Butler County 4-H News

Our new enrollment year has begun! All new and returning members must enroll annually. The cost is $10 per youth. Adult Volunteers are free but may require extra screenings if they are new or have not completed them yet. Access the link here: https://v2.4honline.com

Club Leaders and Adult Volunteers: You MUST enroll and be approved before you begin meeting with your members or volunteering for your activity! Youth must be enrolled before clubs start meeting or participating in 4-H sponsored events!

If you are a returning member and are having issues enrolling, please do not make a new account! Call the Extension Office for help! Please be sure that all information (current club, school, etc.) is up to date and correct!

Nebraska 4-H has changed how they do the Volunteers Orientation Training Video Series. The 2 sections in bold are important so please be sure to read them! Reach out to the office with any questions!

• Volunteers will be required to complete the Orientation training by themselves through 4-H Online. They may be able to do it simultaneously on separate devices with their spouse/partner/another volunteer if they wish, however each individual volunteer will need to do the Orientation training associated with their respective member profile. There will be no workaround permitted at this time.
• Volunteers will be able to do the training in 6 separate sections (each being 10 minutes or less) at their own pace rather than in one sitting.
• Volunteer Orientation will now be required every 3 years. This is a change from it being required only during a volunteer’s rescreening year. This will allow us to update the Orientation trainings more frequently if the need arises.
• All volunteers that enroll after January 5th, 2026, will be required to do the Volunteer Orientation training in 4-H Online regardless if they have completed it previously . The current program year will become the start of their 3-year rotation period for the orientation.

To help us share important updates, deadlines, and reminders with all members and families, we use the Remind app for quick and easy communication.

If you’re not already signed up, we encourage you to download the Remind app or follow the provided link to join your club/group. It’s the best way to stay informed about upcoming events, project information, schedule changes, and more!

Don’t miss out on important 4-H news — join Remind today and stay connected!

Sign up for groups that you are involved with to stay up to date with everything happening in Butler County 4-H!

Butler County 4-H Updates (for all 4-H families!): remind.com/join/4ck72bk

4-H Crochet: remind.com/join/9328dc2

Butler County 4-H Council: remind.com/join/fgk2g7

Butler County 4-H Club Leaders: https://remind.com/join/e8d9c4

Butler County Livestock Contests: remind.com/join/992dgh

March will be the last month we send newsletters to the '24–'25 list of enrolled members through 4‑H Online. Starting in April, newsletters will go only to the '25–'26 enrollment list.

Make sure to enroll as soon as possible to stay up-to-date and continue receiving all the latest 4‑H news and information!

A big thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate 4-H Month! Whether you participated in activities, helped spread the word, or showed your support in any way, we truly appreciate you. Celebrating 4-H is a wonderful way to recognize the positive impact our youth, volunteers, and families make in our community all year long.

🎉 Congratulations to our 4-H Month Prize Winners:
Adam Fozzard
Lucy Schultz
Rhett Fencl
Connor Witmer
Ashley Witmer
Micky Burch
Debbie Fleming
Brittany DeWispelare
Maria de Mont Serrat de Souza
Makenzie Wynegar
Brendan Adair
Luke Buresh

🧵 And congratulations to our Quilt Raffle Winner – Linda Vandenberg!

We loved seeing the excitement and engagement throughout the month. Thank you for being part of our 4-H family and for helping make 4-H Month so special! 💚🍀

In-Person YQCA Trainings | Butler County 4-H

Highway 92 Building | 3190 N Rd, David City, NE 68632

**Youth are only required to attend ONE training to earn their certification**

• Sunday March 15, 4:30-5:30
• Monday, April 6th, 3:00-4:00
• More dates to come in May!

Club Leaders can also reach out to Janessa to set up one for your club!

Carefully follow these steps:

1. Enroll in 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com (remember to use your same login information from last year if you are a returning 4-H member).

2. Visit yqcaprogram.org/ and sign in with your same login information from last year, unless this is your first time taking the course.

3. Find the training session you will attend on the list and register. Be sure you select the correct date, time, location, and trainer.

4. Pay the $3 fee with a credit card.

5. Complete the pretest prior to the training - located on the “Enrolled Trainings” page.

6. Attend the training.

7. Following the training, take the post survey and print your certificate.

8. Either email your certificate to Janessa or bring your printed copy in to the office!

Questions? Contact Janessa at 402-367-7410 or jbergman3@unl.edu.

The Broiler Project is a great opportunity for 4-H members interested in poultry, animal science, and learning responsibility through hands-on experience. Raising broilers (meat chickens) teaches members about daily animal care, nutrition, record keeping, and livestock management — all while preparing birds for fair exhibition.

