Thurston Co. 4-H News
May 2023
Nebraska Extension - Thurston County
Jennifer E. Hansen, Extension Educator, jhansen6@unl.edu
Sydney Williams, Extension Assistant, sydney.williams@unl.edu
Email: thurston-county@unl.edu
Website: thurston.unl.edu
Location: 415 Main Street, P.O. Box 665, Pender, NE 68787
Phone: 402-385-6041
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLExtensionThurston/
Twitter: @UNLThurstonCty
*UPCOMING DATES*
May 8 - Thurston 4-H Council; 6:30 pm, TBD
May 15 - Thurston Ext. Board Meeting; 6:30 pm, TBD
May 26 - Office Closed
May 29 - Memorial Day - Office ClosedMay 30-31 - Babysitting Workshop, Pender Fire Hall
May 30 - Adventure Day Camp Counselor Training, Neligh Park, West Point, NE - 5-7:30 pm
June 2 - Adventure Day Camp, West Point, NE
June 6 - Macramé Workshop; 9 - 2 pm
June 8 - Hot Mess Painting, Pender Fire Hall;
June 12-13 - All About Rockets Workshop - Pender Fire Hall
June 12 - Thurston 4-H Council; TBD
June 14 - YQCA In-person Training - Pender Fire Hall; 1:00-3 PM
June 15 - 4-H Enrollment Deadline, Drop/Add Deadline
June 15 - Livestock Animal ID/Affidavits/DNA/Nominations Due/YQCA Due
June 20 - First Aid Kits with Mary; Pender Fire Hall at 9-11 AM
June 21 - 22 - PASE - Lincoln, NE
June 22 - Let's Paint Run - A - Ways; Pender Fire Hall
June 23 - Clover Kid Camp; St. John's Catholic Church, Pender, NE
June 23 - Premier Communication Event - Lincoln, NE
June 28 - Floral Desgins Workshop; Pender Public Schools Shop
June 29 - Explore The Great Outdoors Workshop; TBD
July 4 - Office Closed - 4th of July
July 10 - Thurston 4-H Council; TBD
July 15-19 - State 4-H Horse Show @ Fonner Park, Grand Island
July 21 - County Fair Entries DUE!!!
July 30 - Dakota-Thurston Co. 4-H Dog, Cat, Small Animal Show - Thurston, NE
July 31 - Clothing Day @ the Fair! - Expo Center
August 2 -6 - Dakota-Thurston County Fair Days!
August 10 - Haskell Lab Family Field Day; Concord, NE
August 21 - Ext. Board Meeting - 6:30 pm, TBD
August 23 - State Fair exhibits; Grand Island, NE
August 25 - 27 - 4-H State Fair Weekend
September 1 - 4 - FFA State Fair Weekend
September 4 - Office Closed
September 11 - Joint 4-H Council; TBD
*MEMBER INFORMATION*
4-H Online Enrollment deadline June 15!
PAY YOUR DUES!!
2023 All Contest Day Results
Speech Contest
Grand Champion Jr: Amaryn Bodlak
Reserve Champion Jr: Payton Hermelbracht
Junior Purple: Amaryn Bodlak, Payton Hermelbracht
Senior Purple: Rylie Hermelbracht
PSA Contest
Grand Champion Jr: Logan Hansen
Reserve Champion Jr: Kate Hansen
Purple: Logan Hansen
Blue: Kate Hansen
Music Contest
Grand Champion Sr: Audric Cavenee
Reserve Champion Jr: Brooke Raymer
Purple: Audric Cavenee (Tenor Sax, Double Bass, Tongue Drum), Brooke Raymer (Snare drum), Rylie Hermelbracht (Tenor sax)
Blue: Jenna Raymer (Trombone), Payton Hermelbracht (Bass Clarinet)
Favorite Foods Revue
Grand Champion Sr: Rylie Hermelbracht
Reserve Champion Sr: Brooke Raymer
Grand Champion Jr: Payton Hermelbracht
Reserve Champion Jr: Kate Hansen
Junior Purple: Kate Hansen, Jenna Raymer, Payton Hermelbracht
Junior Blue: Carter Twito
Senior Purple: Rylie Hermelbracht
Senior Blue: Brooke Raymer
2023 THURSTON COUNTY LOCAL 4-H WORKSHOPS
We are super excited for our upcoming Summer Workshops! There is a variety of activities that should be lots of fun!! More information on these workshops can be found on our flyer.
