Dakota County 4-H News
January 2023
Nebraska Extension - Dakota County
DAKOTA COUNTY OFFICE STAFF
Angela Abts—4-H & Youth aabts2@unl.edu
Julie Boyle—Food Nutrition and Health julie.boyle@unl.edu
Tammy Dunn—Office Manager tpeterson3@unl.edu
Brenda Sale—SNAP-ED bsale@unl.edu
Dakota County 4-H
Email: dakota-county@unl.edu
Website: https://dakota.unl.edu
Location: 1505 Broadway Street, Dakota City, NE, USA
Phone: 402-987-2140
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLDakotaCounty
Twitter: @NEDakota4HExt
Follow us On Facebook and Instagram!
Instagram: NE Extension Dakota County
Dates & Deadlines
JANUARY
16 - Office closed - Martin Luther King Day
21 - First Lego League Tournament
22nd - Dakota County 4-H Achievement Night - Norm Waitt YMCA 6-8PM
FEBRUARY
6 - Extension Board meeting
6 - Dakota~Thurston Joint 4-H Council meeting, 7:15 PM Dakota City
11- 4-H Saturday - Dakota City (yarn art)
15 - 4-H and Volunteer enrollments due18 - State Firsts Lego League - Grand Island
20 - Office Closed Presidents Day
25 - Beef weigh-in 10-11:30 AM - Pender Sale Barn
MARCH
4 - Snow Date Beef Weigh-in 10-11:30 AM
6 - Extension Board meeting
6 - 4--H Council meeting
11 - 4-H Saturday (quilts)
25 - Rocket Launch (Haskell Ag Lab )
30 - Dakota County 4-H Senior Scholarship due
31 - Siouxland Garden Show, Marriot Hotel Center, South Sioux City, NE
MEMBER INFORMATION
4-H Online 2.0 is Now Open for Enrollment
It's time to get enrolled in 4-H for the 2023 4-H year! Nebraska has transitioned to their new 4-H Online v2 platform. 4-H Online 2.0 is more user friendly and is compatible on cell phones. You will notice a new look! To enroll, visit https://v2.4honline.com/
For returning families: Do Not create a new account; rather use your existing log-in credentials from 4-H online as used in previous years. Find instructions at https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/returning-member
For new families, find instructions here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/new-member
Beef Weigh-in
We are hosting the Dakota-Thurston County Beef Weigh-in on Saturday, February 25, from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at the Pender Sale Barn. As families are requesting its return, we encourage all families to participate. However, it is not required unless you plan to participate in the Market Beef Rate of Gain Class and Return Bucket Calf Rate of Gain.
Attend the weigh-in to get your county only tags, EID tags, and DNA envelopes. Remember tags cost $3 each, so don't forget to bring along some type of payment. (cash or check)
Our snow day is Saturday, March 4th from 10:00-11:30 AM.
Please RSVP to 402-987-2140 so we know you are coming with your beef animals!
Nebraska 4-H Month
Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate 4-H Month this February! Wear your favorite 4-H shirt on Tuesday, February 7. Put your hands to larger service on Saturday, February 11, or Sunday, February 12. Show our 4-H volunteers some love on Tuesday, February 14. Thank our donors or sponsors on Tuesday, February 21. And don’t forget to show our local 4-H professionals some appreciation on February 28.
NEWS & INFORMATION
4-H Horse News
We’ve learned over the past few years how important developing programming to meet your needs in an ever-changing environment is to our mission of providing 4-H Horse Program youth with learning opportunities. With the changing needs and desires for the program, we are updating our events to better meet the current interests of youth. One of the things we consistently hear is the need for more hands-on learning, especially through workshops and clinics.
To meet that need, we are excited to offer a series of clinics during the summer of 2023 that will be led by Carla Wennberg, Western Collegiate Equestrian Team Coach from St. Andrews University. Carla brings a wealth of experience leading clinics and is a certified horse show judge for several associations across the country. Details on sites and dates will be forthcoming!