What is a Broiler?
Broilers are chickens raised specifically for meat production. They grow quickly and require consistent care, proper nutrition, clean housing, and fresh water daily.

Project Details

• • Contact the office by March 20th to sign up.

  • We must have at least 5 youth signed up in order to offer this project at the fair.

  • Each youth will receive 12 chicks.

  • Cost per chick:

    • $2.80 per bird if our total order is under 100 chicks

    • $2.75 per bird if our total order is over 100 chicks

  • Chicks are expected to be ready around May 27th and must be picked up that day from the office upon arrival.

  At fair time, members will select 3 birds that are as close to identical in size and weight as possible to exhibit as their broiler pen.

What Members Will Learn

• Proper feeding and nutrition requirements

• Housing and biosecurity practices

• Monitoring bird health and growth

• Record keeping and expense tracking

• Preparing birds for show and evaluation

Broilers typically reach market weight in about 6–8 weeks, making this a shorter-term livestock project that still teaches valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management, and attention to detail.

Nebraska 4-H is now accepting nominations for a new awards program to recognize the outstanding contributions of 4-H volunteers across the state.

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as and multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the state’s 10 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. Statewide winners will be named in the each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.

The nomination period runs through March 18, 2026. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer (such as robotics or shooting sports), afterschool club volunteer or 4-H camp volunteer. More information, along with the nomination form, is available online at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.

Winners will be announced virtually in April 2026. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair.

Butler County 4-H Council offers scholarships to graduating seniors. The scholarship application includes a registration form, a one-page essay and a completed 4-H Annual Award Application. Forms can be found online by visiting 4-H Newsletters | Nebraska Extension in Butler County . Applications are also available at the Extension office. Questions? Contact us at 402-367-7410.

Complete applications are due by April 1, by 5:00 pm to the Butler County Extension Office.

The 4-H County Communication Contest will be held at 4:00pm on April 12, 2026 at the West Education Center on the CCC campus in Columbus. This contest includes the events:

• Speech
• Impromptu Speech
• Public Service Announcement
• Presentation
• Video

Open to Clover Kids & Youth ages 8-18. Pre-Registration is required. Registration opens February 1st and closes on April 1st. More information on each event and instructions on how to register can be found in the file below!

The Butler County 4-H Council would like to extend a sincere thank you to the businesses and individuals who have generously donated to support our 4-H program. Your financial support plays a vital role in making our programs and events possible.

Sponsor donations help fund workshops, leadership activities, special interest groups, awards, scholarships, and many other opportunities that allow our 4-H members to learn, grow, and succeed. Because of this generosity, we are able to continue offering meaningful experiences for youth throughout Butler County.

4-H members — when you see our sponsors out and about in the community, please take a moment to thank them! A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing appreciation for their support of our program and our youth.

If you or your business would like to become a sponsor of Butler County 4-H, please reach out to Janessa for more information. We would love to partner with you in supporting our local youth!

🍀 2026 Butler County 4-H Sponsors 🍀
We are proud to recognize the following businesses and individuals for their generous support:

• AGP
• Butler County Health
• Sandhills Energy
• Tuls Dairy - Butler County
• Vrbka Ag Solutions - Corey & Jen Vrbka
• Aurora Cooperative
• Benes Service Co.
• Moravec Auction Co.
• Romshek Seeds Inc.
• Speedee Mart
• State Farm Steve Hicks Insurance
• Triple S Service, LLC
• Bank of the Valley
• Jones Group
• Hank & Bonnie Kobza
• Moravec Financial Advisors, Inc.
• Northside Inc.
• Pinnacle Bank - Shelby
• Ron & Shelley Papa
• RC Pit Stop
• Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture - Dr. Shelley O'Dell-Brock, DAC
• Butler County Clinic, P.C.
• Law Offices of Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy, & Lausterer
• Moravec Johnson Mortuary
• The Quilters group in Shelby

We are incredibly grateful for the businesses and individuals who invest in Butler County 4-H and believe in the potential of our young people. 🍀💚

Do you have an idea for a summer workshop or a skill you’d love to share with local youth?
We’re in the beginning stages of planning our summer workshop series and would love community input. Email Janessa to share your ideas or get involved! (jbergman3@unl.edu)

Contact the office by March 3rd to order your seeds for either the Special Garden, Special Agronomy, or both!