Here is the link to view: https://go.unl.edu/23thurstonsummerflyer
Register here at: https://go.unl.edu/2023thurstonsummer or send in the registration form on the flyer!
Any questions contact Thurston County 4-H Office at 402-385-6041 or thurston.unl.edu.
Livestock ID & DNA Envelopes!
DAKOTA-THURSTON CO. FAIRBOOK IS UP!
Our 2023 Fairbook is posted online and ready to view!
Visit https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/dakota-thurston-county-fair-0/ to either view a PDF copy or to find the links to the areas you're interested in!
This year's theme is "Proud Past, Bright Future"!
Click on this link to view: 2023 Fairbook.pdf
Special Garden Project
The 2023 Special Garden Project is focused on the 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 to cut flower arrangements to add scent and interest.
Contact us here at the office: 402-385-6041.
For more information click here: https://4h.unl.edu/special-garden-project
Come Learn with Carla
Next Chapter Program
Wayne County is offering the Next Chapter program in Wayne at the Courthouse on May 25 & June 2!! Chapters 1 & 2 will be held May 25 (reg. due May 22) and Chapters 3 & 4 on June 2 (reg. due May 30).
Next Chapter at Nebraska is a college readiness program offered to enrolled 4-H members in their 8th-grade year. Throughout high school, Next Chapter scholars engage in a variety of events, activities, and curriculum where they will participate in career exploration, develop research skills, and experience a variety of learning methods that will help them transition to and succeed in college. Current Eighth, Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are invited to attend!
Contact the Wayne County Extension Office to register!!!
Click on links below for more information!
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:3f9210b2-f9d4-307d-bc88-30d2f1676e71
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:94ac44f3-39e7-3bb9-88b7-aef7f764164e
TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY TRAINING
Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced plans for the annual “tractor safety” training courses scheduled at 8 sites across Nebraska in late May and early June. Students will complete the first day of the course either by attending a hands-on event in North Platte or Grand Island, or online through the extension Foundation Campus website. The hands-on events will take place on May 22 in North Platte and May 30 in Grand Island. After successfully completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, the required driving test will be offered at 8 locations across Nebraska May 23 through June 8, 2023.
The cost of the course is $35 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), and supplies. Payment will be made at the time of the driving exam. Only checks and cash can be accepted.
Please Click Here for Registration Form or follow this link: https://go.unl.edu/2023tractorsafety for more information!
If you have questions please contact the administrator listed above at your driving site, or contact Ellen Duysen ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.
4-H Adventure Day Camp
WHERE: Neligh Park Log Cabin, West Point
WHEN: June 2, 2023
7:45-8:00 a.m. Camper Check-in
8:00 – 3:30 p.m. Camp
WHAT: Be prepared to have fun….
Wear clothes that can get dirty
Old tennis shoes
Bring: Bug Spray / Sunscreen, water bottle, extra set of clothes, and a life jacket
COST: $40 per camper
AGES for campers: Youth ages 8 – 11 years as of January 14-H Adventure Day Camp Counselor Opportunity!
Diamond Clover Program
Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/diamond-clover.
4-H State Summer Camps
Are your youngsters already dreaming of warmer days? Stop dreaming and start planning! Check out all of the 4-H Summer Camps sessions at 4h.unl.edu/summer-camp-schedule and register early to save your spot! Scholarships, new camper discounts, and transportation options are available.
Big Red Camps
Big Red Summer Camps will be held June 11-16, 2023. Registration is open! Be sure to register for Big Red Camps early, because space is limited! Get started at BigRedCamps.unl.edu.
Youth Leadership Conference
Register for the 2023 4-H Youth Leadership Conference (YLC)
High school students, ages 14-18, we’d like to invite you to join us for the Youth Leadership Conference! The conference will be held June 19-21. To learn more, visit 4h.unl.edu/leadership-conference.
