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 of if they have completed it previously already. The current program year will become the start of their 3-year rotation period for the orientation.

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, February 8, 4:30-5:30
• 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.

Eligibility

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.

Awards

A total of $30,000 through 10 scholarships will be awarded, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Award amounts will be determined based on application scoring and final committee review.

Dates

The application will close February 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. The application deadline is final, and no extensions will be provided. The system will automatically prevent application submission after the deadline. Please note technical assistance will not be available after 5:00 p.m. CST on the day of the deadline. Find the application here: 2026 Scholarship Program

Our annual Leaders & Volunteers Training will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 PM. We ask that at least one leader from each club attend to ensure important information can be shared with the rest of the club.

Please note: All attendees must be enrolled in 4-H Online prior to the training, as well as meeting with your clubs!

An email will be sent out with the zoom link, but you can also find it here!

https://unl.zoom.us/j/9814404363?omn=96112513434

Nebraska 4‑H Member Month, held during February each year, is an opportunity to celebrate 4‑H locally, invite new members and volunteers, and have fun! In 2026, we will celebrate all the opportunities 4‑H offers to help young people to be Beyond Ready. Be ready to share about the 4-H themes on Facebook every Thursday!

4-H helps youth discover their “spark”—an interest or skill that inspires confidence and direction. From STEM and animals to foods, crafts, and leadership, 4-H offers hands-on projects that let youth explore what excites them. Enrollment is open now and there’s something for everyone to try!

Thursday Feb. 5th -Share an interest or hobby you’ve developed through 4-H!

In 4-H, every young person is welcome and valued. Youth find a place where they can make friends, try new things, and feel connected to their community. If you’re looking for a positive environment where your child can belong, 4-H may be the perfect fit.

Thursday Feb. 12th - Invite a new friend to your next 4-H club meeting! You can use the invitation below to share with them!

4-H is built on strong, positive relationships. Youth are supported by caring adult volunteers and mentors who encourage growth, confidence, and learning. These trusted relationships help youth develop life skills that last far beyond their time in 4-H.

Thursday Feb. 19th - Shoutout an adult or volunteer in the comments to say thank you, or share a picture you have with them!

Joining 4-H is easy! Youth can enroll, choose a project that interests them, and get involved at their own pace. Whether it’s attending a meeting, starting a project, or trying something new, every step in 4-H is a step toward learning and growth. Enrollment is open—now is the perfect time to get started!

Thursday Feb. 26th - Tell us or show us what you're excited for in 4-H this year!

Friday, Feb. 27th - WEAR GREEN!

On Friday, February 20th, we will be hosting an open house at the office! Stop in at any time throughout the day for a treat and conversation! RSVP isn't required, but a heads up is nice for planning!

Join us on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:00–8:00 PM for a 4-H night at Runza! During this time, 15% of all sales will be donated to the Butler County 4-H Council to help support 4-H youth and programs. Grab dinner, invite your family and friends, and enjoy a night out while giving back to Butler County 4-H!

Tiffany Allen has made a beautiful handmade 4-H quilt that we will be raffling off! Tickets can be purchased from Tiffany at the downtown Bank of the Valley branch in David City.

🎟️ Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40.
📅 The winner will be drawn at the end of Nebraska 4-H Enrollment Month in February—don’t miss out!

The K-9 Commanders will kick off their 2026 season on February 17th, meeting 6–7 p.m. at Ag Park. Youth are invited to participate with dogs 6 months and older. The club is led by Susan Littlefield, who brings experience, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping youth grow alongside their dogs. Contact Susan with any questions (susan@americanagnetwork.com) about the club or upcoming meetings. Since this club is in Platte County, you will need to be dual enrolled in both counties, which we can help you with! They’ll begin the year focusing on basic dog obedience, then progress into showmanship and agility as members build confidence and skills.

• Please bring health papers and vaccination records, along with a collar and leash, water for your dog, and snacks for yourself. Meetings will be held in the arena, so dress for the weather—there is no HVAC system.

Come learn, train, and have fun with your four-legged friend!

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!

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)

The 2026 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is underway. This annual contest is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in March and is coordinated by Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

The contest is open to all Nebraska third graders, including public, private, and home‑schooled youth. Students are encouraged to create a poster that shares a clear, severe weather safety or preparedness message. While tornadoes are a common focus, posters may also highlight other hazards like floods, hail, blizzards, lightning, or wildfires.

