Otoe County 4-H Wednesday What-Nots
June 17, 2020
4-H 2020 County Fair Statement
Again, thank you for your patience as we work through the changes due to COVID-19.
We continue to meet with the Ag Society, County Commissioners, Southeast District Health Department, Syracuse Mayor, Emergency Management Agency, Extension Board President and 4-H Council President to determine how best to showcase our 4-H members projects this year. Your understanding is truly appreciated as Otoe County 4-H tries to provide youth with a quality 4-H experience during a global pandemic.
Look for information from the Otoe County Ag Society regarding modifications to the 2020 Otoe County Fair to comply with the Governor’s Directed Health Measures (DHM), Restricted Fair Openings in Nebraska guidelines, as well as the Guidance for Livestock Shows guidelines.
For Nebraska Extension, the health and safety of all 4-H members, parents, families, and volunteers must be ensured. The Extension Office staff is also working hard to adapt all 4-H prefair and 4-H fair events so they follow these same guidelines mentioned above: the Governor’s DHMs, Restricted Fair Openings in Nebraska guidelines, and the Guidance for Livestock Shows guidelines.
The draft 4-H fair event plan was presented to the 4-H Council on June 11 for approval. It passed unanimously. However, we are waiting on one more item from the Ag Society before we can present the total plan to our 4-H families.
Please note that anything can change as the DHM requirements and recommendations change with the fluid pandemic situation. Below are some items to be aware of regarding 2020 4-H fair entries:
· 4-H livestock entries will be judged. Modifications to the logistics of the livestock shows will be different than previously published in the Otoe County Fair Book.
· Livestock ID sheets are now due Friday, June 19. Since many of you were waiting on county fair 4-H information, we are extending this deadline four days. Entries can be dropped in the outside white drop box or emailed for your convenience and safety.
· The Otoe County Ag Society has indicated there will not be a livestock auction. Packers have been lined up to direct ship animals, according to Mike Rudolph, Otoe County Ag Society President.
· 4-H static exhibits will be judged. There will be no interview judging of 4-H entries in clothing, foods, home environment and quilting. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is creating a guide which Otoe County 4-H will need to follow for judging static fair projects. More information will be known about the schedule and details for static exhibits after this guide is released.
· Some contests will likely be virtual, the Favorite Foods Review for example.
Thank you for your patience as we are “Putting the Pieces Together” for the 2020 Otoe County Fair.
- Sarah Purcell, Nebraska Extension Educator
- Erin Steinhoff, Otoe County 4-H Extension Assistant
- Kelsey Ahrens, Otoe County Extension Office Manager
Otoe County 4-H Presentation Contest
The 4-H Presentation Contest is set for Tuesday, July 7, 7:00 p.m. This will be a live contest in the Fair Center in Syracuse. This live contest is subject to change if warranted by a spike in COVID-19 cases. Youth participating in the 4-H Presentation Contest gain valuable communication skills. Click on the link for all the information!
Clover Kids
·Modifications have been made for Clover Kids in the number of total entries. Clover Kids can enter a total of three entries, which does not include Favorite Foods Revue, Fashion Show, and Livestock Showmanship.
·In-person livestock showmanship for Clover Kids is replaced with a YouTube video. Clover Kids may submit a YouTube video of them showing their animal. The video may be up to five (5) minutes long. The Clover Kid will need to answer the five (5) provided questions while showing their animal as they would if they were showing in person. Videos must be submitted by Sunday, July 19, 11:59 p.m.
·The in-person Favorite Foods Review will be replaced with a YouTube video for all divisions. More information will be coming.
·The Fashion Show judging will be an in-person event.
Important Deadline Information
- Id Sheets are due to the Extension Office by June 19th - sheets are available online by clicking here and scrolling down under Animal Information!
- State Fair nominations due date has been moved to July 1st
* You can email, mail, or drop off ID sheets in our white mailbox out front!
Nebraska 4-H Club Meetings - Can Restart with Guidelines
Beginning June 15, 4-H Clubs across Nebraska can start meeting, but new club safety measures need to be in place. The health and safety of all 4-H members, parents, guests, and staff is the top priority of Nebraska 4-H.
