4-H Newsletter

February Edition

In this edition:

4-H Month
2026 Special Garden Project
2026 Special Agronomy Project
4-H Council Treasurer's Training
State Programming

4-H Member Month

February is 4-H Member Month in Nebraska – a time to celebrate how membership in 4-H prepares youth for work and for life. Through hands-on learning and supportive relationships, 4-H helps youth discover their sparks, or the interests and skills that inspire purpose, while fostering a strong sense of belonging where members feel valued and connected. Youth also benefit from developmental relationships with caring adults who guide and encourage growth, as well as from meaningful engagement through active leadership and learning opportunities.

To celebrate, print off the 4-H Month BINGO card and participate in activities that inspire your spark, and serve your community! If you get a bingo and turn in your card to the CSA Extension Office by February 27th, you will win a prize!

pdf

insert_drive_file

4-H Month Bingo Printable

Download

86.7 KB

Brittney's Monthly Office Schedule

Every Wednesday this month, I will be in Hyannis from 1:00-5:00. I will be unavailable from 2:30-3:45 but you can find me at the Hyannis library from 1:00-2:30 or 4:00-5:00 for any enrollment or general 4-H questions.

Family Handbook

Are you new to 4-H or just wanting to learn more about the program? Pick up a 4-H Family Handbook at either of our office locations or email Brittney at bemerson4@unl.edu and she will send you a copy.

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.

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