Winners receive a monetary award and will be featured in the 2027 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Calendar. The top winners and their families are also invited to an awards ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol in March. The attached flier provides more details about the posters and submissions.

Deadline: All entries must be received by the local Emergency Management Director no later than February 6, 2026. Please allow enough time for mailed entries to arrive.

A list of Nebraska Emergency Management Directors and their contact information can be found at https://nema.nebraska.gov/em-directors.php

This is an online horse judging camp for anyone thinking about giving horse judging a try! The camp includes at-home assignments, reasons critique, 4 interactive virtual meetings, quizzes, and certificate of completion!

The fee for this course is $50. To purchase and enroll in this course, go to: https://catalog.extension.org/product...

This camp is for anyone who may be thinking about being on or coaching a Horse Judging team.

Each session will have an assignment, live presentations, discussion of the class and class/runs to practice on and critiques.

Other presenters include:

· Dr. Craig Wood (University of Kentucky, APHA Judge)

· Dr. Karen Waite (Michigan State University, Equine Extension Specialist, AQHA Novice Judge)

· Colleen Brady (Purdue University)

· Dr. Kathy Anderson (University of Nebraska Judging team coach, AQHA, NSBA, APHA judge)

Topics/classes covered include:

· Multi-breed Conformation

· Showmanship at Halter

· Hunt Seat Equitation

· Ranch Trail

· Oral reasons with feedback!

Dates: February 19, 26, March 5, and 12, 2026

Time: 7 - 8:30pm Eastern time: 6 – 7:30 Central time

The fee for this course is $50. To purchase and enroll in this course, go to: https://catalog.extension.org/product...

Dates and topics:

· Thursday February 19 - Multi-Breed Conformation

· Thursday February 21 - Showmanship at Halter

· Tuesday March 6 - Ranch Trail

· Thursday March 13 - Hunt Seat Equitation

This Virtual Horse Judging camp is brought to you by:

· University of Nebraska (Dr. Kathy Anderson - kanderson1@unl.edu)

· Purdue University (Dr. Colleen Brady - bradyc@purdue.edu)

· Oklahoma State University (Dr. Kris Hiney - khiney@okstate.edu)

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.

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

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.

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!

Kolby Burch is our livestock judging coach. Practice dates are:

• February 8th, 6:00pm
• March 15, 6:00pm
• April 12, 6:00pm
• More dates to come!

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

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.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp, youth live on and explore the Nebraska campus, meet students from across the country, investigate an interest or potential career, and have lots of fun making new friends. (This is not a commuter camp). During the week-long camps, students will work with university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like engineering, digital media, or food systems. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, families are invited to attend a capstone presentation where students showcase their achievements.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are open to students going into grades 9-12 during the 2026-2027 school year. Housing and food are provided. Space is limited, and camps will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. To ensure the optimal co-hort learning experience, each camp sets a maximum registration. A waitlist option will be available. Please see Camp Sessions for a list of camps offered, descriptions, capacity, costs, and scholarship opportunities.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are hosted by Nebraska Extension 4‑H Youth Development and University faculty members in various academic areas across campus.

2026 Dates & Deadlines

Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. CT on each of the following days:

• Scholarship Application Deadline - Friday, January 23
• Registration Opens - Tuesday, February 10, at 8:00 a.m. CT
• Early Bird Tuition Rate Deadline - Friday, April 17
• Regulation Tuition Rate Deadline - Friday, May 1
• Late Tuition Rate and Final Registration Deadline - Friday, May 22
• Health Form Submission Deadline - Friday, May 22
• Big Red Camps - Sunday, June 7 - Friday, June 12

Scholarships

Some camps offer scholarships unique to their academic discipline. Big Red Camps also offers general scholarships that may be applied to any camp experience.

Scholarship applications are due January 23, 2026. Scholarship offers will be presented via email on or before February 8, 2026.

Campers will be provided with a unique scholarship code to use at registration.

Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on February 10, 2026, on the Big Red Camps web page.

Registration

Registration opens Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. CT.

No refunds will be issued after May 22, 2026.

Please see Camp Sessions for specific camp rates and maximum enrollment.

All housing and food will be provided for campers throughout the duration of the camp. Campers, parents, and responsible adult family members will receive a series of email newsletters with directions to campus, check-in time, required health form, suggested packing list, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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:

February 23

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