Additionally, we have spent time reviewing the intent and outcomes of District 4-H Horse Shows. The intent of these shows was for youth to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show. Throughout the years, the number of exhibitors who qualify has increased dramatically to a point where 80-90% of exhibitors qualify. These percentages, along with declining numbers indicate these District Shows are no longer serving the intent and instead causing an extra burden for families of exhibitors who want to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Hence, beginning in 2023, participation in a District 4-H Horse Show will not be required to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. This is also similar to the process used by other state livestock events (i.e., State Fair, AKSARBEN, etc.) and will allow more youth the opportunity to experience the State 4-H Horse Show. As safety is always our most important concern, being able to provide more opportunities for learning through workshops and clinics will allow youth to increase their skills and further develop with their project horse(s) in preparation for the State 4-H Horse Show.
Please let us know if there are any questions and thanks to the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee for their input into the process. Be on the lookout for equine related clinics across the state with nationally known Carla Wennberg from St. Andrews University in June 2023!
Lena Luck, Equine Extension Specialist
Grace Kim, Extension Horse Assistant
Premier Communication Event
The Nebraska State 4-H Presentations Contest will partner with the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest to create a combined state-level communications event – this event will be called the Premier Communication Event and will be held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus on Friday, June 23, 2023.
The Premier Communication Event will be structured similarly to the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). The event will include contest classes, including the areas of prepared speech, radio public service announcements (PSA’s), illustrated presentations, impromptu speech, and video communication.
Eligibility for Premier Communication Event
• Youth must be currently enrolled in 4-H to participate in the Premier Communication Event.
• Eligibility requirements for the following contest classes include:
• Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), and Illustrated Presentation:
• Youth must receive a purple ribbon at their County Contest and be selected to participate in the Premier Communication Event in these classes.
• Counties may select up to five (5) contestants in each age division.
• Impromptu Speech and Video Communication:
• Open to all youth enrolled in 4-H.
• If eligible, youth may participate in all contest classes.
• Pre-registration is required for all participants and is completed by County Extension Offices. There is a $10 fee per entry for Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), and Illustrated Presentation participants; no entry fee is required for Impromptu Speech and Video Communication for 2023.
Age Divisions
• Intermediate: ages 10-13 as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: ages 14-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Team Entries
• While most contest classes are only for individuals, team entries are allowed in the Illustrated Presentation contest class. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age division of the oldest team member.
State Fair Eligibility Update
With each new State Fair season, brings new possibilities and opportunities for 4-H families in Nebraska. The opportunity for 4-H to continue having its own weekend allows more flexibility for new events, entry limits, schedules and space. We want to continue to take advantage of that!
As part of that process, we continue to explore age eligibility requirements for State Fair participation. After garnering user input, researching data from other events/shows/states, and looking that overall impact on youth development, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility in 2023 to be 9 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows).
State Fair Livestock DNA Update
All livestock in contention to exhibit at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair and/or the Aksarben Stock Show will be required to submit a DNA nomination. All 4-H/FFA BREEDING livestock, market livestock and FEEDER CALVES will now be required to submit a DNA sample/envelope to be eligible to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. DNA nominations for the Nebraska State Fair are due on June 15, 2023.
Requiring DNA on breeding stock will allow for flexibility of substitutions, allow exhibitors to have a better record of the animals they are nominating, sustain the integrity of exhibitors and ensure ownership of the livestock. As for the administrative side, this will help streamline the record keeping and validation process to assist our families as they are nominating their animal projects.
Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Aksarben Stock Show. DNA nominations will remain at $7.00 per animal. With this update, animals will automatically be eligible for both breeding and market. Families who often paid to be eligible for both had been paying $9.00 ($7.00-Market and $2.00-Breeding) would no longer need to do that. All would pay $7.00.
2023 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.
Youth should enroll for the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online. Once enrolled through 4-H Online, youth are then to call their local office to let them know they enrolled for the project. By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation.
The flyer and a letter including alternative ways to exhibit in this project are available on the website at https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project.
2023 Special Agronomy Project
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. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different.
The focus of the 2023 Special Agronomy Project is Tepary Beans. Tepary beans can be used like dry edible beans, forage, or hay. To participate in the Special Agronomy Project, enroll in the project through 4-H Online or call your local extension office to reserve seed by February 15.
There are three ways to complete this at the county or state fair. First, an educational exhibit that can be in a poster format can include what you learned. Secondly, let your creativity go wild and create a video-type presentation explaining what you have learned, showing the growing process, etc. Finally, you can enter the crop itself. To do this, cut 6 stalks at the ground level and bound-together with supporting information about the project. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
EVENTS
2023 Eastern Lambing and Kidding School
The 2023 Eastern Nebraska Lambing and Kidding School on Saturday January 21, 2023 held near Lincoln will feature farm tours, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations by expert speakers.
