Washington County Weekly 4-H Update
January 18, 2019
IN THIS WEEK'S 4-H UPDATE...
- Welcome Emily!
- 2018-2019 4-H Enrollment
- Youth Quality Care of Animals
- Market Beef Update
- Ag Innovators Experience
- Hippology Academy
- Washington County 4-H Archery Club
- State 4-H Archery Competition
- Nebraska Charter Year
- 4-H Horse Stampede for 2019
- 4-H Companion Animal Challenge for 2019
- 2019 4-H Culinary Challenge
- 2019 Special Garden Project Announced!
- 8th Annual Innovative Youth Corn Challenge
- 2019 District 4-H Horse Show Locations Announced
- Experience the Power of Red Visit Day
- Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference
- Companion Animal & Wildlife Career Day
- 2019 International Horse Show
- 2019 4-H Camp Registration OPEN!
- Big Red Summer Academic Camps
- Ag Innovators - Teen State Lead Team Application
- UNL Teachers Scholars Academy Applications
- Scholarships
- 4-H Cat Club
- Nebraska Equine Webinar Series
- 4-H Leader Spotlight
Hey! Did you know that NEW INFORMATION is bolded?!
Monday - January 21, 2019 ......... Office Closed In Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday - January 28, 2019 ................. 4-H Council Meeting - 6pm-8pm - Extension OfficeTuesday - January 29, 2019 ....... Washington Co. 4-H Archery Club- 6:15pm - Orion Archery Club
Saturday - March 30, 2019 ......................... 4-H Horse Stampede for 2019 - UNL East Campus
Saturday - March 30, 2019 .... 4-H Companion Animal Challenge for 2019 - UNL East Campus
Introducing Emily!
My name is Emily Bormann and I am the new Extension 4-H Assistant in Washington County! I am a recent graduate of Iowa State University. In December 2018 I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies (FCEdS), with a Professional Studies option. At Iowa State I was active in several professional organizations, including the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), the Iowa State University FCEdS club, and Phi Upsilon Omicron. I am an Iowa Native and am excited to learn more about Nebraska Extension, and meet new colleagues. I am originally from West Bend, located in rural Northwest Iowa. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, spending time with my family and friends, watching Netflix, and riding my bike.
4-H Enrollment for 2018-2019 is OPEN!
We comply with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Policy and Procedures. The $10 Enrollment fee from each youth covers the cost of insurance for youth safety. You can find the entire Policy and Procedure Handbook here: https://4h.unl.edu/policy-handbook
Volunteer Screening for 2019
Once you enroll as an adult volunteer on 4-H Online, 4-H Staff will send your information to the State 4-H Office. You will then receive a link to an online system where you will need to fill out the application. Once submitted, you will receive an email from DHHS.CFSCR@Nebraska.gov to complete your screening.
Note: NEW volunteers must be screened this year. The rotation schedule for Re-screening is every 5 years. Re-screening for the Metro district is in 2022.
4-H Online Enrollment Tip
For the 2019 4-H Enrollment, 4-H members and leaders will not have past 4-H projects listed in the new enrollment system. However, if you want to review what a member or leader enrolled in the past as you identify and add projects for 2019 (2018-2019) follow the step below.
GO TO: https://ne.4honline.com/
• Based on your profile – enter your email and password
• Continue to Family BUTTON/ICON
• Member Reports (Third Box Down)
• Select - Member: Select Member (family member)
• Select - Report: Member – Enrollment History
• The system will download a report that you will need to OPEN.
• This PDF document will include all of the past history of your family MEMBER. The history (if applicable) will include history since 2014-2015 which was the year that this online system was implemented state wide.
Keep in mind - 4-H members are REQUIRED to be entered in the project by JUNE 15 if entering as a fair exhibit.
Youth Quality Care of Animals
Market Beef Update
The Washington County Livestock Committee met on Thursday, December 13 and recommended that we DO NOT offer Beef Rate of Gain Contest, therefore NOT offering the Washington County Market Beef Weigh Day. This recommendation came from a discussion regarding the declining number of exhibitors that have been attending Market Beef Weigh Day. This recommendation was taken to 4-H Council, and the vote passed.
To summarize, there will NOT be a Market Beef Weigh Day and there will NOT be a Beef Rate of Gain Contest at the WCF.
