Thurston County 4-H News
April 2016
Nebraska Extension - Thurston County
Stacey Keys, 4-H Assistant, stacey.keys@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
Apr 10-16 - National Volunteer Week
Apr 11 - Joint 4-H Council Meeting @ Pender (7:00 pm)
Apr 15 - Nebraska 4-H Camp Early Bird Registration DUE
Apr 29 - Office Closed - Arbor Day
May 2 - Drop/Add 4-H Project DUE
May 2 - Favorite Foods & Presentation Contest Registration DUE
May 4 - Favorite Foods & Presentation Contest @ Dakota City (7:00 pm)
May 9 - Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting
May 12 - Northeast Regional 4-H Speech Contest Registration DUE
May 13 - Horse: County ID DUE & District & State Entries DUE
May 26 - Northeast Regional 4-H Speech Contest @ Norfolk (2:00 pm)
May 30 - Office Closed - Memorial Day
June 1 - Dakota-Thurston County Sheep & Goat Weigh-In @ Fairgrounds (6-8pm)
June 13 - Rabbit Tatto Party @ Extension Office (5:15pm by appointment)
June 15 - Quality Assurance Deadline
June 15 - Ak-Sar-Ben DNA DUE
June 15 - All Livestock Affidavits DUE
June 17 - Ponca Day Camp Registration DUE
June 19-21 - PASE/Life Challenge @ UNL
June 27 - Ponca Counselor Training
June 28 - Ponca Day Camp
Need To Know
Out of the Office
Jennifer and Stacey will be out of the office April 22 for meetings. If you need something, leave a message or email, we will be checking periodically.
Butter Braid Incentive Winners
The winners of the random $50 gift card drawing from the Butter Braids sales are Jenni Olson & the Sandersons! Congratulations and thank you everyone who sold. As a group we sold over 725 Butter Braids. Fantastic!
Summer Workshops
We are excited to announce our summer workshops for youth will be coming SOON. We will be holding several sessions every week in June and July. Several of these camps will be open to all ages but others, like the Clover Kid Camp, will be for either older or younger youth. Come join us for an exciting summer of learning. More information will be available mid-April.
Add-Drop Project Deadline
Dakota-Thurston County Fair Theme 2016
4-H King & Queen Contest
State Fair Book Updates & Changes
The 2016 4-H State Fair book is available online. The animal exhibits at this link: http://go.unl.edu/nsd2 and the static exhibits at: http://go.unl.edu/ey74. The Dakota~Thurston County Fair book very closely follows the state fair book so as you begin thinking about your fair exhibits please feel free to check out the State Fair book. The 4-H pages of our county fair book are up online at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/fairbook/.
Member Information
Favorite Foods Revue Contest
Get your silver shined up, the tablecloth pressed and test your favorite recipe. It’s time to prepare for the Favorite Foods Revue Contest. The contest will be held on May 4th in Dakota City at 7 pm. Please Select and prepare a favorite recipe, plan a menu which includes a favorite food and a theme to go with it. Write the menu and recipe on a 4” x 6” card. Prepare a centerpiece and a place setting for one, on a standard size card table (you must supply your own card table). The favorite food may be displayed as the whole product or as one serving. Tables should be in place 30 minutes prior to judging. This contest is divided into Novice, Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions. This is subject to change based on the number of youth entering the contest, contest may be divided into Junior and Senior Divisions. Check out the county website for more information: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/4-h-contests/
Please pre-register if you want to participate by calling the office (402-385-6041) or email Stacey (stacey.keys@unl.edu) by May 2nd!
Presentation Contest
The 2016 Presentation Contest will be held in conjunction with the Favorite Foods Revue on Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. in Dakota City. All 4-H members are encouraged to prepare a presentation this year at the contest. This is an excellent activity to showcase your talents. Check out the county website for more information: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/4-h-contests/
Please pre-register by calling the office (402-385-6041) or email Stacey (stacey.keys@unl.edu) with the following information by May 2nd!
Registration Information:
Name
4-H Age (as of January 1, 2016)
Title of Presentation
Type of presentation: (Poster, power-point, multi-media)
Interview Judging Contest
You are invited to Northeast Nebraska in May for an special area Interview Contest competition. All the same rules and requirements will remain in place.
