1. February is Nebraska 4-H Month!
2. Nebraska Extension DHM Phase/Covid-19 Risk Dial Guidance
3. 4-H Breakout Enrollment Challenge
4. New 4-H Year Begins! Enrollment is Open
5. 2021 Washington County 4-H Public Speaking Contest
6. 2021 Washington County 4-H Archery Club
7. Spotlight On 4-H Newsletter
8. Virtual Learning Opportunities
9. UNL - Big Red Beef Show
10. New Dog Achievement Program
11. Virtual Horse Judging Camp 2021
12. 2021 Innovative Youth Corn Challenge
13. Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic Youth Judging Contest
14. 2021 4-H Horse Stampede
15. 2021 District 4-H Horse Shows
16. CASNR Open House
17. Animal Science "Inspiring Your Future" Scholarship
18. 2021 4-H Summer Camps - Discount Offer Extended
19. Other Statewide Events and Resources

*NEW OR UPDATED INFORMATION IS BOLDED!

March 27................................................4-H Horse Stampede - East Campus-Lincoln

May 7......................................................District/State Horse Entry Deadline

June 15...................................................4-H Enrollment/Animal ID Deadline

June 28 & 29...........................................PASE & Life Challenge Contests, East Campus-Lincoln

June 30...................................................State Public Speaking Contest, East Campus-Lincoln

July 30 - August 4, 2021........................2021 Washington County Fair

Today for Nebraska 4-H Month we want to SHOUT a BIG THANK YOU to all of our Washington County 4-H Volunteers. Our efforts could not be accomplished without the support and assistance from all of our volunteers!

Nebraska Extension DHM Phase/Covid-19 Risk Dial Guidance

Follow Most Restrictive Guidance: State DHM or Local Health Department Covid-19 Risk Dial

CURRENTLY – ORANGE

4-H Clubs (events, activities, meetings)

Recommend meeting virtually; Facial coverings required for in person meetings; Follow additional local/county guidance.

Effective November 30, 2020

Test your 4-H knowledge and learn along the way as you try to “breakout” of an escape room style virtual activity! Complete the challenge along with your 4-H Enrollment during Nebraska 4-H Month (February) for a chance to be entered in a drawing to win 4-H swag!

Once you have successfully completed the 4-H Breakout send a screenshot image of your success to washingtoncounty4h@unl.edu. Please include all youth or adult volunteers who completed the challenge to ensure all names get entered in the drawing. You must also complete your 4-H Enrollment in the month of February to be eligible. If you have already enrolled just complete the 4-H Breakout Challenge to get your names entered!

Complete the challenge at http://go.unl.edu/4hbreakout. The challenge is expected to take about 30 minutes to complete. Good luck!

Nebraska 4-HOnline Enrollment Link: https://ne.4honline.com/Login.aspx?403D4050364539525371705375593D

Please note that the 4-H project history has been cleared and you must enter the project name and the number of years you have participated in it. You will find your history by going into your Family Account and choosing Member Reports.

You might also notice that the Virtual Robotics project shows up in the project history but has been removed this year as the curriculum is no longer available.

Our 4hOnline payment system is back up! Families are now able to proceed to the payment page and complete enrollment.

2021 Washington County 4-H Public Speaking Contest

The 4-H Public Speaking Contest provides an opportunity for youth to improve their public speaking skills while building confidence. If you write a speech or deliver a public service announcement (or both!) it's sure to be an enjoyable learning experience!

View the rules, regulations and the registration forms on the website by going to: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/washington/washington-county-4-h-public-speaking-contest/

Registration forms for Washington County 4-H Public Speaking Contest is due to the Nebraska Extension – Washington County Office Monday, April 12th by 5pm.

At this time the location of the Public Speaking Contest is to be determined. It is our hope to hold an in-person event. We will share as soon as a location has been secured.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to all 4-H Staff at washingtoncounty4h@unl.edu or e-mail Jaki and jaki.zahourek@unl.edu

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, 2021.

