Sioux County 4-H
February 2026
What sparks have you discovered through 4-H?
Who is a friend you made in 4-H?
How has a 4-H volunteer impacted your journey?
What is your favorite 4-H event or program you've attended?
The 2026 Special Garden Project will focus on the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold. This marigold produces creamy, yellow flowers on compact plants. This variety not only has a unique color, but it also has a very long bloom time. For more information: https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project
To get the seeds, please contact the Extension Office prior to February 15th.
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.
- Each youth who registers will automatically receive the 2 different popcorn seeds automatically.
- While this popcorn shouldn’t be grown with sweet corn, it won’t be affected by dent corn. Aaron has provided the reasoning for this which you can share with your members if they have any questions.
- Most popcorn varieties have a gene that doesn’t allow them to be pollinated by dent corn, which is what field corn is.
- The two varieties we have selected have 12 days difference in maturity, so if they are planted at the same time, they each should pollinate at different times and keep their colors, but there may still be some cross pollination between them if one is delayed in maturity.
- The reason it affects sweet corn is that both are flint corns so they readily cross pollinate, with the sweet corn not tasting good since it has more starch vs sugar.
For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
More details at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/special-agronomy-project/
To get the seeds, please contact the Extension Office prior to March 12.
4-H Enrollment for the 2025-2026 year is OPEN! Deadline for 4-H Enrollment will be June 15, 2026. As a reminder, if you plan to participate in Shooting Sports or the Horse project, you need to add those projects and sign the consents. To be completely enrolled, dues must be paid. Dues are $5.00 and can be paid with cash, check, or credit card. Checks are payable to UNL Extension. Clover Kids (ages 5-7) are free.
Other projects are not mandatory to add. Please contact the Extension Office for assistance
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
Tessa Reece - 4-H Extension Educator
(308) 432-3373
Melissa Mracek - 4-H Extension Educator
(308) 762-5616
Kassie Barrera - Support Staff
kbarrera3@unl.edu
(308) 668-2428
