August 2026
Colfax County 4-H Newsletter
Join Our Remind!
We are starting a Colfax County 4-H Remind Group. Remind is an app that anyone can download and join! Please join the group using the following steps:
Steps to join Remind:
1. Download the Remind App on your phone
2. Create an account within Remind
3. In the menu on the left hand side of the screen, select Add Class
4. Select "Join Existing Class"
5. Join the group in the app using the class code @ colfaxco4h
We will use remind to send updates, reminders, and any other tips. While you are not required to download and join the app, it will be helpful to all 4-H families. We encourage parents, youth, and volunteers to join the group. Youth are also able to join this group. Within Remind, we are able to send mass messages to our 4-H families all across the county, but group members will not be able to message one another through the app. This creates a safe, electronic environment for everyone to be a part of, without worry of unwanted contact. You will be able to message owners of the Remind group with any questions, but not general group members.
Please reach out with any questions!
Statewide Outstanding Volunteer Recognition
Congratulations to Jeanne Scheuneman from Colfax County! She was chosen as one of the Outstanding Adult Volunteer award recipients. Jeanne will be honored at the Nebraska State Fair during the 4-H volunteer Recognition Ceremony during the 4-H Day festivities on August 30.
Jeanne's favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer happens every year at the 4-H Volunteer Banquet, "The youth glow with pride as they present the Quilt of Valor that they created by cutting, piecing, and sewing to honor a Veteran for their service."
Jeanne uses her sewing expertise to teach lessons that last a lifetime — helping the youth be Beyond Ready. "I have been a volunteer for many 4-H Sewing workshops. Use of sewing machines and sewing are taught, but youth also learn communication skills, planning, teamwork, leadership skills, the importance of following directions, and problem solving which will be useful for their entire lives."
Thank you, Jeanne!
Congrats on a Fantastic Colfax County Fair!
July in Colfax County 4-H Extension means one thing: Fair! This year, fair came at the same time as the summer heat. Even so, our 4-H youth, families, and volunteers endured the heat and came together for another successful fair! The 2026 Colfax County Fair was another successful celebration of youth, agriculture, and community. We are proud of our Colfax County 4-H members for showcasing their hard work, talents, and dedication throughout the week. The Colfax County Fair was an excellent display of the hard work each 4-H member put into their projects. Whether it was baking a pie, painting a picture, building a table, or showing an animal, Colfax County 4-H youth demonstrated their skills and represented the program well for local communities to see! For many of the youth, the next step is the Nebraska State Fair, in which we wish them luck!
Colfax County 4-H Members Recognized at the 2026 Platte County Identification Contests
Colfax County 4-H members recently participated in the 2026 Platte County Insect ID, Weed & Grass ID, Tree ID, and Horticulture ID Contests. Participants demonstrated their knowledge and identification skills while competing against youth from across the area.
In the Insect ID Contest, Clover Kid recognition was awarded to Nora Novak and Raegan Novak. In the intermediate division, Kara Eisenmann received a purple ribbon. In the senior division, Josh Eisenmann and Justin Eisenmann both earned purple ribbons.
For the Weed & Grass ID Contest, Clover Kid recognition was earned by Nora Novak and Raegan Novak. Kara Eisenmann received a blue ribbon in the intermediate division, while Josh Eisenmann and Justin Eisenmann both received purple ribbons in the senior division.
In the Tree ID Contest, Nora Novak and Raegan Novak received Clover Kid recognition. Kara Eisenmann earned a blue ribbon in the intermediate division. In the senior division, Josh Eisenmann received a purple ribbon, and Justin Eisenmann received a blue ribbon.
The Horticulture ID Contest results included Lucas Ehlers receiving a blue ribbon in the junior division. Kara Eisenmann earned a purple ribbon in the intermediate division. In the senior division, Justin Eisenmann received a blue ribbon, and Josh Eisenmann received a purple ribbon.
