Morrill County Extension 4-H News

May 3- Sheep/Goat/Hog Weigh In- 3-5pm at Morrill County Fairgrounds

May 8- 4-H Horse Camp Registration and Scholarship Due

May 9- Bridgeport High School Graduation

May 10- Mother's Day

May 13- Registrations Due for Communications Contest

May 13- Last Day of School for Bridgeport Youth

May 16- Bayard High School Graduation

May 18-Western Trails 4-H Club Meeting- 5pm- Prairie Winds Community Center

May 18- Redington Valley 4-H Club Meeting-6pm- Bayard Fire Hall- RSVP-Pizza Party-POSTPONED

May 20- Fair Board Meeting 6pm- Extension Office

May 20- Last Day of School for Bayard Youth

May 21- Communications Contest 5 pm - Location TBD

May 21- 4-H Council Meeting 6pm- Extension Office

May 25- OFFICE CLOSED- Memorial Day

May 31- Redington Valley 4-H Club Meeting-4pm- Bayard Fire Hall- RSVP-Pizza Party

June 1- State 4-H Horse Entries Due

June 1- LogN Camp Registrations Due

June 1 - Horse ID Papers due for County and State Competitions-Karen & Penny would like them in!!

June 3 - Informational Horse Meeting and Play Day- MC Fairgrounds 5:30pm

June 9- Morrill County Extension Meeting, 6pm @ Extension Office- 514 Main Street, Bridgeport

June 14- Redington Valley Dog Grooming- open to all 4-Hers- 6:30-8pm Bayard Library Park

June 15- 4-H Enrollment Due, Livestock ID Papers Due, YQCA Training Due, State Fair Animal Nominations Due

June 21- Father's Day

June 30-July 1- LogN Camp at YMCA Trails West Camp in Scottsbluff

We want to congratulate the Class of 2026! We wish you all the best of luck in your future!

EngiNerds Robotics Teams Compete at State Robotics

Nebraska Extension hosted the 17th Annual FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Nebraska State Competition on UNL Campus in Lincoln. Morrill County had one team go compete against 99 other teams from across Nebraska. They walked away from the competition learning a lot and having some fun!

The EngiNerds team consists of Chloe Lowery, Leo Tretter, Collin Sacco, Piper Harris-Miller, Carter Parsons, and Hunter Post. This was their first year competing at state. The team was coached by Sarah Post, Brandon Harris-Miller and Sarah Paisley. They have been working since December to prepare for this event.

The FLL competition revolves around four focus areas in this year’s theme of Unearthed: Game Play, Innovation Project, Robot Presentation, Gracious Professionalism, and a Pit Design. Game Play uses a LEGO-based robot that the team designs and codes to complete various challenges made of LEGOs on a board. Each team has three chances at the board at the competition. The EngiNerds scored 210, 190 and 190 and ended up 51st. The top team was The Panhandle Cookie Bytes out of Scottsbluff scoring 450 points.

The Innovation Project required youth to investigate an issue within the field of Archaeology and create an innovative product to solve a problem. The EngiNerds did lots of research to finally create a specialized electric fence to keep out looters. After pitching their fence idea, they did the Robot Presentation which is a speech about the design and coding that went into their robot.

Gracious Professionalism is a category that judges the team as a whole. FLL focuses on only on being competitive but ensuring that all youth have an opportunity to be engaged, learn new skills, and show good sportsmanship the entire time. Judges asked in-depth questions to find out more about the team as well as watching teams interact throughout the competition.

FLL is a phenomenal program that teaches engineering, coding, and sportsmanship in a unique setting. While we did not come home with any trophies, all of the coaches are so proud of how much time and effort the team has put into their project this year! They all developed communication skills, STEM skills, and a sense of responsibility that will help them in the future. Congratulations to all these youth and their successful year!

If you plan to bring ANYTHING to fair in FFA, we need you to register as an FFA member, please. Even if you are already a registered 4-H member, it helps us to keep everything sorted and notify the correct people. Please take 5 minutes to fill out the following Google Form to register for FFA at the Fair this year.

Go here to fill out the registration form - https://forms.gle/BXMZCqSktZMqLJGu5

Morrill County 4-H participation is growing! Why? Volunteers are putting on workshops that have a wide range of interests. Look and see what our clubs are up to! Want to get involved, call the Extension Office at 308-262-1022 or click on a 4-H Club to talk to the club leaders.

4-H Families and Friends,

I want to take a minute to inform you all that this will be my last summer with Extension. While my time with Extension has been fulfilling and rewarding, I have decided it is time to go back to the classroom and teach something I have always had a deep passion for - science. I am excited for more time at home and to enjoy some much needed time with my family.