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 second Tuesday of the month practice for the younger shooters (Ages 8-11 years old on January 1, 2020/shooting at 10 yards) and the fourth Tuesday is practice for the older shooters (Ages 12-18 years old on January 1, 2020/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. All archery equipment is allowed except crossbows. If borrowing the club’s equipment, it is limited to recurves or genesis bows with finger releases and no sights.

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

Fees for the year are; $10 for Washington County 4-H Enrollment and $17 for the Washington County Archery Club. Workdays will not be required this year, but we do ask that the archers help with the Tomcak outdoor shoot.

Practice adjustments due to COVID:

o Everyone inside the club is required to wear a mask

o Masks can make finding the anchor point on the side of the face difficult, but this is required at this time.

· 6-foot distance is required for all participants and spectators except for those that live in the same household.

o This includes while watching, shooting, scoring and pulling arrows.

· Because of the 6-foot distance and the small number of people allowed, participants will be asked to sign up for a shooting time.

o 10 Yards Shooters Register Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CAAAB2FA0FCC43-4harchery

o 20 Yards Shooters Register Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CAAAB2FA0FCC43-4harchery1

o You may register all family members shooting 10 yards together if you want them to shoot together

o You may register all family members shooting 20 yards together if you want them to shoot together

· Coaching will be done from a distance.

· We will ask the 7:45 group to remain in the parking lot until all of the 6:15pm shooters have left. A sign on the door will let you know when it is okay to enter.

Find the February Spotlight Newsletter at:

https://www.smore.com/cz2mu

Looking for educational resources you can use from home? We've got you covered! 😉

Nebraska 4-H is now offering a variety of virtual learning experiences, such as Living Room Learning and Boredom Buster Challenges. We've also collected some of our favorite activity guides that are perfect for hands-on learning at home.

Check out our virtual and at-home educational resources at https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning.

• An all-new virtual field trip is coming up on February 17th! Join Oxbow Animal Health to learn more about the Nebraska-based company, discover their place in their pet food marketplace, and take a deeper look into the pet industry. Register at 4h.unl.edu/virtual-field-trip.

• Looking to advance your horsemanship knowledge and skills? Check out our Horsemanship Study Courses! Three levels are available and are open to all youth ages 8-18 interested in learning more about horses. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to enroll in the self-paced courses. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/horse-study-courses.

• The 2021 Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit kicks off on February 13th at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, but there are plenty more opportunities to participate. See the full lineup of contests and rules at 4h.unl.edu/great-plains-livestock-judging-circuit.

From the team that brought you Living Room Learning and the 4-H Summer Fun Pack, we are proud to announce a new resource for our 4-H youth during their winter break: The 4-H Winter Fun Pack! ​Copy and paste the information below to share with your counties. Attached is a graphic to share as well!

Looking for ways to keep the young people in your life engaged this winter? Check out the 4-H Winter Fun Pack - a collection of activities that youth can do on their own at home! Each recorded session of Living Room Learning is led by a Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professional. Getting started is simple: gather supplies, click the recording and let us do the teaching.

The materials required for this resource are all things you can find at home! This resource was created with all areas of 4-H in mind, including: Family Consumer Sciences, Environmental Education and Earth Sciences, Healthy Living, STEM, Communication and Expressive Arts and more!

Access the resources here and let the fun begin: https://4h.unl.edu/winter-fun-pack

• Whether it’s your favorite photo you’ve taken this fall or one you took to the county fair, we want to see it! Submit your favorite photo for a chance to be showcased. The 4-H photography showcase offers members a project exhibition opportunity beyond traditional print media. 4-H’ers are invited to submit their favorite photo they’ve taken for a chance to have it showcased online for thousands of 4-H fans to admire. Learn more and submit a photo at 4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase.

• Looking to get involved in the 4-H rabbit project? We’ve got everything you need to know all in one place! Check out our Companion Rabbit Science Course to learn all about selecting, caring for, and showing rabbits. The course is great for middle-school youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about rabbits and the 4-H rabbit projects. Youth do not need to be enrolled 4-H members to participate. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/companion-rabbit-science.