Congratulations to all of the Colfax County 4-H members who participated and represented Colfax County with their hard work, knowledge, and dedication!
County Fair Thank You Reminder
Have you turned in your trophy sponsor thank-you card(s)? Please take time to express your gratitude by sending a thank you note so trophy sponsors know that they are appreciated and will continue to show their support for 4-H. Be sure to sign the card legibly and include a return address so sponsors know who they are from. If you have misplaced the card that was included with your trophy, you can pick up new one(s) at the Extension office. Please turn in your thank-you notes to the Extension office or provide proof that they were mailed so we can send out premium checks.
Congratulations to these Nebraska State Fair Static Exhibit Qualifiers!
Congrats to these 4-H members! An email has been sent to these exhibitors/families with more details regarding state fair and static details. Please check out this email if you have not already!
Good luck to all 4-H members participating at the Nebraska State Fair, whether in livestock, static, or other contests!
4-H Activity at the Fair
The 4-H Council put on the 4-H activity again this year during the fair, which included hay bale throwing and tug of war contests. Thanks to those who braved the heat to participate! There was a great showing of 4-H members across all age divisions. Congrats to the champion throwers and tug-of-war teams, who won T-shirts and bragging rights for the next year! Special thanks to the 4-H Council for organizing the event and sponsoring the T-shirts! We hope to see more back next year!
Thank You to All of Our 4-H Volunteers
We would like to send out a HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers that help make 4-H and the county fair a HUGE success! 4-H programs are not possible without amazing volunteers. In Colfax County, we are incredibly lucky for all of our amazing volunteers. Whether serving on 4-H council, helping during static judging, or helping run livestock shows, are volunteers put incountless hours, creating lasting memories and positive experiences for 4-H youth. We are incredibly grateful for all of their hard work during fair and throughout the year!
4-H Council Fundraisers
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 4-H Food Stand a success this year at the 2026 Colfax County Fair! Your hard work will help support the following programs and activities during the upcoming year: 4-H leader materials, Year pins for 4-H members and leaders, County 4-H awards, 4-H promotional items, 4-H camp scholarships, Senior 4-H scholarships, Scholarships toward regional and national 4-H contests, Scholarships toward National 4-H congress, 4-H T-shirts (free shirts for first year members), 4-H contest entry fees
Nebraska State Fair Livestock & Contest Entries
If you are planning on showing livestock in any 4-H or FFA show at the Nebraska State Fair, entries MUST be complete by August 10 @ 8 p.m.. This also applies to non livestock 4-H contests, including fashion show and culinary challenge. Any animals not entered by this time WILL NOT be eligible to show in 4-H or FFA shows at the state fair. Use the link below to enter all livestock or contest entries.
**Static Exhibitors DO NOT need to enter their projects. This will be completed by county staff.
All Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat, Rabbit, and Poultry exhibitors will automatically receive an 11-day admission wristband at no cost. Exhibitors will not have to select a wristband as it will automatically be provided with the livestock, rabbit, and/or poultry entry. 4-H Dog Exhibitors and other non-livestock in-person entries (4-H contests, Fashion Show, and the Robotics Showcase) will receive a free daily gate pass. All purchased items will be in the exhibitor packet when the exhibitor checks in at the Livestock Check-In Trailer. All animal entries (except Dog) will automatically be entered for Showmanship, anyone NOT wanting to compete in Showmanship can scratch for that contest at check-in.
Reminder: an animal can only be shown once, an animal can not be brought for both 4-H and FFA weekends. If you are having issues with ShoWorks, contact Brandy Schulze at bschulze@unl.edu or tech support at ne.showorks@gmail.com or reach out to the the extension office.
4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair
Nebraska 4‑H will host 4‑H Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska. The event will celebrate the people, accomplishments, and experiences that help prepare Nebraska youth to be Beyond Ready for work and for life.
