Adams County 4-H Newsletter
February, 2023 Issue
In this Issue
- Note from the Extension Office
- Leaders & Parents Corner
- 4-H Council
- Youth Information
- Project Information
- 4-H Calendar
A Note from the Extension Office
February is NEBRASKA 4-H Month! Show your 4-H pride throughout the month by wearing your 4-H t-shirt and promoting 4-H. In celebration of Nebraska 4-H Month, let’s recognize our fantastic volunteers and sponsors that make the program happen through handwritten, personal notes!
- Let’s celebrate our volunteers by sending a Thank You note by Tuesday, February 14th. We are asking each youth to pick at least one volunteer to send a personal ‘thank you’ for helping with a 4-H project, serving as a superintendent, or your club leader.
- Let’s celebrate our sponsors by sending a Thank You note by Tuesday, February 21st. We are asking each youth to pick at least one sponsor. Consider those who sponsored your trophy, livestock auction, ribbons, or club events.
- Let’s celebrate 4-H professionals by sending a Thank You note by Tuesday, February 28th. We are asking each of you to think of a person who you know helped at a State event, possibly State Horse Show, State Fair, PASE, Communications Event – there are tons of 4-H Professionals to choose from!
Be A Part of Adams County 4-H in 2023
Also, watch for special posts on the Adams County Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H and participate in the fun with your comments. As a reminder, January 1st officially started the 2023 4-H calendar year. The current edition of the 4-H Family Handbook is available on our website. The enrollment process for 2023 is an online enrollment process. Instructions on how to enroll online are on the Adams County website along with the 2023 Project Resource Central (pick-a-project). We will not have paper forms but will be happy to help you do the online form. We hope that you take some extra time this year and sign up for a project you can do as a family or together with another person. Challenge yourself by switching to a new or more challenging project. Please note again this year we will be completing the fair entry online in the static area and contest along with livestock, more to come on this at a later date. Whatever you do, we hope you continue to be part of the Adams County 4-H Program.
Extension Office Closed
- February 20 - Presidents Day
Congratulations
- Kassie Kimle - Runner up for Outstanding Tribland 4-Her
- Emily Barfknecht, Emily Brhel & Rachel Brhel - Honorable Mention for Outstanding Tribland 4-Her
- Emily Barfknecht & Emily Brhel - National 4-H Congress Runner Up
- Emily Brhel - National 4-H Conference Finalist
- Dakotah McCoy - Ambassador for Nebraska Shooting Sports
- Archery Shooters - Participating in the Columbus Shoot
Thank-You!
Thank you to all who made the 4-H Council's Soup Supper a huge success. The chicken noodle, chili and desserts were delicious. A special thank you goes to the 4-H Council fund raising committee for taking charge of the event along with the business sponsors.
Leaders & Parents Corner
Ways to Communicate with us!
Communication Tool: Remind App
Adams County 4-H would like to improve our communication and outreach with our 4-H families, volunteers, and partners. Therefore, we invite you to join Adams County 4-H in the Remind App! https://www.remind.com/join/adamsco4h Join today and be caught up on everything happening. Already have the Remind App? Look up for the Class Code: @adamsco4h
Checkout the Facebook Page
Follow our 4-H Facebook Page that allows us to focus on 4-H content focused for our 4-H families. You may review it at: https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H
We still have the UNL Extension in Adams County Facebook page for all the Adams County Extension information.
Junior Leader News
“All Aboard the LeaderSHIP” The Adams County 4-H Junior Leaders next meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. on February 19, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Adams County Extension Office. Anyone is welcome to join the Junior Leader’s Club that is 12 by January 1, 2023, or older. You must be an active member of the Adams County 4-H program by being a member of an organized 4-H club or an independent member. Junior Leaders do a lot of fun, learning and leadership activities, this year the focus will be on the “new” pilot program for Wish of a Lifetime partnering with elderly adults. Some of the Jr. Leader activities are: pancake feed and food booth at the county fair, along with helping members and younger 4-H’ers with 4-H projects and being positive role model for younger 4-H’ers. Bring a friend and make new friends. Also, you are eligible to earn a scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact Julie at the Adams County Extension Office (402-461-7209).