Ag Innovators Experience
The Ag Innovators Experience is an annual interactive activity that challenges young people to apply critical thinking and STEM skills to real-world agricultural challenges. Developed by National 4-H Council and Monsanto (now Bayer), the program helps develop critical workforce skills while demonstrating how agriculture can be fun. This year’s topic is Native Bees and our team of teens to attend National training has been chosen.
We are now looking for teens across the state who have an interest in teaching and engaging youth in their counties on this topic. 1-2 teens can be selected per county to participate. Teen will be trained on March 23rd in Central City and will be expected to develop a county plan for reaching 45-50 youth with the experience and evaluation.
If you would like to participate please contact Autumn (alemmer2@unl.edu) or 402.426.9455 by January 31 at 5pm.
Washington County 4-H Archery Club to Begin!
The Washington County 4-H Archery Club is part of the 4-H shooting sports program and is beginning their new season. This 4-H club is open to all Washington County youth who are ages eight to 18 years old on January 1, 2019.
- An informational meeting for NEW members will held on Tuesday, January 29 at 6:15 p.m. while last year’s members will need to arrive by 6:40 p.m. to complete their necessary paperwork. The first practice for the older youth (ages 12-18 years old on Jan. 1, 2019) will be held after the informational meeting on Tuesday, January 29 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Interested members are asked to attend an informational meeting and must have all paperwork completed before attending any practices. A complete schedule and organizational details will be distributed at the informational meetings. Both meetings and practices will be held at the Orion Archery Club in downtown Blair. The club is located in the basement of One Blair Place, 1526 Washington St., Blair, Nebraska.
Practice will take place once a month at the Orion Archery Club in Blair. Typically the 2nd Tuesday of the month practice for the younger shooters (Ages 8-11 years old on January 1, 2019/shooting at 10 yards) and the 4th Tuesday is practice for the older shooters (Ages 12-18 years old on January 1, 2019/shooting at 20 yards). Based on the coaches availability, it is possible that these time frames could be adjusted.
During practices, members can shoot with their own equipment or they may borrow equipment from the club. During the first meeting, information about equipment requirements to compete in 4-H sanctioned events will be covered.
There will be Washington County Fair 4-H Archery Contests that members will have the opportunity to compete. In addition, members will be qualified to attend other 4-H shooting events including the state competitions. Successful archers at the State competition will be eligible for being selected to represent Nebraska in the National competition.
Unlike some sports that give a competitive advantage to those that start young, archery is a sport that can be started at any age and produce very competitive individuals. Luann Ryon won her Olympic gold medal just three years after picking up her first bow. Archery can be addictive and provides a variety of different activities such as indoor paper targets, outdoor paper targets, field archery, 3D indoor, 3D outdoor; as well as, the traditional hunting and fishing opportunities.
If you or someone you know might have an interest in archery, please attend the meeting and decide if it is something you’d like to do.
- For more information about the state’s program or the national program, please visit the following websites: http://4h.unl.edu/shootingsports or http://www.4-hshootingsports.org
If you are not able to make this meeting or have questions before going to the meeting, you may contact: Brian Jennings (Washington County 4-H Archery Club Organizational Leader) at 402-306-2945 (CELL) / Brianlynj@abbnebraska.com (Include “4-H Archery” in the subject to ensure that I see it quickly.) OR Contact the Nebraska Extension in Washington County Office, 402-426-9455.
State 4-H Archery Competition
Nebraska State 4-H Indoor Archery Championships
January 25-26, 2019
Ag Park - Columbus, Nebraska
EVENT INFORMATION: https://goo.gl/Am7GtF
REGISTRATION: All registration is online @ https://goo.gl/forms/4WahriSQHTGRC7VH3
Nebraska Charter Year
February 15, 2019 marks 150 years since the day the state of Nebraska chartered the University of Nebraska. This means that on February 15, 1869, the University of Nebraska became a part of the fabric of our state. Nebraska Extension is perfectly positioned to take this celebrations state-wide. So you will see some new ACTIVITIES in 2019 to celebrate this. One of them will be the following photography class at the fair:
State Fair Photography Class
• 4-H members enrolled in Mastering Photography Unit 3 are invited to celebrate N|150 by exhibiting in the Theme Print (Class B182060) at their local counties fairs. The top exhibit(s) from each county will be selected to advance to the Nebraska State Fair. February 15, 2019 marks 150 years of history to appreciate, impact to unpack, and stories to tell. How has the University of Nebraska impacted you, your family, or your community? How can you tell this story through photography?