4‑H members and their families, volunteers, alumni, and supporters, are invited to attend an afternoon of recognition, activities, and celebration. Guests can enjoy special interactive activities, visit the 4‑H photo booth, and receive complimentary UNL Dairy Store ice cream (while supplies last).
A recognition program will begin at 3 p.m., honoring outstanding Nebraska 4‑H volunteers for their dedication to youth development and recognizing members of the Nebraska 4‑H Leadership Academy.
Discounted Nebraska State Fair gate passes for August 30 are available for purchase in advance. The special offer includes half-price gate admission for teens and adults (service fee applies; limit two tickets per purchase).
Purchase tickets for 4-H Day Here. (Discounted 4-H Day tickets will only be good for August 30)
Wanting to attend state fair on a different day? Purchase general gate admission tickets here.
**Livestock and Contest Exhibitors will have an opportunity to purchase tickets when completing their entry.
Nebraska State Fair Exhibitor T-Shirts
4-H families have the opportunity to purchase 4-H exhibitor shirts. Livestock exhibitor families may want to purchase an additional shirt, and 4-H static exhibitors may be interested in purchasing, also!
Orders can be placed online at https://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4htshirts and are due August 10, 2026. No on-site purchase of shirts will be available. Only pick-up of pre-ordered shirts will be available. Be sure to choose your pick-up location and note the dates and times available for pick-up at each location. Any shirts not picked up during these times will be distributed to county staff members following the Nebraska State Fair. Signature will be required when picking up pre-ordered shirts.
4-H Static Office (4-H/FFA Fieldhouse):
August 29: 10am – 5pm
August 30: 10am – 5pm (Closed during 4-H Day Event)
Livestock Office (West End of Five Points Bank Arena)
- August 27: 8am – 8pm
- August 28: 8am – 8pm
- August 29: 7am – 7pm
August 30: 7am – 4pm
Please contact Jill Goedeken (jgoedeken2@unl.edu) with any questions.
2026 Project Showcase
Show off your favorite 4-H project -- or even one that didn't go as planned! Every project tells a story of learning, helping youth build the skills to become healthy, productive, and engaged leaders who are Beyond Ready for work and life.
Submit your project for the 4-H Project Showcase by September 15 to be featured during National 4-H Week in October and throughout the year at 4h.unl.edu/project-showcase.
More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/project-showcase
Aksarben Stock Show Entry Open
Entry is open now until September 4th for anyone planning on showing at the Aksarben Stock Show. Enter here. For more information about the Aksarben Stock Show and how to enter, visit the website here.
Reminder: You must have submitted DNA directly to the Aksarben Stock Show at an earlier point, which is now separate from the DNA submitted for the Nebraska State Fair. Animals without submitted DNA are not eligible to show at the Aksarben Stock Show.
Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium
NYBLS is at the Animal Science Complex, November 6-8, 2026. More details about the symposium and the application link can be found at https://animalscience.unl.edu/extension-outreach/youth-programs/nebraska-youth-beef-leadership-symposium/. Please note the application deadline of September 1. If an individual is selected to participate, a $75 registration fee will be collected at that time.
Red Letter Days
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.
Hippology Practice Contest
📣 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
Complimentary 4‑H Curriculum Now Available for Enrolled Nebraska 4‑H Youth and Volunteers
Nebraska 4‑H is pleased to announce that all enrolled Nebraska 4‑H youth and volunteers receive complimentary online access to 4‑H curriculum developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!
More than 30 digital publications are available at no cost to enrolled Nebraska 4‑H members and volunteers. These learning resources cover a variety of topics, including clothing, babysitting, shopping, entomology, poultry, and many more.
Access to the digital curriculum is provided through the 4HOnline Member Enrollment system. Once enrollment has been completed and approved, youth members and volunteers will receive an email with a link to begin exploring the available resources.
Enroll in Nebraska 4-H today at https://4h.unl.edu/enroll - and receive more details emailed directly to you from 4HOnline about the Complimentary 4-H Curriculum provided to you by Nebraska 4-H!