4-H Leader and Volunteer Enrollment
We depend on and use 4-H leaders and volunteers throughout the Adams County 4-H program.
Thank you for being an Active volunteer in 2022. We would love to have you continue to be a leader in 2023!
Nebraska State 4-H requires all the Volunteers and 4-H Leaders have an “Active” status in 4-H Online every year. They have requested that volunteers complete this process by March 15, 2023 for the current 4-H year. We would appreciate it if you could complete it sooner.
Complete instructions can be found at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/Volunteer_Re-Enrollment_Instructions_4H_Online_2023.pdf
Club Resources
Needing some ideas for your 4-H Club? There are a ton of resources on our State 4-H page to assist you. Please check out the links below. Topics covered but not limited are:
· Club Leader Resources— https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders
· Meeting and Officer Resources—https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders#officer
· Club Activities and Projects—https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders#teaching
Clubs Need YOU!
We are looking for a few adults that are willing to start one or two new clubs to Adams County 4-H Program. Our program is growing with new members wanting a 4-H Club to call home. If you are willing to serve in this capacity, please reach out. Watch for new 4-H Club opportunities in 2023 to get the traditional 4-H Club experience.
4-H 101
Are you new to the 4-H program and need some extra guidance? This group will navigate you through your first or second year of 4-H, you will be instructed on deadlines, projects and exhibits, guided on proper 4-H procedures all while having a great time. This special interest group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Extension Office. Mark your calendar for meeting on February 21st, this meeting will be covering enrolling in 4-H and selecting projects, please RSVP the Extension Office at 402-461-7209 by February 17th.
Save the dates for 2023 Adams County Fair July 19 - 23
It's official, 2023 Adams County Fairfest Dates!
The 2023 Adams County Fair is July 19th to July 23th. Static Exhibits will be entered Sunday & Monday July 16th & 17th. Livestock check-in is Tuesday July 18th. Livestock Auction will be Monday, July 24th. The livestock show schedule including Clover Kids will be the same as the 2022 fair.
4-H Council
January Happenings:
- Nominations
- Soup Supper
- 2023 Calendar
- Shooting Sports Update / Plan for 2023
February Happenings:
- Committee Assignments
February 4-H Month
Beef Weigh Day
Horse Levels & High Point Horse
YQCA
2023 4-H Council Officers
We would like to thank the 2022 4-H Council for their dedication and support to the Adams County 4-H Council. We are happy to announce the 2023 4-H Council Officers. They are
President: Michele Burnham
Vice President: Heather Mohling
Treasurer: Kiley McCoy
Secretary: Jamee Bockerman
Executive Board: Will Rathje & John Scheideler
Youth Information
4-H Enrollment is now open for 2023
Get a start on a great 4-H year and beat the last-minute scramble by re-enrolling for the 2023 4-H year at https://v2.4honline.com. If Adams County is your primary County, you have the options of paying the $5.00 enrollment online with a credit card or you can pay via check or cash in our office.
If Adams County is your 2nd County, you must pay Adams County 4-H enrollment fee directly (cash or check only) to our office. Remember that once your enrollment is complete and approved you can still go back in and add additional projects until June 15th. Your early enrollment makes you eligible for Adams County’s Early Bird incentives.
Adams County Communication Contest is March 12th!
Speech, PSA, Preforming Arts and Presentations
If your love is public speaking or entertaining an audience this contest is for you! Now is the time to start gearing up for this contest. You can register by calling the Extension Office at 402-461-7209 until March 10th at noon and the contest is on March 12th at 1:30 PM at the Extension Office.
Classes available are:
- Speech for Jr. Int. Sr.