Nebraska Extension is hosting the clinic that will run from approximately 8:30a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT, starting with Registration at Pickinpaugh Livestock, 9801 Van Dorn St, Lincoln NE, 68520. Following the sheep tour of Pickinpaugh Livestock, we will travel to the Otoe County Fairgrounds, 198 Plum Street, Syracuse for lunch and presentations. Following the speakers, we will travel to Burchard, Nebraska for goat farm tours at Black Family Livestock, 61026 708 Road, Burchard NE and Plum Creek Farms at 60685 712 Road, Burchard NE.
To register, e-mail wayde.pickinpaugh@unl.edu or call Wayde Pickinpaugh, Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator at 402-335-2669 by January 18. The cost to attend in person is $20 per person, $55 for a family up to 5 attendees. Handouts and lunch are included.
Lunch will be held at the Fair Center Building in Syracuse, NE. After lunch, Ryan Hassebrook, local sheep producer, will speak on proper nutrition and feeding programs. Becky Funk, DVM, will discuss when lambing and kidding doesn’t go as planned. Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Educator, will cover reproductive diseases in both sheep and goats. We will close out the day traveling to Black Family Livestock as well as Plum Creek Farms where we will tour the facilities and discuss goat herd management.
SOARS (Showmanship-Obedience-Agility-Rally Series)
We are excited to present our SOAR workshop series in conjunction with Platte Valley Kennel Club! Learn from experienced clinicians provided by Platte Valley Kennel Club! This workshop series will have a total of 3 to 4 sessions throughout the spring/ summer months (dates listed in the flyer & more to come). Handlers will gain greater success in participating in each workshop as it provides action steps for youth to move forward and builds upon the skills learned from previous sessions. We do encourage others to join any of our workshops even if you cannot go to all of them.
Along with building skills with your dog(s), youth will also learn more about other events and organizations they can participate in to immerse themselves in dog related activities.
Early registration is not required but it is helpful for our event staff to know a general number of youth participating! Youth can also come the day of the event.
To register: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_egkqrMq79Ybii6q
Event: January 21st, 2023
Event Address: Go Dogs Inc. 2348 North 83rd, Omaha NE
Estimated Time Frame: 1:00-4:00pm
Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference Scholarship Opportunity
We are writing to inform you of an opportunity for students to apply for a scholarship to attend the 2023 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference in Kearney, Nebraska. The 38th Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will be held February 23-24, 2023.
The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program will award up to 15 scholarships for students to attend the 2023 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference. Any student attending a four-year college/university, two-year college, a vocational/technical school, or a 4-H or FFA member may apply for a scholarship to attend. Applicants will need to prepare an essay that answers the question: “Why do you want to attend the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference?” The essay response is limited to 3,000 characters. Applications must be submitted online by February 1, 2023.
More information can be found at: https://wia.unl.edu/scholarships
Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than February 10, 2023.
Ignite by 4-H
Spark your imagination and passion! Ignite by 4-H is an inclusive teen event held in Washington, D.C. for four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and creating amazing connections. Explore the best 4-H has to offer in STEM, Agriscience, Healthy Living and Emotional Well-Being. Discover exciting career paths and create an actionable plan to help create real change in your community. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
4-H Horse stampede
The Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede offers a variety of 4-H horse contests that do not require live animals, including public speaking, demonstration, quiz bowl, art, and photography contests. Youth have the opportunity to display their equine knowledge through these contests both as an individual and as part of a team. The 4-H Horse Stampede is held annually at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, Nebraska. This year's event will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023.
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.
Nebraska 4-H Horse show dress code is required for all in-person contests. Please see pages 23-24 of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide for details. Exception: No hats or headgear are permitted.
Adventure Together 4-H Summer Camp
Registration is open for the Adventure Together 4-H Summer Camp series! A limited number of spots are available, and we recommend registering as early as possible to reserve yours. You can explore all the sessions and register at 4h.unl.edu/camps-summer.
Livestock Information Series
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic.
Agronomy Youth Field Day
Annual Agronomy Youth Field Day, June 27, 2023 in Curtis, NE at the NCTA campus.
Open statewide to ALL youth ages 9-18 and adults. More details to follow after the first of the year.