• Ever wonder how cats became domesticated? Interested in learning more about caring for a feline friend? How about showing a cat in 4-H or exploring careers related to cats? We’ve got answers to all these questions and more in our NEW Companion Cat Science online course! The course is free and open to all youth, parents, and leaders interested in advancing their knowledge of cats and the 4-H cat project. Youth do not need to be enrolled 4-H members to participate. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/companion-cat-science.

• Don’t forget to tune into the Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Webinar Series hosted on the first Thursday of each month! These webinars are a great opportunity for leaders, parents, and senior aged youth to gain knowledge in various companion animal topic areas. A new subject is covered each session with guest speakers joining to share their expertise. Register in advance at 4h.unl.edu/companion-animal-webinar-series.
  

"Entry Forms will be available Monday, February 8, 2021. Be sure to follow Big Red Beef Show on Facebook for more details and updates!"

We are excited to present our NEW 4-H Dog Achievement Program for 4-H youth! This program is similar to the Diamond Clover program you all may know about.

4-H Dog Achievement Program

The program consists of levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the 4-H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Dog Achievement program.

The Nebraska Innovative Youth Corn Challenge is approaching its tenth-year engaging youth in crop science-based education. The Innovative Youth Corn Challenge (IYCC) was created as a partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Extension. Since the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge program’s inception in 2012, 74 teams have participated in the program with 37 teams successfully harvesting and analyzing their plot data. A total of 147 youth have participated.

This program continues to evolve and has exciting changes planned for the 2021 growing season with IYCC 2.0. A citizen scientist component will encourage youth to connect with researchers on a real problem facing corn growers and assist in collecting data or designing a tool to solve a real-world problem.

The IYCC 2.0 will also feature an agricultural literacy piece which will help others understand corn production practices and highlight teams’ efforts. This will allow youth to promote their own work through creative works such as a video or other multimedia tool. Nebraska Extension will execute this evolving, innovative and in-depth program in 2021, which will be the tenth year creating agricultural, science-informed graduates in the agricultural industry.

Prizes for participation in this project include 1st place - $1,000, 2nd place - $500, 3rd place -$250, “Extra Mile” Award $200, CORN Communications Award $200 and $50 for completion of the project. In addition, each team receives a crop scouting kit valued at over $200, plot sign and the opportunity to engage with UNL agronomic professionals through “ask an agronomist” sessions.

For more information about this program and to register, go to https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge. Registration is due March 15th. Contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or (402) 759-3712 for details about this program.

Greetings from a snowy Lincoln, Nebraska!

Based on the success of last year’s inaugural Change Maker Competition, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will be launching the scholarship competition for a second year! The competition closes on Friday, February 19, 2021 and videos/applications can be submitted at https://casnr.unl.edu/casnr-change-maker-competition.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CASNR scholarship competition opens to current, prospective students

January 19, 2021

Lincoln, Neb. —The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced its second annual quick-pitch scholarship competition for students who dare to dream big and do the extraordinary to address worldwide issues.

The CASNR Change Maker Quick Pitch Competition asks current and prospective CASNR students to submit a two-minute video explaining an original, innovative way to address global issues such as food security, sustainability and water use. Two current CASNR students and eight incoming freshman and transfer students will be awarded full-tuition scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year based on their submitted videos. Winning students will be matched with a mentor to make their big idea a reality.

Additionally, eight $1,000 CASNR scholarships will be awarded to youth in the sixth through 11th grades.

“We want innovators, change-makers and future leaders to get their start right here in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,” said CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss. “This competition will reward our current students who strive to tackle these big issues. At the same time, we hope to attract new students who are in search of a college experience in which they will be encouraged and expected to challenge themselves and change the world in the process.”

In Nebraska, one in four jobs is tied to agriculture and natural resources. Within CASNR, students, faculty and staff are already engaged in important work to provide food, fuel, feed and fiber to a rapidly growing world, while conserving agricultural landscapes and natural resources and maintaining quality of life for farmers and ranchers, said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor and vice president of the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“Our state’s deep roots in agriculture, coupled with Nebraska’s abundant natural resources and our ingenuity and grit, make CASNR the ideal and natural epicenter for nurturing the world’s next generation of change-makers,” Boehm said. “We want to do everything we can to build on CASNR’s culture that allows students to think critically, dream big and accomplish extraordinary things.”

