Scotts Bluff County 4-H

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong. Across the state, Nebraska 4-H invites community members to celebrate:

• 2/05: Belonging/Spirit Day
• 2/12: Engagement/Volunteer Appreciation
• 2/19: Developmental Relationships/Supporter Appreciation
• 2/26: Fosters Sparks/Give Back Day
• 2/27: March into 4-H

https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-promotion

In celebration of 4‑H Member Month, 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.

Hello 4-H Families! As we embark on a new 4-H programming year, all 4-H families will enroll in clubs and projects through 4HOnline at v2.4honline.com.

If you are a returning member, go to v2.4honline.com and log in with your email address and password. Once logged in, you can update and add members and member information along with projects and clubs. Required fields are marked with red asterisk.

4HOnline is a web-based enrollment system that will allow families to enroll in 4-H on your personal computer or mobile device. If you do not have internet access at home, feel free to stop by the Nebraska Extension office and use our computers. You'll be able to complete all of the information necessary to join 4-H online, including 4-H code of conduct forms and health forms. There will be no paper forms to submit for enrollment.

Members may enroll at any time during the year, but to be eligible for County Fair and State Contests these enrollment deadlines need to be met:

Re-Enrollment - If you were enrolled in 4-H in 2025 or previous years, enroll online and pay the $5 fee to the Extension Office. If you are a returning member and haven't enrolled yet, please enroll as soon as possible.

4-H Online member re-enrollment instructions
4-H Online new family member add instructions

New Enrollment - Youth who are joining 4-H for the first time are encouraged to enroll online and pay the $5 as soon as possible and no later than June 15 to be eligible for County Fair.

Volunteers - Volunteers will enroll electronically. Returning leaders: If you have children in 4-H, log into your family account at v2.4honline.com and update your information. Volunteers without children in 4-H should go to v2.4honline.com, enter the email you have used in the past with 4-H and choose, "I forgot my password". A new password will be emailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, let the Extension office help you!

Volunteers must re-enroll each year to retain status in years of service and for University of Nebraska-Lincoln liability insurance. Contact the Extension Office for more info.

• Volunteer enrollment instructions

Beef

4-H & FFA Beef weigh-in will take place at the University of Nebraska (UNL) Panhandle Research Extension & Education Center Feedlot on February 21 and March 28, 2026 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The UNL Feedlot is located north of Scottsbluff off of Experiment Farm Road. Call 632-1480 if you need directions!

County tags are $1 each and we will have all the paperwork needed.

If you are interested in showing market beef, breeding beef, and feeder calves at State Fair, you will need an EID tag ($3) and MUST submit a DNA kit for these animals.

Nebraska State Fair / AKSARBEN: All livestock in contention to exhibit at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair will be required to submit a DNA nomination. Market Beef DNA can be pulled at the weigh-ins. All 4-H/FFA Breeding livestock, market livestock, and Feeder calves will be required to submit a DNA sample/envelope to be eligible to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. New this year exhibitors must get a separate envelope to submit DNA for AKSARBEN. DNA nominations for the Nebraska State Fair are due to the Nebraska Extension Office before June 15. To finish your nomination for State Fair you must submit nomination information and fees online.

Contact the Extension Office if you have questions.

Sheep/Swine/Goat

4-H & FFA Sheep/Swine/Goat weigh-in/tagging will take place at the fairgrounds in Mitchell on May 19 and May 21 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

In-person YQCA training is being held April 16th at 6:00pm at the Panhandle Research & Extension Center. Instructions how to register will be sent through Band and 4Honline.

July 19-August 1, 2026

The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln hosts an annual summer camp for high school students interested in computing.

During the two-week, overnight camp students will:

• Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum
• Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School
• Visit campus research labs and local employer partners
• Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026.

Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available.

Interested students can find more details and complete the application at https://raikes.unl.edu/summer-camp/.

The Nebraska 4-H volunteer recognition program is designed to complement the tradition of recognizing outstanding volunteers and provide a standard and consistent approach to volunteer recognition across Nebraska. The purpose is to provide a base for Extension staff to sustain volunteers, build leadership potential, and offer recognition and praise for the great work of volunteers.

Timeline:

• Nomination Form Opens - February 8
• Nomination Form Closes - March 20
• Award Winners Announcement - Week of the Volunteer
• Awards Presentation - Nebraska State Fair

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, 4-H camp volunteer. etc.

More information is available at https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.

We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.

Key Features:

• Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.
• Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.
• Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.
• Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:
• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500
• Third Place: $250
• Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage .

Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program – Year 5!

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

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.

The special gardening project offers 4-H members an opportunity to grow fun and unusual projects in their gardens. Each year, a new plant is selected as the focus for all members enrolled in the project. Youth receive seeds that they plant and cultivate using project resources provided throughout the experience. 4-H’ers then have the opportunity to exhibit harvested vegetables or cut flowers or present their experiences through a poster or report at their county fair. Youth interested in participating must enroll in the special gardening project through 4-H Online. Learn more at 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 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.