As of right now, I do know that I will not be in the office much in June and July. I am unsure of my level of involvement at the county fair at this point but I am confident that regardless of my role, Karen, Penny, the 4-H Council and Livestock Committee will continue to provide a wonderful experience at the fair.

I appreciate all of your support over the past 6 years in Morrill County. Each of you are so talented and amazing, and even though I'll be sitting on the Garden County of the bleachers, I will always cheer you on! To the adults, I hope that you will continue to provide great experiences for our youth and remember that you have the opportunity to shape the future of Morrill County! Always Dream big!!

With Sincere Gratitude,

~Sarah

We are going to try something new this year! A theme for fair. This year everything will have a Hawaiian feel to it. You are encouraged to decorate the barns with some Hawaiian flare! You can even give yourself and your animal some extra Hawaiian love at the sale! Can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Printed copies are in the Extension Office or download the PDF from here.

Registrations are due on May 13th. Go to https://app.smore.com/n/jwr18 to get more information and registration papers.

AG 360 : Exploring Hawaii, Alaska, and Nebraska in VR

Join this FUN one-day camp to explore agriculture and technology through the creation of virtual reality (VR) tours. Participants will learn about local agriculture as well as Hawaii and Alaska, create tours, and publish their work for public viewing. You will also have the chance to immerse yourself in local agriculture and ask questions of ag professionals while learning about both VR Tour creation and innovative agricultural and research practices.

WHO: Youth going into grades 7th grade and up!

COST: $25 (includes lunch, snacks, and supplies for all activities)

WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:

May 29th at Eastern NE Research Extension, Education Center (Mead)

June 1st at West Central Research Extension, Education Center (North Platte)

June 2nd at Panhandle Research Extension, Education Center (Scottsbluff)

June 3rd at US Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center)

June 4th at Haskell Ag Lab (Concord)

Registration submitted and payment postmarked by May 26th

Register at https://go.unl.edu/ag360 or use QR Code

Space is limited to 40 participants at each site.

Questions? Reach out to Brandy at (402) 759-3712 or brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or Sarah at (308) 772-3311 or spaisley3@unl.edu

Course Details:

• Day One: The first day covers the essential components of NSTMOP, as well as additional training in emergency response, stop-the-bleed techniques, personal protective equipment and other lifesaving skills.
• Day Two: The second day includes a hands-on driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to hitch and unhitch equipment, as well as drive a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also provide education on safe practices and legal guidelines for ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).

The cost for the two-day course is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks for in-person training sessions.

Additional Information:

Youth under the age of 14 can attend Day One if accompanied by an adult, but they are not eligible to drive equipment, participate in Day Two or receive certification. Students under 14 must register, but they will not be charged a fee. New and beginning farmers who want to increase their knowledge about safe farm practices are also urged to register and attend.

• May 26-27 - Lincoln-Logan-McPherson County Extension Office, 348 W. State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska
• May 28-29 - Red Willow County Fairgrounds-4H Building, 1400 W. Fifth St., McCook, Nebraska
• June 1-2 - Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska
• June 3 - Sheridan County Fairgrounds. 613 E. Third St., Gordon, Nebraska
• June 4-5 - AKRS Equipment, 49157 Douglas Ave., O’Neill, Nebraska
• June 8-9 - Raising Nebraska, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska
• June 10-11 - Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington St., West Point, Nebraska
• June 23-24 - Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, Nebraska
• June 25 - Phelps County Fairgrounds, 1308 Second St., Holdrege, Nebraska
• June 29-30 - Valley County Fairgrounds, 801 South St., Ord, Nebraska
• July 1-2 - Ag Hall at Tuxedo Park, 1700 Tuxedo Park Road, Crete, Nebraska
• July 1-2 - Butler Country Fairgrounds, 62 L St., David City, Nebraska
• Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day One or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.

To get more information and to register, visit: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html

Contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu with questions on the courses.

Time for one of my favorite camps - LOG N!! This year we will traveling to Scottsbluff. Transportation is provided. This is open to youth currently in 5th through 7th grade. Reserve your spot today!!

Entries will open May 1 and close June 1.

Important update for 2026:
Ranch Riding has moved from an Advanced Horsemanship Level III class to Level II. Ranch Riding will now be offered in three age divisions at the state horse show: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior.

Updates have also been made to the Nebraska 4‑H Horse Show and Judging Guide in the online rule book. Please note that the online rule book will serve as the official rule book for 2026.

If you would like a paper copy of the horse rule books, they will about $10 per book. OR you can access a free copy online at the button below. Because there is a free option, we will NOT be stocking the hard copies in the office like we have in the past. Therefore, let us know if you would like to order a copy of the book. It will take at least 10 days to order one so don't wait last minute!

Whether you intend to participate at the county or state level, horse ID sheets are due June 1st!! Please let us know if you intend to go to state so we can send paperwork on to the state office.