4-H Horse Stampede
Saturday, March 30, 2019
UNL East Campus, Animal Science Building
4-H Horse Stampede
The horse stampede is a group of contests for youth interested in horses. These contests do not require youth to have a horse all they need is to have an interest and be willing to learn some information about horses.
- The 4-H Horse Stampede will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Animal Science Complex.
- Contests include: Individual Demonstration Contest (can be done in person or through zoom), Team Demonstration (can be done in person or through zoom), Speech (can be done in person or through zoom), Junior or Senior Horse Bowl (team quiz bowl contest), Art Contest (do not need to be present to participate, you can mail in the entries), and Photography Contest (do not need to be present to participate, you can mail in the entries).
- It will be held the same day as the 4-H Companion Animal Challenge so that youth can compete in both events if they choose. We will ensure there are not schedule conflicts.
- If you would like to have lunch or a t-shirt at the contest please make sure to fill out a lunch or t-shirt order form when registering for contests.
- Entries are due to the Nebraska Extension in Washington County Office BY FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019.
- For more information and registration forms: https://4h.unl.edu/horse/stampede
- Questions? Contact: Dr. Lena Luck (lena.luck@unl.edu)
4-H Companion Animal Challenge
Saturday, March 30, 2019
UNL East Campus, Animal Science Building
4-H Companion Animal Challenge:
The Companion Animal Challenge is a set of contests for youth interested in companion animals. These contests are animal-less and test youths knowledge about companion animals. New this year to the contest are a Cat Skillathon and an essay contest. 4-H youth ages 10-18 are invited to participate.
- The 4-H Companion Animal Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Animal Science Complex.
- Contests include: Demonstration Contest, Dog Skillathon Contest, Cat Skillathon Contest, Essay Contest, Art Contest, and Photography Contest.
- This event allows youth to apply their companion animal knowledge, but does not require them to have an animal!
- It will be held the same day as the 4-H Horse Stampede so that youth can compete in both events if they choose. We will ensure there are not schedule conflicts.
· Entries are due BY MARCH 8, 2019 directly to Lisa Karr at UNL, C204 Animal Science Building, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908.
· For more information and registration forms: https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal/challenge
- Questions? Contact: Dr. Lisa Karr (lisa.karr@unl.edu)
2019 Special Garden Project Announced!
The Special Garden Project is a way to offer 4-H members the chance to grow unusual and fun projects in their gardens. Last year over 1375 4-H members were enrolled in the project. This year the Special Garden Project is focused on the unique Carmine Splendor Okra. Carmine Splendor Okra is as unique as it is tasty. This plant is high yielding and produces uniform, red pods. The stout 5-pointed pods are deep red when small and at the best eating quality. The tropical-looking, pinkish flowers are also edible and have a sweet, mild flavor. The mature seed pods also give a fun twist for winter interest in a container.
PROCESS & GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION
Step 1: Enroll -
Enroll for the Special Gardening Project through 4-H Online. There is a small enrollment fee of $0.50 for this project which covers the cost of seeds.
Step 2: Order Seeds
To order your seeds, contact the Washington County 4-H staff at WashingtonCounty4H@unl.edu or 402-426-9455 to let us know how many seed packets you need. If you do not contact our office, seeds might not be available for you. We will be ordering seeds as a county unit then distribute them to our enrolled members. Place your order as early as possible BY JANUARY 31.
Step 3: Pick Up Seeds
Seeds will be sent to the Extension office and available for pick up in April or May. We will be getting the word out once they arrive in our office.
Step 4: Plant & Cultivate
Review regular project newsletters and resources as they become available. These materials will help guide you through the project experiences, solve problems, and prepare your projects for exhibition. Visit the website at https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project
Step 5: Exhibit at County & State Fairs
Exhibits - Youth must be enrolled in the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online in order to exhibit in the State Fair eligible classes:
- Class G775001 - Special Gardening Project Educational Exhibit - The educational exhibit is based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a 14"x22" poster or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, full address, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover. Fresh cut flowers or harvested vegetables should be entered in class G775002
- Class G775002 - Special Gardening Project Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables - The current year's Special Garden project fresh cut flowers or harvest vegetables should be entered in this class. Bring 5 pods following the guidelines in the publication, 4H226 Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruit for Exhibits (revised 2016). The desirable traits the judge is looking for are 2-4" long pods that are the same maturity and uniform in size. Avoid selecting pods that are damaged by insects, misshapen, or over-mature.