Enroll for the 2026 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members.

For more information visit the CropWatch page https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/special-agronomy-project/.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-fairbook-nebraska-state-fair/static-exhibits/agronomy/.

Clothing Day - July 18th

Shooting Sports - July 18th (.22 Steel Target, .22 paper target .22 Silhouette, and Archery)

Dog Show - July 19th

Horse Show - July 25th at the Historic Saddle Club

Fort Robinson Horse Camp – June 11-13

2026 4-H Horse Stampede April 25 – April 26, 2026

Entries must be submitted online by Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Find more information at NE 4-H Horse Stampede.

Fonner Park 4-H State Horse Show- July 11-15 – Grand Island, NE

Virtual Horse Judging Camp

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

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

Contact the office for more information.

Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship

The Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who has been in 4-H within the last four years and who is interested in continuing their education. Payments will be made directly to the school of the recipient’s choice. The award has increased to $800 this year!

Application Deadline is April 15, 2026.

Contact the Extension Office or your school advisor for the application.

Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center is accepting scholarship submissions for 2026. The Review Committee will make its selection by May 1. Scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded.

The application period will be open until April 1, 2026.

To apply for the scholarship, visit https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LE6WLZ7KKFV7H8,

If there are questions, please contact Deidra McCarthy at dmccarthy2@unl.edu or at 308-632-1230.

The email subject line should be “2026 Scholarship Recommendation Letter (Insert Name of Student).” The application will be considered incomplete without the letter.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have attended high school in the Panhandle of Nebraska in one of the following counties:
• Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, and Thomas
• Be attending any of the Nebraska University Campuses, including Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
• Majoring in Agronomy, Ag Economics, Animal Science, Vet Science, Agriculture Technology, or a related degree emphasizing agriculture.
• Be a graduating high school senior or in the first or second year of study.

Awards will be chosen by May 1, and applicants will be notified via email if selected.

For more information or questions, contact Deidra McCarthy at dmccarthy2@unl.edu or 308-632-1230.

Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholarships

The Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding college junior, senior, or graduate-level student. Eligible students must be residents of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a breed industry-related degree. The scholarship will be awarded based on student needs, Nebraska beef industry involvement (past achievements and future plans), and academics. Applications are due by 11:59pm CST on March 1, 2026. Please email Ashley McClinton (ncf@necattlemen.org) or call 402-475-2333 (Tuesday-Friday) with any scholarship related questions.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) offers scholarships to qualified youth in Nebraska who have an interest in the beef industry. These scholarships are provided through contributions received by NCF. Applications are due by 11:59pm CST on March 1, 2026. Please email Ashley McClinton (ncf@necattlemen.org) or call 402-475-2333 (Tuesday-Friday) with any scholarship related questions.

Find the application on the website https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/research-and-education-foundation.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agronomy and Horticulture Department offers several scholarships for students pursuing studies in agriculture, crop, or plant sciences.

The following scholarships offer $1,000 for freshmen or sophomores and above pursuing agriculture, crop, or plant science studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

• Dennis Thompson Crop Improvement Scholarship – $1,000 for freshmen pursuing agriculture or crop science.

Candidates must express an interest in or be majoring in Agronomy, CASNR, IANR, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Preference will be given to graduates of any Class B, C, or D high school located in any of the following counties in Nebraska: Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Buffalo, Box Butte, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawson, Dawes, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Holt, Kearney, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Scottsbluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley, or Deuel. High School classification will be based on the current classification system used by the Nebraska School Activities Association, or on the equivalent classes of any future system.

Scholarship funds will be deposited directly into the student's UNL account for tuition or books. Deadline is March 13.

• Nebraska Seed Trade Association (NSTA) Freshman Scholarship – $1,000 for incoming students planning studies in agriculture, crop, or plant sciences.

New students enrolling at the University of Nebraska. They must possess a strong interest in the area of seed industry, crop production, seed technology, or plant breeding, and major in a degree program offered by the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska. Deadline is April 1.

• Nebraska Seed Trade Association (NSTA) Upperclassman Scholarship – $1,000 for sophomores and above pursuing agriculture, crop, or plant science studies.

Students must have sophomore class standing or above at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Candidates shall be pursuing any degree program in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, or the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Deadline is April 1.

To apply for the above scholarships or for more information, visit NCIA Scholarships or NSTA Scholarships.

The scholarships are also listed on UNL’s Agronomy and Horticulture page under “scholarships with separate applications.”

Email: abrown132@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/scottsbluff-morrill/
Location: 4502 Ave I Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone: 308-632-1480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffco4h/

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.