🐴🏇Click on QR Code for Camp Details, Registration, Scholarship Application and more!🐎🎠

If you weighed in your animal, you have these completed most likely. However, if you are bringing breeding stock, pigs, bucket calves, you will definitely need to get these papers filled out. You can print off your own copy below OR stop by the office to pick one up. They are due June 15th!!

Do you want to take your animal projects to the next level? Consider showing at the Nebraska State Fair - August 28th to 30th (4-H weekend). Click the link below to start learning more about the requirements.

Sign up to be a part of the Livestock Achievement Program!!

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.

The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-Hers 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 & resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop & determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-Hers interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, & different.

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 & developed by a farmer in Eastern Nebraska, called Nebraska Red. The second is a commercial variety, Robust 997.

4-Hers enrolled in the Special Agronomy Project will:

• For 2026, each youth will receive 2 "packets" of seeds in April
• Grow their seeds in their garden - recommended not to plan sweet corn due to cross pollination potential, but dent corn won't impact the popcorn & these two varieties when planted at the same day will pollinate at different times.
• Receive written resource materials
• Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County &/or State Fair in the following Agronomy Project areas:

1. G750011 - Special Agronomy Project - Educational Exhibit (SF259)
2. G750012 - Special Agronomy Project - Video Presentation
3. G750013 - Special Agronomy Project (Freshly Harvested Crop -Either 2 ears or 1 plant- These can be the same variety or 1 of each)

The Special Garden Project is a way to offer Nebraska youth the chance to grow unusual & fun projects in their gardens.

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.

Take your gardening to the next level!

Register today for Heavy Equipment Career Exploration set for Tuesday, July 7th at Central Community College – Hastings. Participants will navigate and drive virtual heavy equipment simulates, have behind the wheel experience, and learn from individuals in the career. Cost is $35. Register at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment by Monday, June 29, 2026. Limit of 25 spots available on a first come first serve basis.

More details at: https://adams.unl.edu

Calling all youth ages 8–18! Are you ready to dive into the world of animal science? Join animal science faculty, educators and industry experts for a day of hands-on learning and career exploration.

From mastering the Science of Super Pests to testing your wits in an Animal Science Escape Room, this interactive event offers a deep dive into the industry.

• When: June 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CT
• Where: NCTA Campus, Ag Education Center – Curtis, NE
• Featured Sessions: Goats & Lambs, Animal Nutrition, Agriculture Advocacy, Muscle to Meat, Science of Super Pests, and Escape Room.
• Cost: $20 (includes lunch) if registered by May 29; $30 for late registrations.

Don’t miss out—secure your spot today! Register at go.unl.edu/asdiscoverday2026 or contact Kimberly Cook at kimberly.cook@unl.edu for more details.

The Dryland Toughies 4-H Club in Cheyenne County is hosting a Sheep & Goat Showmanship and Fitting Clinic on Saturday, June 13. The clinic will be at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds from 9:00am – 2:00pm. The clinic is open to all ages and experience levels, and the registration fee is $50 which includes lunch. Additional information can be found in the attached flyer.

Please share with any of your 4-H youth that might be interested in attending! Here is the link to register for the clinic: https://form.jotform.com/261096699023060.

The 4-H Discover Box delivers fun, engaging learning experiences directly to your doorstep! This quarterly activity kit allows youth to explore different topics within 4-H - learn something new and maybe even spark a new hobby or 4-H project! Each kit is curated around a topic with activities that come directly from 4-H curriculum! The guide inside includes activity instructions and opportunities to keep the fun (and learning) going with activities on CLOVER by 4-H!

This quarter's kit is all about the world of animal science and caring for all creatures -- big and small! Exploring different breeds and species provides a great introduction to the animal kingdom and veterinary medicine. Learn about different breeds of animals and what they provide, as well as how to measure medicine to give care when they are in need.

More details at: https://shop4-h.org/products/4-h-discover-box-critter-care-101

**Click on button for all Morrill County 4-H information.

Morrill County Extension Office and Staff are here to serve you! Use our office as a valuable resource for information on Beef Systems, Community Environment, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Crop and Water Systems, Health and Well Being, The Learning Child and anything else that matters to you and you would like more information about.

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Extension is a very broad office with many resources to pull from, including and not limited to the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska Medical Center. We are proud of the partnerships that we have formed and are still forming.

Sarah Paisley- Educator, mailto:spaisley3@nebraska.edu,

Ashley Fenning- Health and Well Being, mailto:astevens4@nebraska.edu,

Karen Petersen- 4-H Assistant, mailto:kpetersen35@nebraska.edu

and Penny Fellhoelter- Office Manager, mailto:pfellhoelter2@nebraska.edu, are here to serve you for Morrill County. Please call the office at 308-262-1022 for questions, we would love to be able to help and serve you.