Dakota County 4-H News
May 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
MAY
1 Extension Board Meeting
29 - Office closed, Memorial Day
JUNE
1- All Horse ID's, level testing submitted
5 - Extension Board meeting
5 - Dakota County 4-H Council meeting
11-16 - Big red Camps @ UNL
15 - Apply to State Livestock recognition program (final report 8/28)
15 - ALL LIVESTOCK ID'S/AFFIDAVITS DUE
15 - YQCA deadline
15 - State Fair livestock nominations/DNA due
15 - Final enrollment/project deadline
19-21 - Youth Leadership Conference
21-22 - Premier Animal Science Event, UNL
23 - State Communications Event
JULY
15-19 - Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo
21 - County Fair Pre-Entry Deadline
MEMBER INFORMATION
All Contest Day - April 15, 2023
Dakota-Thurston County Speech, PSA, Presentations, and Music contests and Favorite Foods Revue was held on Saturday, April 15th at the United Church of Pender in Pender, NE.
Congratulation to our Dakota & Thurston County 4-H'ers that participated.
Music Contest
Grand Champion Sr: Audric Cavenee
Reserve Champion Jr: Brooke Raymer
Instrumental Solos
Purple: Audric Cavenee (3), Brooke Raymer, Rylie Hermelbracht
Blue: Jenna Raymer, Payton Hermelbracht
Favorite Foods Revue
Grand Champion Sr: Rylie Hermelbracht
Reserve Champion Sr: Brooke Raymer
Grand Champion Jr: Payton Hermelbracht
Reserve Champion Jr: Kate Hansen
Jr Ribbons
Purple: Jenna Raymer, Payton Hermelbracht, Kate Hansen
Blue: Carter Twito
Sr Ribbons
Purple: Rylie Hermelbracht
Blue: Brooke Raymer
Speech
Grand Champion Jr: Amaryn Bodlak
Reserve Champion Jr: Rylie Hermelbracht
Junior Purple Ribbon: Payton Hermelbracht, Amaryn Bodlak
Senior Purple Ribbon: Rylie Hermelbracht
PSA
Grand Champion Jr: Logan Hansen
Reserve Champion Jr: Kate Hansen
Purple: Logan Hansen
Blue: Kate Hansen
Payton & Rylie are both eligible to attend the State Premier Communications Event in Lincoln on June 23rd.
4-H ONLINE ENROLLMENT DEADLNE JUNE 15TH!!!
There is still time Deadline for final enrollments and project updates is June 15th.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT.....
- Horse ID's and level testing are due June 1st. Remember no District shows this year, State horse show only in July.
- Horticulture and floriculture projects: As you are planning/planting your vegetables and flowers, REMEMBER TO SAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLANT NAME & CULTIVAR!!!! You will need this with your exhibit on entry day.
- Clothing Day is the Monday of Fair week, July 30th. Any sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, shopping in Style, Outfit challenge projects are entered and judged this day. Outfit Challenge is a fun project, you get to go shopping!
- Work as a club to enter the County Special project. We want to see some family history!, Your Proud Past and Bright Future.
- Order a new t-shirt, show your Dakota County 4-H Spirit!
- Get those ID sheets filled out and turned in. Remember ear tags, tattoos, and ear notches are to be in place and healed well before fair week.
- Will you be showing livestock at the State fair or Ak-Sar-Ben? Families need to nominate their animals, the Extension Office doesn't do this. We will send in the DNA envelopes on your nominated animals though.
- Check out some great camps and clinics around the state this summer.
DAKOTA~THURSTON COUNTY FAIRBOOK IS ON THE WEB
The 2023 Fairbook is loaded on the web , check it out. You can find a full version or just check out the sections you need.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/fairbook2/
This Years Theme is "Proud Past, Bright Future"
ANIMAL ID'S AND AFFIDAVITS
We have the ear tags you need!
Market beef (if did not attend weigh-in), feeder calf, bucket calf
Breeding Beef: Tattoos
Swine: Ear notches
Sheep/Goat: Scrapies tags - we do not have these are are unique to your flock and can be ordered from the USDA
Rabbits: Tattoos
You can find the ID sheets on our website, please fill them out and turn into the Extension Office before June 15th. Find the ID link on our main page, the pictures that scroll at the top.
YQCA
All 4-H members enrolled in livestock projects are required to complete annual quality assurance training and certification through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) program. This includes youth enrolled in beef, dairy cattle, goat, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbit projects.
Youth may complete online training courses or attend in-person training workshops held by their county Extension office. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/yqca.
There will be an in- person YQCA training on Wednesday, June 14th from 1:00-- 3:00 pm at the Pender Fire Hall! Contact the Thurston County office to sign up at 402-385-6041.