Students who participated in the 2020-21 scholarship competition said it was an opportunity to make an impact on the world, discover and be active in their passions and show others that the possibilities are endless.

Alex Lautenschlager, a freshman fisheries and wildlife major and a recipient of a 2020-21 Change Maker scholarship, focused his project on improving accessibility at public parks.

“The Change Maker Scholarship and the CASNR community has helped me discover my passion by reinforcing what I believe in and helping me find ways to be active in my passions,” he said.

The 2020-21 Change Maker recipients addressed a variety of other topics. Lydia Storm, a freshman from Lawrence, Kansas, focused her project on encouraging girls and young women to get involved in STEM programs. Cole Simmons, a freshman from Kansas City, Missouri, hopes to create an enzyme that cost-efficiently dissolves plastics to reduce landfills. A host of other innovative students have developed ideas that will make change.

Current and prospective students can apply online here. Videos should be no more than two minutes long and must focus on one or more of the following issues: feeding the world; water for the future; new energy; climate and the future; biodiversity, sustainability and the environment; health; engaging diverse communities; and developing tomorrow’s leaders.

The application period opened Jan. 18 and will close at noon Feb. 19. Winners will be announced in April, and winning videos will be shared on social media. The winner whose video receives the most likes will also receive a textbook scholarship.

Complete application guidelines and more information can be found online at the webpage above.

The 2021 4-H Horse Stampede is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th on UNL’s East Campus. This is an outstanding opportunity for youth interested and a part of the 4-H Horse program. If you have questions, please contact our office.

The Horse Stampede includes:

• Speech Contest: (Individual event)
• Demonstration Contest: (Individual or Team of two)
• Art Contest
• Champion Senior Art will be retained for use on the cover of the State 4-H Horse Show program in 2021
• Photography Contest
• Champion Senior Photography will be retained for use on the cover of the State 4-H Horse Show program in 2021

-Categories include:

*Careers with horses

*Horse health and/or nutrition

*Good husbandry/grooming

*Training and showing

*Human-horse bond

*Horse service or citizenship

The 4-H Horse Bowl is also a part of this event.

The primary objective of Horse Bowl contests is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. These contests will provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators.

Age Divisions

Junior: 10-13 years of age as of January 1 of the current year

I wanted you all to be aware of a scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and transfer students who are admitted animal science majors looking to enroll in the Fall 2021 semester at UNL. This is the inaugural year for the Animal Science: Inspiring Your Future Scholarship Contest and we will be awarding ten $5000 scholarships. We want students to tell us their digital story about an individual or animal who has inspired them to pursue an education and career in animal science. This can be done via video, essay, pictures, a combination of those things, or really any medium that allows them to comfortably express themselves. The website link is below that lists out the contest details and link to apply and submit their digital story. All entries must be submitted by Noon on February 15th!

Find all the information at:

https://animalscience.unl.edu/Inspiring-Your-Future-Scholarship-Competition

We have exciting news! Registration for Summer Camp 2021 is now OPEN! Check out our exciting 4 and 5 day overnight camp offerings at the NEBRASKA STATE 4-H CAMP in Halsey! Charter bus transportation option offered select weeks from Lincoln (UNL East Campus) and Grand Island (Raising Nebraska)! Register by Jan. 31st to receive 10% off per session! Use code: EARLYBIRD21

See full camp descriptions and register online: https://4h.unl.edu/camps-centers/summer-camp/schedule

• Cat Club - https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal/cat-club
  

• Dog Showmanship Video Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?reload=9&list=PL579hRei5D7xwKTqpe8kJw0GnfKK4x8l4
• Virtual Dog Club - https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-dog-club
• Companion Rabbit Science Online Course - https://4h.unl.edu/companion-rabbit-science

• Companion Animal Workshop - https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal-judges-workshop