4-H members enrolled in the 2026 Special Garden Project will receive a packet of Alumia Vanilla Cream marigold seeds this spring along with a newsletter covering how to plant, grow, harvest, and use their marigolds. Youth can exhibit their flowers in Special Garden Project classes at both County and State Fair, as well as other county-specific opportunities like stories, poems, or posters. After completing the project, participants are encouraged to fill out a short evaluation about their growing experience. To take part, enroll in Horticulture through 4-H Online and contact your local Extension Office to order seeds. For questions, reach out to Elizabeth Exstrom at eesxtrom2@nebraska.edu or 308-385-5088.

https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/special-garden-project/

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

Participants will learn about the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) contests and how to prepare a team for participation. Topics include an overview of the PASE contests and resources for helping prepare a PASE team. This session is ideal for any new or potential volunteers interested in coaching a PASE team. Register now to receive the virtual connection link. Training will be recorded for those who can’t attend live. Let’s work together to help our youth be Beyond Ready!

Tuesday, March 3 @ 6:30pm

https://go.unl.edu/2026pasetraining

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Each year, the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees challenges 4-H members from all over the country to submit an essay on a topic related to honey bees. Each state chooses its finalist and submits his or her essay to the Foundation for judging. Your state 4-H contact has been notified since February. Contact them if you wish to submit an essay as the deadline is quickly approaching.

2026 Essay Topic:

The Power of Pollen

For this essay, a 4-H student should answer these questions: How is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? If so, are those changes affecting bees? When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity?

Eligibility: The 2026 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition is open to active 4-H Club members only.

Any 4-H Club member who placed first, second or third in previous years of the national competition is NOT eligible to win in 2026; however, state competition winners remain eligible to enter the national competition. Essays entered must encompass the designated topic only. There will be no exceptions.

Competition Rules & Essay Requirements: Any 4-H Club member interested in writing an essay should contact their local 4-H office for competition details. The state selection process must be completed through the 4-H system. Failure to meet any one of the essay requirements will result in disqualification.

Essay Requirements for National Judging: Essays must be typewritten or computer-generated on single-sided pages and formatted following standard manuscript format using double-spaced type and 12pt font in a legible font face.

Essays must encompass the designated topic in 750 to 1,000 words. Word count does not include sources, works cited, or the writer’s biographical statement. All factual statements and interview references must be cited in a “sources” or “bibliography.”

Essays will be judged on (a) scope of research, 40%; (b) accuracy, 30%; (c) creativity, 10%; (d) conciseness, 10%; and (e) logical development of the topic, 10%.

On a separate page, please include a brief biographical statement of the writer including mailing address, email address, and phone number. The statement “I verify that AI was not used to create this essay" must also be included at the bottom of the essay and signed.

The deadline for national submission is May 1, 2026.
National winners will be announced: June 15, 2026

Each state may submit only ONE entry.

National competition entries may be submitted for judging via mail to the address listed below or email to info@abfnet.org. Use “4-H Essay Entry from <State>” as the subject line.

Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees
480 Town Center St. N, PMB #253
Mooresville, IN 46158-1379

Decisions made by the trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees during national judging are final. All national competition entries become the property of the foundation and may be used as it sees fit. No essays will be returned.

Awards:
Three cash prizes will be awarded in the 2026 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition. The author of the highest-scoring essay will win first prize. The author of the second-highest scoring essay will win second prize. The author of the third-highest scoring essay will win third prize.

First Prize: $750

Second Prize: $500

Third Prize: $250

In addition to the cash prizes, we also pay expenses for the top three to attend the next annual American Beekeeping Conference and Tradeshow.

The three prize-winning essays will be published in the ABF Quarterly, the magazine of the American Beekeeping Federation as well as the national trade magazines. All authors of essays submitted to the national competition will receive a relevant book on honey bees, beekeeping, or honey.

For questions or additional information about the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, contact Gene Brandi, Chair at gbrandi@sbcglobal.net.

American Beekeeping Federation

2221 Peachtree Rd NE, STE D-407

Atlanta GA 30309

317.503.0583

SAVE THE DATE

2027 ABF Annual Conference & Tradeshow

January 12-16 | Galveston, TX

We have a quick update to share regarding the upcoming 2026 Horse Stampede. 2026 4-H Horse Stampede Dates: Saturday, April 25 – Sunday, April 26, 2026

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. We hope your youth can join us for one or more contest and we will also be looking for contest volunteers and would love to have you join us! 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.