We will conduct the area Interview Contest at the Norfolk Life Long Learning Center. We will be sending out more information as the event date nears but for now…
- Reserve the Date: May 26th
- Interview Contest resumes and Cover letters will be due: May 12 to Mary Jarvi at the Norfolk District office.
- Ribbons and Trophies will be awarded.
- Intermediate and Sr. Division eligible.
Please direct your questions to : Kim Bearnes kbearnes1@unl.edu
4-H PASE/Life Challenge Contest
Each summer, over 500 4-H'ers convene at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus to test their skills in animal science and family and consumer sciences during PASE (Premier Animal Science Events) and Life Challenge. Teens compete in a variety of different contests including: livestock, meats and poultry judging, livestock skillathon, livestock quiz bowl, life challenges and clover challenge. While on campus, young people have the opportunity to take part in faculty-led workshops, campus tours, and special sessions by UNL recruiters. This year the contests are June 19-21 at the UNL East Campus. Contact the Extension Office if you would like more information or would like to participate.
2016 4-H Photography Nebraska Exhibit Theme
Nebraska 4-H Club of the Month
Family & Consumer Sciences
2016 Nebraska State Fair 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest
Camps
4-H Summer Camps
Attention youth! Are you ready for a fun adventure this summer? Consider joining youth around the state for an awesome adventure. The 4-H camps are open to everyone between the ages of 5-18 (do not have to be a 4-H member). There are over 40 day and night camping programs and trips offered for youth to enjoy at the three locations (Halsey, Gretna, and different destinations). Please contact the extension office for a camp brochure or visit the Nebraska 4-H Youth Development website at http://4h.unl.edu/4hcamps/4hcamphome. Register by April 15 and receive a 10% discount. Come make memories this summer at Nebraska 4-H Camps!!
Camperships Available
As the camping season is right around the corner, we know many of you are receiving requests for assistance to offset camp expenses.
Again this year, with the support of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation, we are able to offer a limited number of $100 camperships to assist families who may not otherwise be able to send their child to camp. You do not have to be enrolled in 4-H to request this support. If you know of somebody who might be interested in requesting a campership please have them contact the Extension Office. We will help them take the right steps and even give them a recommendation.
Big Red Summer Academic Camps
Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential camps: ALL housing and food will be provided for all participants throughout the duration of the camp. Campers will explore careers in computing, culinary arts & food science, engineering, filmmaking, outdoor Nebraska, Unicameral Youth Legislature, veterinary science, and weather & climate science. After spending several fun-filled days explore a specific topic, the families will be invited to join the youth for a special “capstone event” where their work is showcased. For more information please contact the Extension Office or visit www.4h.unl.edu/4hcamps/bigredcamps. Registration - April 15 (Early Bird) or May 1 (Regular).
Save the Date for Ponca Day Camp
Come get a taste of camp in your own backyard at this year’s 4-H Ponca Day Camp. It will be held at Ponca State Park on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. All 4-H members and their friends ages 8-11 in Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties are invited to attend this hands-on camp. For complete registration/health statement please contact the UNL Extension Office in Thurston County. Registrations are due by Friday, June 17, 2016. More information will be available in the May newsletter. Come on! Camp can’t get any closer!