- PSA for Jr. Int. Sr. – Theme “Discover your spark in Nebraska 4-H”
- Performing Arts – Drill or Dance Routine (Individual or Group), Song Group, Combo or Band, Individual Vocal, Individual Instrumental, Whole Club Performance, Duet – Vocal, Duet – Instrumental, Other: such as one-act plays, musical performances, pantomimes etc.
- Presentation - Illustrated Presentation (Individual or team)
- Clover Kids - See Clover Kids section of Newsletter for participation details
For more details check out
https://4h.unl.edu/premier-communication-event this includes Presentations, Speech and PSA contests
Seeking Adams County Changemakers
Make a difference in your community and surrounding area. Beth is seeking two teens that enjoy technology and are willing to help teach adults. These two teens will be the first 4-H Tech Changemakers in Adams County. Teens would teach at least two - 30-to-40-minute sessions before May 28th. Topic, Time and Date of session would be selected based on the teen’s and Beth’s schedule. Teens complete an online training and join a co-hort of other Nebraska 4-H Tech Changemakers. This is part of a National 4-H Program as well. Reach out to Beth by Feb 15th if interested.
Adams/Webster Citizenship Washington Focus Trip
It is time to start filling our bus (or plane) for the 2025 CWF Experience! Youth can sign up now with their intent to attend the 2025, 2028, and 2031 CWF Experience. Register today by completing the ‘CWF Participant Form’ and get the correspondence and information regarding fundraising, decision making (bus or plane), and more! While exact dates for 2025 and beyond cannot be finalized, we would be gone about 10 to 14 days with 5 of that at the National 4-H Center. I would encourage families to save from after Memorial Day to the first two full weeks of June open. A final ‘Commitment MoU” CWF Form will be completed leading up to the year trip.
Start the conversation now with your family to attend as a 15 – 18 year old:
- CWF 2025 = Current Age is 13 to 16
- CWF 2028 = Current Age is 10 to 13
- CWF 2031 = Current Age is 7 to 10
Contact Twila Bankson for the ‘CWF Participant Form’ to show your intent today! Fundraising plans are in movement and will be announced soon!
Scholarships
Be sure to check out the scholarships focused on 4-H! For local scholarships, visit - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/scholarships/ For Statewide 4-H Scholarships visit https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/scholarships/
NDA’s Poster Contest Celebrates Nebraska Agriculture
From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, agriculture positively impacts all of us. To highlight and celebrate agriculture’s many contributions, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is sponsoring a student poster contest. NDA’s annual poster contest is in its 20th year and is open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Nebraska Agriculture.” “NDA’s poster contest highlights Nebraska’s number one industry and reminds all Nebraskans that agriculture is a big part of all of our lives,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The contest also gives parents and teachers an opportunity to talk with students about agriculture and the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.” NDA’s poster contest is divided into three age categories: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students, in any Nebraska public, private or home school. Entries must be received at NDA’s office by March 1, 2023. NDA will announce the winners of this year’s poster contest during National Ag Week, March 19-25, 2023. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries from this year’s contest on its website and in promotional materials and publications. Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at the newly updated “Kids Page” on the NDA website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov. “Agriculture gives us a lot to be grateful for and a lot to celebrate,” said Vinton. “I look forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they share their ideas of what Nebraska agriculture looks like to them.”
More 4-H Opportunities
Keep current with statewide opportunities posted on Facebook at https://facebook.com/Nebraska4H
Keep current with local opportunities posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H
Project Information
Shooting Sports
Always looking for Volunteers and Instructors!
Adams County Shooting Sports Program is in need of Instructors for next year! If you are interested please contact Julie at the Adams County Extension Office.
Calendar for Adams County Shooting Sports Activities
- Shooting Sports Classes in session (Archery, BB Gun, Air Rifle, Air Pistol & Shotgun) - Weekly
- Shooting Sports Celebration – March 26th, Fairgrounds East Activity Building @ 5:00 PM
Family & Consumer Science
Floriculture, Horticulture & Plant Science
Special Garden Project
The 2023 Special Garden Project will focus on Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil. This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or used as a cut flower in arrangements to add scent and interest.
