unique program leverages the competitive advantages of the Midwest, including access to perennial pastures, annual forages, cover crops, crop residues, and harvested feeds.

During the 2026 Exploring Ecosystems season, campers will explore Nebraska’s natural world, discover how ecosystems connect, and learn how they can help care for the environment - all while having fun at camp!

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is offering both day camps and overnight camp opportunities. Camp will return to Chadron for a 5 day overnight session (June 15-19) for youth ages 8–14. Day camps will be held in Grand Island (June 30) and Lincoln (July 22) for youth ages 8–12 providing a great introduction to the camp experience.

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, scholarships, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

2026 4-H Horse Stampede Dates: Saturday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Location: UNL Animal Science Complex

Contests:

• Public Speaking
• Demonstration
• Art (2D/3D)
• Photography
• Horse Bowl
• Horse Judging
• Hippology

Entries must be submitted online by Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All other event and contest details remain the same as last year.

Find more information at NE 4-H Horse Stampede.

March 7th, 2026

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will host its upcoming Chick Days event, an educational program designed for small and backyard poultry producers, 4-H members, and families interested in strengthening their poultry knowledge. The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. in the Department of Animal Science Student Commons (3940 Fair St., Lincoln), followed by presentations in Room B101. Participants will learn how to read and understand feed tags to support proper flock nutrition with Jodi Holmes of Cargill Animal Nutrition, and gain practical insights into backyard flock health management from Extension Educator Brett Kreifels. This event offers a great opportunity for youth and families to build skills, ask questions, and connect with poultry experts. Please click on the attachment below to see the event flyers and registration forms.

June 3, 2026

9:00am to 3:30pm CT

NCTA, Curtis, NE

Calling all youth ages 8-18! Join our Youth Animal Science Program and engage with Animal Science faculty and educators. Gain hands-on experience, explore careers in the animal industry, and expand your knowledge in an exciting and interactive environment!

Registration information will be available after the new year.

The 2026 Nebraska 4-H Special Garden Project is open to all youth of 4-H age and offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting a unique flower—the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold. This compact marigold variety features creamy yellow blooms and an exceptionally long flowering season.

The project encourages both new and experienced 4-H gardeners to explore something fun and different in the garden. Participants will receive a packet of seeds in March or April along with newsletters covering planting, growing, pest management, and harvesting tips. Youth can exhibit their marigolds at County and State Fairs in several classes, including educational exhibits and fresh-cut flowers. Additional creative county-only exhibit options, such as stories, poems, or posters, may also be available.

To participate, youth should enroll in the Horticulture project area through 4-H Online and fill out the following form here.

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 in. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we will be exploring a crop that can be marketed different ways depending on the variety.

In the sixth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore TWO varieties of popcorn! The first is an heirloom variety that was discovered and developed by a farmer in eastern Nebraska, called Nebraska Red. The second is a commercial variety, Robust 997. Be sure not to plant sweet corn in your garden with these to prevent cross pollination.

Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.

Contact your local Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. Please have your order placed prior to March 15th.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.

To participate, youth should enroll in the Horticulture project area through 4-H Online and fill out the following form here.

❗Enrollment is due by June 15! Visit 4honline.com.❗

Returning Families - do not create a new account - use your log-in from previous years. Instructions for returning families are at this link. Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here. 4-H enrollment fee is $15 per youth member and can be paid by credit card online, or by cash or check in our office.

New volunteers can find instructions here, and returning volunteers can follow this guide.

• Volunteer Screening and Volunteer Orientation are required in 2026 for all volunteers!
• Sterling Volunteers runs a criminal background check and sex offender registry checks; the cost is $16 paid online to Sterling Volunteers
• If you completed the background check in 2025, you will not need to this again for this year.
• Volunteer orientation can be completed at this link:

https://4h.unl.edu/resources/volunteers/orientation/

For help with enrollment, either email Macy @ mflesher3@unl.edu, or call the office @ (402) 727-2775.

March 13 - In-Person YQCA Training #2 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 12:30pm-2pm

April 7 - In-Person YQCA Training #3 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 4:30pm-6pm

June 11 - In-Person YQCA Training #4 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 6:30pm-8pm

Visit yqcaprogram.org to log in or register; the cost is $3 for In-Person Training, and $12 for Online Training, paid online to YQCA directly. Submit YQCA certificates to the office in person or by email to qualify exhibitors to show at Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair, or Nebraska State Fair!

YQCA is an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being, and character awareness required for youth ages 8 to 21 who produce and/or show pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry.

❗Animal ID Sheets are due by June 15 to make any animal eligible for Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair, or Nebraska State Fair.❗

Animals requiring ID include:

• Horse - ❗County Advancement Levels are by June 15! State Advancement Levels are due by June 1!❗
• Beef - Including Bucket & Feeder Calf, Market & Breeding, Cow/Calf Pairs, County Bred & Fed
• Dairy - Including Cattle & Goat
• Sheep - Including Market & Breeding
• Goat - Including Market/Meat & Breeding, Dairy
• Rabbit
• Swine - Including Market & Breeding

State Fair Livestock ID & Nomination Deadline - June 15

❗ Any members planning to exhibit livestock at the Nebraska State Fair must complete the appropriate livestock identification and nomination requirements by midnight, June 15. This process makes an individual animal eligible for entry at the State. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/livestock-id.

DNA Envelopes are available at the Dodge County Extension Office for free. Nominations must be made online and paid for by midnight, June 15.

Guide to Show Stock Manager Nominations❗

Alexa Brodd - Chase Hartman - Brooke Wiese - Kelsey Bunn

These Ambassadors will advocate for Dodge County 4-H at local events and help mentor younger 4-H members, acting as role model in 4-H. Ambassadors develop their communication skills while promoting 4-H!

Youth Representatives:

Samantha Cummings - Kelsey Bunn - Lane Mehaffey - Vanessa Kriete - Kaylee Gregory - Graham Mueller

Adult Representatives:

Deb Gathman (District 1: Dodge/Scribner/Snyder) - Josh Gregory and Maria Kriete (District 2: Logan View) - Mindy Wiese (District 3: Fremont) - Rhet Mehaffey (District 4: North Bend) - Kylee Stanley - Becky Streff - Jeff Hartman - Tracy Kaiser - Michelle Cummings

The 4-H Council is the governing body of the 4-H program, helping to direct decisions in the program that effect all members and volunteers. Some adult members serve specific parts of the county. Other adults, plus all youth members, serve the county program at large. If you have issues, concerns, suggestions, or ideas, share them with a council member.

Mary Spath - Office Manager: mspath2@unl.edu

4-H

Kelly Schole - 4-H Extension Educator: kschole2@unl.edu

Shane Ahrens - 4-H Assistant: shane.ahrens@unl.edu

Macy Flesher - 4-H Administrative Assistant: mflesher3@unl.edu

Early Childhood

Lisa Poppe - Extension Educator: lpoppe2@unl.edu

Nutrition Education Program

Shelley Thayer - Assistant Extension Educator: mthayer6@unl.edu

Statewide Rural Health

Beth Nacke - Extension Educator: bnacke2@unl.edu

Water & Cropping Systems

Mailson Freire de Oliveira - Extension Educator: mfreiredeoliveira2@unl.edu

Horticulture

Ian Peterson - Extension Educator: ipeterson4@unl.edu

Email: dodge-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/
Location: 1206 West 23rd Street, Fremont, NE, United States
Phone: 402.727.2775
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/362826330737240/?ref=bookmarks