Step 6: Complete Evaluation
Complete the evaluation no matter what happened. If every single plant lived, insects ate them off, or even if they all died, fill out the evaluation near the end of the growing season (around State Fair time).
Let us know if you have any questions!
8th Annual Innovative Youth Corn Challenge
Do you enjoy being outside? Learning new things about crops? Considering a career involving crops, insects, diseases, soils, water or more? Do you want to help figure out how to feed our world’s growing population in a sustainable way?
Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board are offering the 8th Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 & older as of Jan. 1st) or FFA members (in-school members), guides participants through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production.
As a team (2 or more participants), youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if they increased their yield. Economics and sustainability of the practice will also be considered. Yields, cropping history, and production information will be collected in the Corn Yield Challenge management summary.
Cash prizes and plaques are given. First place receives $1,000, second place receives $500, and third place receives $250. Sustainability, crop scouting and “extra mile” awards are also given as cash awards.
To participate in 2019, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 15th to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. Forms can be downloaded after January 1st at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/activities. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
District 4-H Horse Shows - Locations Announced!
The 2019 District 4-H Horse Shows have been finalized. The following are the 2019 district dates and sites:
- Monday, June 10, 2019 - Bloomfield, NE (Washington County Assignment)
- Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - Elkhorn, NE
- Wednesday, June 12, 2019 - Ord, NE
- Thursday, June 13, 2019 - Ogallala, NE
- Friday, June 14, 2019 - McCook, NE
All entries are due to county offices by May 10, 2019. ALL level testing required for participation in the 2019 District 4-H Horse Shows MUST be completed by May 10, 2019.
The 2019 State 4-H Horse Show will be July 14-18, 2019, at Fonner Park.
Experience the Power of Red Visit Day
A spring open house for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources will be held on Wednesday, February 13 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. With 30 diverse majors and a pre-professional program, CASNR creates an educational experience that positions students to have a lasting and impactful career that aligns with their passion. During the event, attendees will meet faculty, staff and current students to get the scoop on what life in CASNR is really like. Experience the Power of Red Visit Day will not only expose potential students to their academic future, but also the unique living-learning spaces on campus.
The visit day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with refreshments and a browsing session, where students get a brief introduction to each department in the college. Following a welcome at 9:15 a.m., students and parents will attend academic sessions that offer more in-depth information about each academic program. The event concludes with lunch and a scholarship drawing at 11:45 a.m. Optional tours of City Campus and East Campus will begin at 12:00 p.m.
Advance registration is required by February 6. To register and to see the complete schedule for the day, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/visitday
State 4-H Companion Animal Advisory Committee Opportunity
From Dr. Lisa Karr, UNL Animal Science Department Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator & Companion Animal Specialist
Are you interested in providing feedback and helping with steering the Nebraska State 4-H Companion Animal Program (dogs, cats, household pets). I am looking for people willing and interested in serving on the Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Advisory Committee. This is a new committee. I would like the membership of the committee to include extension faculty and staff, 4-H members, recent 4-H alumni, and 4-H adult volunteers from across the state. This committee would offer insight, review, and input for the operation and management of the Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Program. Committee members would be expected to meet face-to-face and/or through scheduled conference calls (Zoom) or utilizing email to conduct committee business. We would be setting up the regular meeting schedule and roles of the committee once we have set the membership of the committee.
Those interested are encouraged to fill out the contact information form by the end of January, using this link: https://goo.gl/forms/W30ZpEuBdSOxM8332
Student Scholarships: 2019 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference
The annual Nebraska Women in Agriculture conference will be held Feb. 21 – 22, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 110 S. 2nd Ave., Kearney, Neb. The Women in Agriculture Conference allows women to build relationships with each other, attend workshops and gain valuable knowledge that will help them support their farms and ranches. The theme for this year’s conference is, “Take Charge of Change.”
Over 30 concurrent workshops will be hosted over the two-day event that focus on production risk, market risk, financial risk, human risk and legal risk. In addition to workshops, participants will have the opportunity to hear from Marji Guyler-Alaniz, founder of FarmHer. Marji will discuss the inspiration for and evolution of FarmHer and image of women in agriculture. Other general session speakers include Tim Hammerich of Ag Grad, Joan Ruskamp the Chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Jim Robb of the Livestock Marketing Information Center, and Giannella Alvarez of Beanitos.