Get Started:
- Enroll for the "PS: Horticulture (D) - Special Garden Project" through 4-H Online.
- Contact the Adams County Extension Office and let them know how many seed packets you need. If you do not contact your local Extension Office, seeds might not be available for you. Seed packets will be $1.00 per package.
- Pick seeds up from your local county Extension office when the county tells you the seeds are available which should be around March or April.
By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation.
Livestock
Beef Weigh Day
Again this year the 4-H council has decided to offer only one weigh day for Beef, so be sure to Mark your Calendars! Beef Weigh Day is scheduled for Sunday, February 19th at the Animal Clinic, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. If cancelled, there is no reschedule. It is not mandatory for exhibitors planning on showing Market Beef at fair to weigh their beef at a weigh date. However, animals will need to be weighed at Adams County Weigh Day to participate in the Rate of Gain Contest.
If you do not weigh in your animals you will need to stop by the Extension Office to pick up tags and complete your paper work. The Carcass Contest has been eliminated due to processing complications.
If you plan on showing a heifer that you are questioning whether to show it as a market heifer or a breeding heifer please be sure to weigh her in as a market animal, you may change it to a breeding heifer later by using the proper tag or tattoo prior to Livestock Identification Day (June 1, 2023).
- There will be no cost for the County ear tags
Also remember that you have the opportunity for DNA to be taken for State Fair. The cost of this will be paid online when you nominate your animal. EID tags are required for State Fair. You may complete the DNA requirements at home by picking up DNA envelopes and EID tags at the Extension office and returning them prior to June 1st.
First Year Bucket Calf Reminder
Just a reminder for those of you ages 8 - 12 who are enrolled in the 1st year bucket calf project, your calves must be born between January 1st and April 15th, owned by you and tagged by April 15th. ID sheets are not due until June 1st, but this is just a reminder of the required birth, ownership and obtaining a 4-H ear tag date of April 15th.
YQCA In person Trainings
Any 4-H’er except Clover Kids showing livestock (beef, sheep, pig, goat, poultry, and rabbit) at the county and/or state fair, must complete the YQCA Program requirements by June 15th. Youth may attend in-person trainings or complete online modules specific to their age as of December 31, 2022. Youth must pre-register to attend the in-person trainings. Register for the in-person training or complete the online training at https://yqcaprogram.org
In- Person YQCA Dates and locations:
February 12, 2023
Conference Room - Community Center, Red Cloud, NE
11:00 am - Noon
February 15, 2023
Adams County Extension Office, Hastings, NE
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Horse Levels Required in 2023
The 4-H Council voted and passed to require horse levels for specific classes with implementation by 2023 County Fair. The specific classes by age division:
- Showmanship & Halter Classes: No Levels Required
- Novice Classes: No Levels Required
- Junior participants in performance classes and speed events: Level 1
- Intermediate and senior participants in performance classes and speed events: Level 2
If planning on participating in County Fair: Horse ID’s are due June 1st. Levels passed and Fair Entries are due June 15th.
If planning on participating State Horse Events, Horse ID’s, Levels passed, and Online Entries are due Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Review the Horsemanship Advancement Levels at https://4h.unl.edu/horse-advancement
4-H Horse Stampede Contest
March 25th- Animal Science Complex UNL
- There is a $10 entry fee per participant and $10 office fee per exhibitor. Event shirts are also available for pre-order. All orders, fees, and entry forms must be submitted online by March 6, 2023.
- https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede
NO DISTRICT HORSE SHOWS
Dog Obedience Classes
Dog Program Obedience classes offered by Adams County Extension will begin with an informational meeting on Monday, March 13, 2023. This meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Objectives of the meeting include a discussion of the overall dog program, a demonstration of obedience performance expectations and an opportunity for class registration this year. Thus, if you plan to participate in the dog program, you are highly encouraged to attend. Please do not bring your dog to this first meeting. The cost is $10.00 to participate in the dog classes. Vaccination record forms for all participating dogs will be distributed and must be completed by a veterinarian or person providing the shots before beginning the classes. The class schedule will be announced at this meeting.