We can’t wait to have a successful 2026 Horse Stampede! Thank you, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions to Makayla Burg at mburg2@unl.edu

PASE will be May 27-29, 2026. More information to come. Check out the website for more information about events. Premier Animal Science Event | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska

The Nebraska 4‑H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) features a variety of state-level animal science contests. The three-day event is held annually at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln. Youth explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and work with other youth from across the state. Youth have the opportunity to participate in livestock contests that do not require owning or exhibiting a live animal, including livestock, meat, poultry, companion animal, and animal welfare judging, as well as livestock skill-a-thon and livestock quiz bowl. Youth can participate in more than one contest or event as their schedule allows. In addition, youth will have chances to explore the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus, meet with faculty members and current college students, and have fun with friends!

Judging Practice dates are:

• March 15, 6:00pm
• April 12, 6:00pm
• More dates to come!

If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Janessa!

We are excited to announce the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program! This program provides an additional opportunity for enrolled 4-H livestock project youth to strengthen their knowledge and leadership skills across all aspects of livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence in the following livestock project areas: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The Livestock Achievement Program consists of three levels designed to support age-appropriate growth and learning. Youth plan and report a broad range of project-related accomplishments by selecting goals from an approved list, with each accomplishment carrying a designated point value.

• Juniors (ages 8–9): Complete 75 points. Submit pictures, posters, presentations, and other learning activities to earn the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence.
• Intermediates (ages 10–13): Complete 100 points of activities to earn Intermediate Member of Excellence.
• Seniors (ages 14–18): Complete 150 points of activities to earn Senior Member of Excellence.

Plan and Report forms, available on the program webpage, provide examples of eligible accomplishments. Members may also propose their own project-related accomplishments with approval from their local Extension educator.

• Applications are due June 15 and must be submitted through the online application form.
• Plan and Reports and Project Records are due August 1 and must be submitted via the online completion form.

Youth who complete the program and earn Member of Excellence recognition will be recognized during the Grand Drive during 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://go.unl.edu/lap

Contacts:
Cole Meador – cmeador2@unl.edu
Brett Kreifels – brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Kelly Schole – kschole2@unl.edu
Ashley Benes – ashley.benes@unl.edu

We are excited to announce the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp season! Youth are invited to join us and Big Gumdrop Outdoors as we explore the world around us through our Exploring Ecosystems theme. Please share the following message and attached graphic with your 4-H families.

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.

NAYI applications are officially OPEN

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications

from high school juniors and seniors for the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).

NAYI is one of Nebraska’s largest agriculture youth outreach events. This five-day program

brings students together, offering networking opportunities with ag leaders and a chance to learn more about the industry, discover careers and make new friends. NDA helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year. This year’s theme is “Passion Meets Purpose.”

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 6–10, 2026.

Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending must apply online at

www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi. All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026.

More info to come!

Dates: July 1-2 at the Butler County Fairgrounds.

Dates: July 11-15

Contact: Cindy Wolverton cwolverton3@unl.edu

July 14-19, 2026! More to come in the Spring!

Dates: TBA Fall 2026

Contact: Wyatt Clark wclark8@nebraska.edu

NEW DNA process for State Fair and Aksarben

Important: Please disregard any old DNA envelopes from previous years, as they will not be accepted. Updated envelopes will be distributed in 2026 and will be valid only for the Nebraska State Fair (NSF). NEW: Exhibitors that want to show an animal for the NSF and Aksarben Stock Show (AKSS) will be required to submit two separate envelopes and online nominations. AKSS exhibitors will order and purchase their DNA envelopes through the AKSS website at https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/. The DNA process and online nomination process will be separate for each livestock show.

Discover Nebraska during Red Letter Days! High school juniors and seniors, join us for a full-day campus visit experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Explore academic opportunities, engage in student and parent sessions, and enjoy a campus tour. Available on select Mondays and Fridays. Register now at go.unl.edu/visit

Hey high school students! Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Husker in the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources (CASNR) at UNL?

Join us for Zoom In To CASNR — a fun, interactive virtual event where you’ll meet current students, faculty, and staff. Ask questions, get insider tips, and explore all the exciting opportunities waiting for you at UNL!

Sessions start at 7:00 p.m. (CST) on:

March 30

April 27

Sign up today: https://go.unl.edu/vb2s

Email: butler-county@unl.edu

Website: Nebraska Extension in Butler County

Phone: 402-367-7410

Location: 451 N 5th St. David City, NE 68632

Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (closed for lunch, 12 - 1)

Social Media: Facebook

Thays Silva, Health & Wellbeing Educator: thays.silva@unl.edu

Janessa Rawhouser, 4-H Assistant: jbergman3@unl.edu

KateLynn Ness, 4-H Educator, Butler & Colfax Counties: kness2@unl.edu

Louise Niemann, Office Manager: lniemann2@unl.edu