Plant Science
Youth Horticulture ID Contest
The Northeast Nebraska Master Gardeners will be hosting a Youth Horticulture ID Contest at their annual Plant Fair & Market. All youth ages 8-18 are encouraged to participate. Participation is free but all participants must preregister by April 22 by contacting the Nebraska Extension office in Madison County 402-370-4040. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of the age brackets. Contestants will be required to sight ID horticultural plants to the accepted common name. The list of possible plants and study guides are available at
http://madison.unl.edu/theplantfair
Contest Details
Date: Friday, April 29, 2016
Time: Competition begins 7:00 PM, Awards Presented 8:30 PM
Location: Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex, Northeast Community College, Norfolk
Prizes:
1st Place - $25 cash AND $25 gift certificate for the Master Gardener Plant Booths
2nd Place - $10 cash AND $15 gift certificate for the Master Gardener Plant Booths
3rd Place - $10 gift certificate for the Master Gardener Plant Booths
The ages for brackets are broken down as follows:
Junior – 8-11 years old
Intermediate – 12-14 years old
Senior – 15-18 years old
Youth Volunteer Opportunity
The Northeast Nebraska Master Gardeners could use your help. They hold an annual Plant Fair & Market at the Northeast Community College Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex in Norfolk and need volunteers to help with getting the patron’s items out to their vehicles. Wagons will be available. The plant fair is Friday, April 29, 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, April 30, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Call the Nebraska Extension office in Wayne County at 402-375-3310 by April 22 to sign up for a time that would work for you.
Nebraska Youth Range Camp
The 53rd Nebraska Youth Range Camp will be held June 6 – 10, 2016 at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp in Halsey. Please spread the word and encourage students to get their application in! Eligible students need to be between the ages of 14 – 18. We have an online application available this year and we will also accept applications by mail or email. You can find the forms here: http://www.nesrm.org/YouthRangeCamp.html.
We will be teaching the new Range Judging rules that will be used this fall; come and learn it first!! The Nebraska Youth Range Camp consists of a four-and-a-half day dynamic curriculum that appeals to students with a wide array of interests including, but not limited to, rangeland management, conservation, ecology, animal science, and wildlife.
The students that attend this camp will be actively involved with field activities, lectures, hand-on experience, and recreational leadership and team-building activities that are all led by up to 20 of Nebraska’s most respected and dedicated leaders, teachers, and professionals from various agencies, colleges, and universities. Each student will be sent home with a binder that is filled with educational materials.
Financial sponsorship is available! The cost of Range Camp is $325 however, every student that attended last year received a substantial level of sponsorship from local Natural Resource Districts or the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition and nobody paid more than $100 to attend and some students attended for free!
Please direct questions to Shelly Kelly (Range Camp Co-Director) at shelly@sandhillstaskforce.org or 308-214-0065.
Fifth Annual Innovative Youth Corn Challenge
Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board are offering the fifth Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 & older as of Jan. 1st) or FFA members (in-school members), guides participants through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production.
As a team, youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if they increased their yield. Economics and sustainability of the practice will also be considered. Yields, cropping history, and production information will be collected in the Corn Yield Challenge management summary.
Cash prizes and plaques will be given to the first, second, and third place teams. First place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. Sustainability, crop scouting and “extra mile” awards will also be given, each worth $200.
To participate in 2016, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 15th to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. Forms can be downloaded at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/activities. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle atbrandy.vandewalle@unl.edu, Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or Amy Timmerman atatimmerman2@unl.edu.
Animal Science
State Fair Blow and Go Show Announcement
In a joint decision made by State Fair, FFA and 4-H, with regard to fitting of livestock at the fair, 2016 shows will be Blow and Go, which primarily affects the way exhibitors prepare their beef animals.
We certainly understand and respect those folks who are passionate about fitting their animals, the added level of competition it presents and the added level of skill and learning required to fit an animal successfully. But here is some context as to why this decision was made.
As many of you know, the beef barn is always a challenge for space and safety, particularly having enough space for blocking chutes and fitting. We are physically maxed out on space. Ultimately, we came down to two options in terms of how to better manage the available space. We either substantially reduce entry limits and exhibitors' opportunities to participate in the beef show, or we limit the equipment exhibitors bring to the fair. We decided to go with the second option and therefore a no fit show.
As you can imagine, we heard feedback on both sides of the issue as we looked at the options. However, a few other positives that we hope can be gleaned from this change include a reduction in the cost of supplies and products spent on preparing the animals to show. It will also help speed up the loading and unloading process. After discussing with show officials from other state fairs who have gone this way, they believe the quality of the livestock exhibited at their shows has increased because they can no longer fit the flaws out of their animals.
This is not a plan to eliminate blocking chutes for beef altogether. The number of chute tags given out will be more limited than in past years, but the need for the chutes will also be less than in past years. Some families, chapters or counties may choose not bring blocking chutes, but for safety reasons, we do want that tool to be available.