Requirements for participation are:
· Enrollment in 4-H and in the dog project
· Current Vaccination form completed and on file at the Extension Office
· Class fee paid to the Extension Office before attending any class.
Clover Kids
What is Clover Kids?
The 4-H Clover Kid program is designed to provide 5 to 7 year old's with a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment. The program fosters the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical maturation of young children. Clover Kids may participate in activities led by an adult that will help them:
· Explore different interests
· Build self-confidence
· Practice communication skills
· Get along and share with others
· Be a part of a group
· Explore science with simple experiments
· Strengthen motor skills through arts and crafts
· Make friends
Announcing Clover Kid Saturday Fun 2023!
Join Julie on Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. for some fun while learning! You must pre-register a week prior to each session by calling the Extension Office at 402-461-7209. Each workshop session is $5.00 to attend. Workshops are as follows and will feature:
March 4, Extension Office – Theatre Arts (Puppet & Communication Contest)
April 1, Extension Office – Just Outside My Door (Birds and Bugs)
May 6, Extension Office - Needle & Thread (Tie Dye T-shirt & Fashion Show)
Calendar of 4-H Events
February
Feb 11 Clover Kids Fun Saturday, Extension Office @ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Feb 12 Horse Series Organizational Meeting, Extension Office @ 2:00 PM
Feb 14 Love 4-H Enrollment – Free manual incentive deadline
Feb 14 Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Feb 19 Beef Weigh In, Animal Clinic @ 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM
Feb 19 Jr Leader Meeting, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Feb 20 Extension Office Closed – President’s Day observed
Feb 21 4-H 101, Extension Office @ 6:30PM
Feb 27 BInterested (FCE) (Adults), Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
March
Mar 2 Extension Board, Extension Office @ 6:00 PM
Mar 4 Clover Kids Fun Saturday, Extension Office @ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Mar 5 Jr. Leader, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Mar 6 4-H Council, Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
Mar 12 Speech/PSA/Preforming Arts & Presentation Contest, Extension Office @ 1:30 PM
Mar 13 Dog Obedience Organizational Mtg, Fairgrounds @ 7:00 PM
Mar 14 Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Mar 21 4-H 101, Extension Office @ 6:30 PM
Mar 26 Shooting Sports Celebration, Fairgrounds (East End) @5:00 PM
Mar 27 BInterested (FCE) (Adults), Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
2023 Adams County 4-H Council
Michele Burnham – Pres.
Heather Mohling – V.Pres.
Jamee Bockerman – Sec.
Kiley McCoy – Tres.
Paul Bankson
Tamara Cecrle
John Copple
Terry DeVries
Jenny Hartman
Dan Klammer
Andrea Marker
Will Rathje
John Scheideler
Jr. Leader Rep – Mikeyla Samuelson
Youth Reps – Kassie Kimle & Abigail Klatt
Chamber of Commerce Rep – Bob Herbek & Bekah Martin
Ag Society Rep – Patrick Niles
Please take time to THANK these above individuals for their
hard work and dedication to the Adams County 4-H Program!!!
Adams County 4-H Staff
Elizabeth "Beth" Janning
Julie Ochsner
Nebraska Extension Adams County Staff
Ronald C. “Ron” Seymour, Ph.D. ron.seymour@unl.edu
Lynn DeVries – lynn.devries@unl.edu
Elizabeth “Beth” Janning – elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
Julie Ochsner – julie.ochsner@unl.edu
Gwen Rodocker – gwen.rodocker@unl.edu
Twila Bankson – twila.bankson@unl.edu
Alise Verhage – alise.verhage@unl.edu
Angie Katzberg – akatzberg8@unl.edu
Pat Evans – pat.evans@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension in Adams County
Email: adams-county@unl.edu
Website: adams.unl.edu
Location: 2975 South Baltimore Avenue, Hastings, NE, USA
Phone: 402-461-7209