To help reduce the risks associated with the spread of COVID-19, the following guidelines from the Nebraska Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) should be followed to protect yourself and others during 4-H Club meetings and other 4-H programs:
1. Stay home when sick and avoid contact with other people unless you need medical attention.
2. Follow common-sense steps such as washing your hands often and well; covering your coughs and sneezes; and cleaning and disinfecting.
3. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Avoid close contact with people by staying at least 6 feet apart.
6. Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
7. Wipe down all common surfaces as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Common surfaces include tables, counters, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, chairs, etc.
At this time we recommend food or snacks not be provided as part of 4-H meetings. Families can bring their own snacks for themselves if necessary.
Additional guidelines for preparation before, during and following your 4-H meeting can be found at:
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/COVID4HMeetingGuidelinesMay2820201%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.pdf
By following the above best practices, Nebraska 4-H hopes to offer more opportunities for youth to interact face-to-face, within the parameters provided by your county health officials. If you have any questions, please contact the Nebraska Extension in Otoe County Office at 402-269-2301 or otoe-county@unl.edu.
Summer Workshops for 2020!
We realize this is probably not the summer any of us imagined, but that doesn’t mean we can't keep growing and learning using our head, heart, hands, and health!
To see a list of 2020 Nebraska learning experiences being offered click here!Online 4-H Horticulture Contest
The Biggest Grower Summer Program
If you're a high school student entering the 9th-12th grade this fall (or know a HS student) living in Nebraska and you want to do a fun, hands-on, outdoor activity with a bit of instruction and a bunch of flexibility, and like winning money, Nebraska Extension is providing a summer gardening program for you.
The Biggest Grower competition offers Nebraska high school students the opportunity to learn to start their own garden and small growing operation. Students will receive the supplies and support needed to plant, grow, cultivate, harvest and distribute their own fresh specialty crops in a garden space or in containers. Participants will be placed in virtual teams with one team chosen as The Biggest Grower and each team member will be awarded a $50 Amazon gift card. Additionally, an individual high school junior or senior will be awarded a College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Department of Agronomy and Horticulture scholarship of $1,000. #NebExt
Livestock Judging Practice Opportunities
Nebraska 4-H is now offering an online livestock judging video series. Start by sorting through the class and working on your reasons. Then, get tips and tricks for improving your skills while listening to a critique of the class. New videos are added each week.
Otoe County Fair Book can be found online!
Virtual Dog Club
2020 Census
Nebraska Extension in Otoe County limited public access
In response to COVID-19, the Nebraska Extension in Otoe County Office has limited public access until further notice. Our office, located at 620 1st Street in Syracuse, will remain operational and accessible to the public by request only until further notice. Please contact the office at 402-269-2301 or via email at otoe-county@unl.edu to set up a time to conduct any business that cannot be handled via phone, email, or regular mail. The doors will be locked and access will only be granted to those who have a scheduled appointment
Looking for learning opportunities you can do from home?
Nebraska 4-H and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have you covered! Check out these virtual learning experiences and activity guides that are perfect for hands-on learning at home.
- 4-H Virtual and At-Home Learning: https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning
- A Beautiful Day: https://cehs.unl.edu/abeautifulday/
- Family Food and Fun at Home: https://food.unl.edu/article/family-food-fun-home
- Virtual Field Trips: https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-field-trips
COVID-19 Information from Southeast District Health
Nebraska Extension in Otoe County has connected with the Southeast District Health Department to amplify the work of our district health department. The mission of the Southeast District Health Department is to prevent diseases, promote good health and protect the welfare of all who live, work, and visit Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, and Richardson counties. Click on the following link to have access to the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, the coronavirus, to ensure the health and safety of yourself, your family, and our community. http://www.sedhd.org/index.html
2020 Otoe County Fair Theme
Nebraska Extension in Otoe County
Sarah Purcell, Unit Leader, Extension Educator, spurcell2@unl.edu
Erin Steinhoff, Extension Assistant, erin.steinhoff@unl.edu
Kelsey Ahrens, Office Manager, kahrens4@unl.edu
Email: Otoe-County@unl.edu
Website: www.otoe.unl.edu
Location: 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE
Phone: (402)269-2301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska-Extension-in-Otoe-County