Five $125 scholarships (full registration fee) available to University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) students. Ten $62.50 scholarships (half registration fee) are available to Nebraska FFA, 4-H or Community College students. Students receiving a ½ scholarship are expected to pay the remainder of the registration cost during the registration period, or find a local sponsor.
Applicants will need to prepare a 3,000 character essay on "Why do you want to attend the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference?” and “How will you use the information in your future studies/career?"
TO APPLY CLICK HERE: https://wia.unl.edu/scholarships Hotel rooms and additional travel expenses are not covered by student scholarships. The application is now open. Applications must be submitted online by midnight February 1, 2019. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than February 8, 2019.
2019 International Horse Show
In 2019 the International Omaha will be expanding the "Horse Discovery Zone" with more interactive, educational, and fun displays. We are also creating "Tack Trunks" that teachers and admin can "check-out" before the International Omaha to do some pre-education before attending the event.
As always we will also give each student an activity book filled with games, horse terms, and a voucher for up to six free tickets to any one of the ticketed competitions.
Visit https://www.internationalomaha.com/school-field-trips for more information
2019 Summer 4-H Camp REGISTRATION OPEN!
Registration is now open for 2019 summer camps! New in 2019, the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center will be exclusively offering weeklong day camps for youth ages 6-15. Additionally, chartered transportation will be available from Gretna and Grand Island for several camps at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp in Halsey.
2019 Big Red Summer Academic Camps: June 9-14, 2019
BIG RED SUMMER ACADEMIC CAMPS are residential camps; ALL housing and food will be provided for all participants throughout the duration of the camp. Space is limited and camps will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited scholarships are available to attend all Big Red Summer Academic Camps, significant scholarships may be available for select camps. Please check bigredcamps.unl.edu for additional significant scholarship information.
SIGN UP DATES: EARLY BIRD - APRIL 15 | REGULAR - MAY 1 | LATE - AFTER MAY 1
New camp offered for 2019: Discover Animation. Also offered are the focus areas of Weather and Climate Science, Education, Engineering, Filmmaking, Outdoor Nebraska, Unicameral Youth Legislature, and Veterinary Science.
More information regarding Big Red Camps is also available online at http://bigredcamps.unl.edu.
University of Nebraska Lincoln Teacher Scholars Academy Applications
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Teacher Scholars Academy is now accepting applications. This opportunity is for students who want to build a career in teaching and contribute to the future of Nebraska’s next generation.
Applications are being accepted for students who fit the following criteria:
- any incoming freshman (who has applied or will apply to the University of Nebraska Lincoln) and will begin their studies in Fall 2019
- who is majoring in teacher education (elementary, secondary, early childhood, special education, agricultural education, or music education);
- and is committed to becoming the backbone of school transformation, a reflective thinker who will continue to grow and develop beyond their degree
Application information, and more information about the UNL Teacher Scholars Academy, can be found at https://cehs.unl.edu/cehs/teachers-scholars-academy/
Scholarships!
Be sure to regularly check out our website for updated scholarship information!
4-H Cat Club
Cat Club is a monthly webinar series offering educational information about caring for your cat and showing your cat in 4-H. Youth do not need to be enrolled in 4-H or in the 4-H cat project to participate. Cat Club is a great resource for anyone interested in showing cats in 4-H whether you have one now or not! Youth of all ages are welcome to join. Webinar topics change each month and cover topics such as vaccination, diseases, grooming, diet, reproduction, breeds, genetics, selecting a cat, at home cat setup, and showmanship.
The Cat Club series is held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm CT.
Nebraska Equine Webinar Series
The Equine Webinar Series is a great place for 4-H leaders and/or parents and senior aged youth to gain knowledge in many different areas. Each month will cover a different topic and have various experts in those areas. The webinars are hosted online using Zoom, a video conferencing service.
Equine Webinars will be hosted on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:00 PM CT.
4-H Leader Spotlight
Click here to view: https://www.smore.com/wqt42
Washington County Extension | 4-H
Emily Bormann, 4-H Extension Assistant - ebormann2@unl.edu
Autumn Lemmer, 4-H Extension Assistant - alemmer2@unl.edu
Mary Larsen, 4-H Support Staff - mlarsen9@unl.edu
Email: washington-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/washington/
Location: 597 Grant St, Blair, NE, United States
Phone: 402-426-9455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNLWashingtonCounty/?ref=hl
Twitter: @WCNE4H