PASE - June 21-22
Premier Communications Event - June 23
*ANIMAL SCIENCE & AGRICULTURE*
UPCOMING ANIMAL SHOWS & EVENTS
- May 20, 2023 - 4-H Dog Clinic at Dixon County Fairgrounds, Concord, NE; 1:30-- 3:30 pm
- May 22, May 28, June 5, 2023 – Loup Valley Horse Series (Albion/Ord/Grand Island)
- May 24, 2023 – Pitzer Horse Ranch Judging Contest (Pitzer Ranch, Ericson, NE)
- May 25, 2023 - Colfax/Platte County Livestock Judging Contest (Colfax County Fairgrounds, Leigh, NE)
- May 25, 2023 - Animal Science Discovery Day (NCTA, Curtis, NE)
- May 26-28, 2023 - Boone County Swine, Beef, Sheep, and Goat Jackpot Show (Niewohner Arena Albion, NE)
- May 31, 2023 - Showman's Best Camp - Showmanship, Fitting, and Nutrition Camp for sheep and goat exhibitors - (Clay County Fairgrounds Vermillion, SD)
- June 2, 2023 – Butler Co. Livestock Judging Contest (Butler Co Fairgrounds, David City, NE)
- June 2, 2023 - Dawes Co. Roundup Livestock Judging (Dawes Co. Fairgrounds, Chadron, NE)
- June 3, 2023 - Phelps-Gosper Co. Small Animal Progress Show (Holdredge, NE)
- June 7-9, 2023 - Winners Unlimited UNL Livestock Judging Camp - Registration by May 23 (UNL - Animal Science Building, Lincoln, NE)
- June 8-10, 2023 – Dawes County Horse Camp (Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford, NE)
- June 11, 2023 - Hustler Progress Show (Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Point, NE)
- June 14, 2023 - YQCA In-person Training (Pender Fire Hall; 1:00-- 3:00 pm)
- June 15, 2023 - Wisner Junior Livestock Judging Contest (Wisner, NE)
- June 17, 2023 - Dawes Co. 4-H Progress Show (Dawes County Fairgrounds, Chadron, NE)
- June 22-25, 2023 - Wisner Junior Livestock Show (Wisner, NE) - Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Rabbit, and Dog Shows
- June 24, 2023 - Madison County 4-H Roping Event (Madison County Fairgrounds, Madison, NE)
- June 24, 2023 - 36th Annual Papio Valley 4-H Livestock Show (Sarpy County Fairgrounds, Springfield, NE)
- June 25, 2023 - Big Green's 2nd Annual Speed Show (Thayer County Fairgrounds, Deshler, NE)
YQCA
Nebraska 4-H requires all members enrolled in a livestock project to complete annual quality assurance certification through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program.
The program has recently moved to a new online system available at YQCAProgram.org. Learn more about YQCA requirements and find help documents at 4h.unl.edu/yqca. YQCA is due for our county on June 15th! You can request coupon codes from our office to help offset your family costs!
There will be an in- person YQCA training on Wednesday, June 14th from 1:00-- 3:00 pm at the Pender Fire Hall! It will be listed on our Summer Workshop flyer. Please sign up using that google form or you can contact the office to sign up at 402-385-6041.
NCTA Animal Science Discovery Day - May 25th
4-H Dog Clinic - May 20 - Concord
Fort Robinson 4-H Horse Camp June 8-10
For more information, visit go.unl.edu/4h-horse-camp.
UNL Livestock Judging Camp, June 7 - 9
Registration is $300 per person and includes all meals, lodging,
and materials.
The registration deadline is May 23.
go.unl.edu/judging-campQuestions? Contact Blaine French
402-472-8834Livestock Judging Circuit
Livestock Achievement Program
Nebraska Extension is pleased to announce the second year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.
The program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals.
Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 10 via the completion form on the website. Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.
For more information or to apply, go to: Nebraska 4-H / Livestock Achievement Program
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.
More information can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/dog-achievement-program
For any questions, contact Grace Kim at Grace.kim@unl.edu
4-H State Fair Livestock Nomination Requirements - Deadline Day is June 15th!
