Saunders County 4-H Update

February 10- BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification

February 17- BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification

February 24- BB Gun/Air Rifle Certification

February 15 - Special Agronomy Seed orders due.

February 16th- Market Beef Weigh Day.

February 28th- 4-H Horse Stampede Entries due.

March 1- 4-H Council Senior Scholarship Application Deadline

March 15- Chick Days registration deadline.

March 22- Chick Days- UNL East Campus

March 29-30- 4-H Horse Stampede.

We wanted everyone aware our website went through a migration to a new platform. You can still access our website at the same address, however many links you may have saved may not work any longer. We encourage you to explore our updated site and resave links. Do know some links may still not work, we are working through getting missing links connected again.

If you need assistance finding anything please let us know, we are happy to assist you. We hope the new site is more user friendly and easier to navigate to find what you need.

To access our website please visit: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/

Unified Showing is a 4-H club which empowers youth with disabilities through learning about and showing lambs with the aid of youth buddies. The club will practice once a week throughout the summer and then exhibit lambs in a special class at the 4-H Sheep Show during the Saunders County Fair. Youth with disabilities ages 8–18 and youth without disabilities ages 14–18 are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 1. Lambs are provided and kept at a local farm. This year’s program will be capped at the first 5 youths applying, first come first serve. If youth are interested in serving as buddies, please reach out. For more information, contact the Extension office at 402-624-8030 and we will get you in touch with the leaders.

It's time to start thinking about planting for 2025! The Special Garden project for 2025 is the Goldie Husk Cherry. This old-fashioned fruit from the tomato family has sweet berries inside golden husks. The fruits have many uses and can be eaten raw, dried, frozen, canned, or made into tasty treats like pies, desserts, or preserves.

Sign up via the google form link. All participants will receive seeds and growing instructions as well as information on how to enter into the Saunders County Fair and the Nebraska State Fair!

https://go.unl.edu/SaundersSGP

After February 7th, contact the office to see if additional seeds are available.

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 fifth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sunflowers! There are two types of sunflower production in Nebraska. There are those grown for oil production, and those grown for human food consumption referred to as confectionery seeds. A portion of the oil seed production is used in the bird seed industry. Sunflowers are grown throughout the state of Nebraska with the greatest concentration in western Nebraska. The variety we will be growing is a high oleic hybrid. Its oil profile combined with a nice black seed color ensures multiple market options.

Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.

Enroll for the 2025 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and filling out the form at https://go.unl.edu/2025SaundersSAP order packets of seeds by February 15th. After 2/15, contact the office to see if additional seeds are available.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.

CALL FOR 2025 4-H COUNCIL MEMBERS!!

We are beginning the search for 2025 Saunders County 4-H Council members! Want to get involved in shaping and sharing the Saunders County 4-H program? This is your chance!

4-H Council is open to any youth and adult members who support the Saunders County 4-H program.

For more information visit: https://go.unl.edu/Saunders4HCouncil

Applications are being accepted now!

What is the Saunders County 4-H Council?

• The purpose of the Council shall be to fulfill the mission of the 4-H youth development education program of Nebraska Extension in cooperation with the Extension staff and the Extension Board.
• Secure and manage private resources and fund raising available to the 4-H and youth development program to support local programs.
• Assist in planning and executing a well-balanced program for 4-H youth with both short- and term-goals.
• Support local policy development, while understanding state and national guidelines for the larger program.
• Serve as a community connector between the 4-H program and the Extension Board, Fair Board, Agriculture Societies, other youth organizations and the public.
• Advocate the philosophy of the 4-H youth development program and serve as an advocate for youth.
• Develop and maintain a vigorous active Council membership that works in cooperation with the Extension staff to have a strong program in the best interest of youth.
• Provide a recognition program for volunteers and youth in the 4-H program.

Who is on 4-H Council?

The county 4-H Council and the 4-H program in Saunders County shall have a membership open to any youth or adult without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap. Council youth representatives will be between 13-19 years of age.

How often will 4-H Council meet and where?

At least four meetings will be held each year with the dates of these meetings set at the first meeting held in January. Meetings will be held at the Saunders County Extension office in Ithaca unless otherwise stated.

How long do members serve?

Adult council members will serve a three-year term. Youth council members will serve a two-year term.

Diamond Clover and Achievement Applications are due to our office by November 30th. Both can earn you scholarships to Saunders County 4-H activities like workshops just by submitting them!

State-Eligible Achievement Applications

• Senior Achievement Applications (active 4-H members, ages 15-18 as of December 31 of the current year) will be accepted for state-level awards and recognition.
• State-Eligible applicants may apply to be delegates for National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference as well as be considered for Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships.
• Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship applicants will need to complete an additional section titled "Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships."
• The complete Achievement Application will serve as the Scholarship Application for scholarships found at ne4hfoundation.org/scholarships.
• Scholarship applicants will need to note on their Achievement Application which scholarships they are applying for. Current transcripts and ACT/SAT scores need to be submitted with the Achievement Application.
• Nebraska Delegate applicants will need to complete an additional section titled "Representing Nebraska 4-H."

Full details can be found here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/4-h/statewide-4-h-contests-opportunities/

We keep a running list of progress shows and clinics for Small Animals (Rabbits, Poultry, Cat, Dog, Pocket Pets), Horse, Large Livestock (Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goat) as well as other clinics of interest. Check them out by clicking the button above.

Clubs and Independent members can apply for a grant to support projects and activities.

Thank you to our 2024 4-H Council Sponsors! Funds raised support the Saunders County 4-H Fair, leader trainings and certifications, Saunders county 4-H members competing at state contests and events, Saunders county contests, scholarships and so much more!

We are delighted to announce the Innovative Youth Corn 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 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. Registration deadline is April 1st.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

New volunteer resources and information are available for club leaders, parents, and other 4-H volunteers. Visit for more information:https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/4-h/4-h-clubs-leaders/

Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.

Enroll as a volunteer or enroll your youth! More details at https://go.unl.edu/SaundersEnroll

The Nebraska 4-H Glossary provides general terminology and language used within the Nebraska 4-H program. Check it out at https://4h.unl.edu/glossary

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.

The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made in advance to the Saunders County Extension Office.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Email: Saunders-county@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/saunders/
Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC)

1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 624-8030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaundersCountyExtension4h

Instagram: https://instagram.com/saunders_county_extension_4H

Office Hours 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday- Friday