Poultry is BACK!
As of January 1, 2016, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has officially lifted the ban on poultry shows, fairs and exhibitions that was put in place to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HP AI) last year.
This is very exciting news for many of you and we will all be happy to see the poultry back in the barns this year. 2015 was also a very good educational tool on learning more about biosecurity measures with poultry and other livestock.
As you are purchasing your birds for 2016 be sure to keep track of where you purchase these birds. This information will be needed at check in time.
Quality Assurance
This year all 4-H and FFA members showing livestock of any variety (except horses) will need to go to the Quality Assurance website to update their certification. There will be NO Quality Assurance trainings in your 4-H clubs this year.
Members showing: beef, sheep, goats, swine, rabbit, or poultry, will need to complete and pass 3 lessons in the appropriate age category. Be sure to complete the 3 lessons before the June 1st deadline so the livestock ID sheets can be forwarded on stating you completed the QA training requirements and are able to show. Nebraska youth can go to the course at http://campus.extensnion.org. If they have not registered for the course before, they can search for Nebraska Livestock Quality Assurance and register using the enrollment key “Nebraska”, however, if they are already registered, the course will appear in their course list. Questions concerning registration can be e-mailed to lga@unl.edu. In order to keep the quality at the highest level and streamline the services offered, a $5 annual fee for all participants is being implemented.
Paws On 4-H Dog Workshop
A one day dog workshop held at the Greater Lincoln Obedience Club in Lincoln, NE on April 2 from 9AM – 3PM. This is a hands on workshop where youth can learn about training their dog and improve their dog knowledge. The flyer/registration form can be found here: http://animalscience.unl.edu/Extension/Companion/PawsOn%20Day%20RegistrationFlyer2016.pdf
Seward Calf Classic
Check-in - 9:00-9:30 a.m., Show - 11:30 a.m.
Cash pay backs and other awards.
- Champion & Reserve Champion Market Animal
- Breed Champions
- Supreme & Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer
- Showmanship: Junior-Intermediate-Senior
Pre-entries-$30/head, Show Day-$40/head
For more information contact: Bev Hain @ 402-643-5101 or Shelby Blecha @ 402-641-4889
Pre-Registration is due by April 7.
Animal Science Experience
NAYI Applications Now Available
The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) provides youth with an opportunity to explore the ag industry, discover potential ag-related careers and strengthen their appreciation for agriculture, the state’s leading industry. Applications for the 2016 NAYI are now available from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) website at http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/index.html. Students interested in applying have until April 15th to apply. Hard copies of the application as well as posters will be mailed to 4-H Extension Offices and FFA Advisors in the near future.
NAYI, a five-day summer program for current high school juniors and seniors, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The Institute will be held July 11-15, 2016, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, and it features motivational speakers, discussion on agricultural issues and opportunities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and a dance.
NDA selects students to attend the Institute based on their leadership skills, interest and involvement in agriculture. NDA provides the cost of meals, lodging and conference fees for students selected to participate.
Those interested in applying can also get an application by contacting the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-6859 or by emailing youth.council@nebraska.gov.
4-H Poultry & Rabbit Clinic
Improve Showmanship, practice skillathon, learn nutrition. Bring your rabit and have it tattoo'd. Pre-registration requested (402) 987-2140. Open to all youth, 4-H membership not required. Sponsored by Nebraska Extension in Dakota County and the Feed Shed.
Canine Companions for Life 4-H Dog Expo
This event will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings, NE on Friday April 22 and Saturday April 23. Friday night includes a quiz bowl and fun activities related to dogs. Saturday youth will practice obedience, showmanship and agility in the show ring and have the opportunity to work with 4-H judges and leaders to improve their training and showing skills with their dog. Additional educational workshops will be offered throughout the day. For more information: http://animalscience.unl.edu/canine-companions-life-4-h-expo
Lucky Lopers 4-H Show and Wranglers Show
The Lucky Lopers 4-H Club is holding a fund-raising show at the Lancaster County Event Center on Saturday, April 30th. The Salt Creek Wranglers are holding an open show also at the Event Center the next day, May 1. (The show site has been moved from the Wranglers Arena to the Event Center)
A great opportunity to be able to show twice and only have to haul once!