1. Exhibitors will be required to enroll in 4-H and the required projects by the county deadline in 4H Online.
2. Exhibitors showing market and/or breeding beef, feeder calves, market and/or breeding swine, market and/or breeding sheep or market and/or breeding goats at State Fair must have a signed and sealed official DNA envelope with hair samples for DNA verification. Every animal nomination (this includes all breeding animals and feeder calves) will require a DNA submission. DNA must be turned into their county office and have completed the online nomination with payment in Show Stock Manager by June 15. Any animal carrying an 840 EID tag will require the exhibitor to obtain a Premises ID. Contact the local Extension Office for details. (It is recommended that you make a copy or a photo image of completed envelope you turn into your county.)
3. Exhibitors will be required to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) for the enrolled livestock projects by August 10.
4. Exhibitors will confirm that the ear tattoo and/or identification tag matches the animal nomination submitted by June 15 for confirmation of legibility and/or accuracy.
5. Exhibitors will notify the County Extension Staff of any retags that may occur up to time of check-in at the State Fair.
6. Exhibitors will select which animal nominations they have chosen to show at State Fair on the State Fair entry website by August 10. All nominated and validated animals will be automatically listed as a choice option for entry registration.
7. Exhibitors will be required to bring the breed registration association paperwork to check-in at State Fair for animals wanting to show in a breed class. The registration papers must show the exhibitor’s name, a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor’s family and is listed with the online nomination in Show Stock Manager.
Additional Information: Each exhibitor may nominate a total, between 4-H and FFA, as follows: Market Beef (20), Market Lambs (20), Market Swine (40), and Market Goats (20).
IMPORTANT NEBRASKA STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK UPDATES PLEASE READ!!!!!!
DNA Requirement Change
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.
Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Ak-Sar-Ben 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.
Age Eligibilty Change
The age of eligibility at Nebraska State Fair is now 9 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows).
Age Divisions are:
Intermediate (9-13)
Senior (14-18)
Entry Limits for Nebraska State Fair:
Poultry and Rabbit -- 5
Sheep and Goat -- 4
Swine -- 5
Beef -- 5
4-H will be awarding an Overall Registered Steer division during the Market Beef Show:
Champion and reserve champion from each breed (including AOB) will be in the drive for Overall Registered Steer.
4-H will be awarding an Overall Purebred Swine during the Market Swine Show:
Champion and reserve champion from each breed (including AOB) will be in the drive for Overall Purebred Swine.
Registration Papers for Breeding Livestock (NEW)
Registration papers must show the exhibitor's name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor's family and is listed with the online nomination in Stock Show Manager.
*Online Learning Opportunities*
Online Horticulture Contest
Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?! We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 2-16, 2023 at: https://go.unl.edu/online4hhortcontest.
Horticulture judging contest consists of three parts. The first is identification of plant material. Participants identify the plants by common name from a plant list. Specimens may be alive or preserved plant parts like stems, twigs, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, or plant products.
The second is a knowledge portion, usually in the form of a true/false or multiple choice quiz. Questions will test the contestant's knowledge of cultural practices for horticultural crops, plant science, pesticides, horticultural careers and other topics related to the production, processing and consumption of horticultural crops.
The last portion is judging or placings. This is where four different plants, plates of vegetables, or containers flowers are ranked from best to worst based on a set of criteria. Classes are judged on the basis of condition, quality, uniformity, true-to-type, and size.
More information about the Nebraska State contest along with a list of study materials can be found in the Fairbook: https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/45. Here you can find the written study materials for the knowledge portion, follow links to plant pictures for help with identification, and read how judging of plant material is done.
More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/online-horticulture-judging-contest
Practice Horse Judging Contests
See below about two on-line Practice Horse Judging contests that would be great for your 4-H or FFA Horse Judging teams. Each course is only $20 with unlimited access for 90 days (from your date of enrollment). Each contest has 6 classes with 2 halter and 4 performance.
There are questions, officials, and critiques at the end of each class.
Follow the links below or QR code to enroll.
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. Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-info-series
Continuing Education
Congrats to our 2023 Seniors!
Just wanted to take a moment to recognize our 2023 Thurston County 4-H Seniors! We are so proud of all your accomplishments so far and wish you the best of luck on your future adventures!
- Alexandria Luedert - Pender
- Colton Sanderson - Pender
- Logan Mosser - Pender
- Rylie Bonneau - Pender
- Jacie Bonneau - Pender