The 2023 Dakota County Special project is about your families past and future. Use your imagination to create an exhibit that tells about your family.
DAKOTA COUNTY 4-H T-SHIRT ORDERS
Get your t-shirts here! Also available in hoodies) Note Youth small and Youth medium, the design will be on the back of the hoodie. The t-shirts are dri-fit material. See our website for a printable order form. Turn in payment (cash or check) to the Dakota County Extension Office by June 5th.
Dakota~Thurston County Fair Schedule Changes!
Poultry show start time changed to 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 3rd
Bucket calf exhibitors: Interviews will be Thursday afternoon; the bucket calf show will be Friday, August 4th at 2:30 pm.
Goat Show changed start time to 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 5th.
4-H Horse Show changed time to 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 5th.
NEWS & INFORMATION
Show Stock Manager Is Now Open
Families can now begin entering in their 2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA livestock nominations.
Show Stock Manager Information (NOW Open for 2023!)
The 2023 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions can be found on the public page: https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-id.
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.
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.
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).
2023 Special Garden Project
Seed are available in the Extension Office
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
Seed are available in the Extension Office
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
4-H CAMPING SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Camping season is almost upon us but there is still time for youth to sign up for a camp with Nebraska State 4-H Camp. Scholarships from different sources can be stacked- For example if a youth receives a camp scholarship from their local 4-H council, they can still apply for a scholarship through the camp scholarship application and use both to help them attend camp. Scholarships do need to be awarded prior to registration. Families can apply at https://4h.unl.edu/camps-discounts
Camps that still have space available:
Chadron, June 5-9
Experience Nebraska via horseback, hiking, and with a trip down the Super Slide! Then see the prehistoric Agate Fossil Beds for a week of exploring Nebraska’s wilderness; both past and present.
Cozad, June 16-20
Challenge yourself with high ropes, zipline, and a rock wall! Work together with your new friends for a canoeing adventure, and round out your day with gaga and 9 square in the air!
Burwell, July 16-20
Explore the flora and fauna with a week on the river front! Explore the North Loup River, go geocaching, tracking, and don’t forget about playing an epic game of capture the flag!
If families have questions more information can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/camp or they can contact Amber Stephens at astephens15@unl.edu or 531-893-2142.
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! Plus, snag early bird tuition rates by registering before April 14th! Get started at BigRedCamps.unl.edu.
Come Learn with Carla Clinics
Carla has been an AQHA & NSBA judge for 36 years and NRHA judge for 28 years. She has held many great titles such as teaching and coaching at St. Andrews University in NC, has coached 2 National Champion IHSA teams, and is currently a committee member for AQHA and NSBA judges and an IHSA board member. She is excited to come back to Nebraska and teach across our great state!
Our clinic dates will be held:
- June 2nd - Central City, NE - Merrick County Fairgrounds
- June 3rd - Lincoln, NE - Lancaster Event Center
- June 4th - Albion, NE - Boone County Fairgrounds
Clinic Pricing
- 4-H Enrolled Youth (8-18 years old) - $40
- Non-4-H youth (8-18 years old) - $80
- Adult (19+) - $80
Please note you must complete a separate registration for each participant.
Deadline for all registrations will be May 5th
- A copy of your registration will be emailed to you after submission. You MUST mail printed registration along with a check to complete your registration.
- All registrations and fees must be postmarked by MAY 5th
- Registration will be on a first come first serve basis.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://go.unl.edu/carlaclinics
For further questions please contact Grace Kim at grace.kim@unl.edu
Livestock Achievement Program 2023
Reminder of Livestock Achievement Program- please let your 4-H youth in beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry know about this additional educational opportunity AND that they can earn great awards as a part of this!
Livestock Achievement Program is an 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. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.
Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Participants should work on their yearly plan and set their goals at the beginning of starting the program. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records are due August 1st and sent to 4hlivestockachievement@unl.edu *note this is a change in process from previous years. 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, including program instructions and additional resources, or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)
Ashley Benes ashley.benes@unl.edu
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.
Youth Leadership Conference
The Nebraska 4-H Youth Leadership Conference is an opportunity for all youth ages 14-18 to build connections with peers from across the state, learn from adult mentors, and develop and practice leadership skills. Youth do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to attend the conference. The 4-H Youth Leadership Conference will be held June 19-21, 2023 at Camp Comeca at Cozad. Registration is $250 and covers all room, board, and materials. Register by June 4, to reserve a spot!
The 4-H Youth Leadership Conference is planned and facilitated by the 4-H Youth Leadership Conference Ambassadors.
More Camps & Workshops?
As we find out about events across the state they are posted on our website, Facebook & Instagram.