Stalls will be available at the Event Center the nights of Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. Details on stall reservations are still being worked out and will get that info out as soon as I can. Below are the links to both showbills...........
http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/horse/LuckyLopersShowbill16.pdf
http://saltcreekwranglers.com/pages/SALT%20CREEK%20WRANGLERS%20OPEN%20SHOW%20BILL%202016.pdf
County Liners Open Horse Show
Spring Fling Dressage Schooling Show
Missouri Valley Horse Judging Contest
FREE Beef Fitting Clinic
Beef exhibitors will want to circle Monday, May 16, on their calendars for a Kirk Stierwalt Fitting Clinic at the Cuming County Fairgrounds in West Point at the Watson Pavillion. Registration will start at 5:30 p.m. and the clinic at 6:00 p.m. He is nationally known for his clinics and his 2016 calendar shows clinics from Oklahoma to Canada, Pennsylvania to Washington. We are fortunate to have a local clinic available to area 4-H and FFA exhibitors at no charge, thanks to the generous support of our friends at Central Valley Ag and Purina. For more information, please contact Brandi Salestrom at 402.870.1602 or 402.372.5303 or your local Nebraska Extension office.
12th Annual Lively Livestock Jackpot Show
Sheep & Goat Weigh In
The Sheep & Goat Weigh-In will be held on Wednesday, June 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds. If you plan to show market sheep and/or goats, they must be tagged at the weigh-in. Please read over the guidelines below for female sheep and goats.
Scrapie Guidelines for Sheep and Goats - All female sheep and goats exhibited at the fair will need to have the official USDA identification (scrapie tag). This applies both to market and breeding animals, regardless of age. Wethers do not need the USDA identification. The tag must be in place at weigh-in on May 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Please visit the following website for more information at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/approved-tag-co.shtml.
Midwest Livestock Jackpot Shows
Phelps-Gosper Beef & Sheep 4-H Progress Show
June 4th, 2016, Phelps Co. Fairgrounds, Holdrege, NE.
GENERAL RULES
Open to all Nebraska 4-H’ers ages 8-18
Showmanship: Senior 14+; Int. 11-13; Junior 8-10
4-H Rules Apply
Animal housing first come, first serve. Bedding provided for beef.
Phelps County 4-H Small Animal Progress Show
4-H Goat Hoof Trimming Clinic
There will be a goat hoof trimming clinic June 5, 2:00 p.m. at Julie Addison’s home. Julie is Wayne County’s 4-H Goat Show Superintendent and she has many years of experience with goats. She will conduct the clinic and participants will trim hooves on her goats. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own trimmers if they have them. Contact the Wayne County Extension Office (phone: 402.375.3310 or email: wayne-county@unl.edu) by 5:00 p.m., May 27 to register. There is no charge to attend.
Winners Unlimited Livestock Judging Camps
OFFERING TWO SESSIONS IN SUMMER 2016!
SESSION I: JUNE 7-9
SESSION II: JUNE 11-13
$250/person (includes meals, lodging, and materials)
Limited to 35 participants per session. First come, first-serve.
This camp is designed for 4-H and FFA members (age 12-18) looking to perfect their livestock evaluation and oral reasons skills. Brad Bennett, as well as 2016 team members will focus on proper evaluation with a special emphasis on reasons format, terminology, and delivery.For more information, visit: animalscience.unl.edu/unl-livestock-judging-team, or contact:
Brad Bennett, Livestock Judging Coach | 402.472.8834 | bbennett8@unl.edu
Platte Valley Wranglers 4-H Horse Show, Wahoo
Fees: $20 all day or $4 per class
Judge: David Birt, York
Awards: 3 Hi-Point Trophies, 3 Reserve Trophies, Ribbons for all
More Information: http://go.unl.edu/b7va
Jean Steward (402-944-3483) email: psjs351@mac.com or Gene Hull (402-677-4544)
2016 Nebraska District 4-H Horse Shows
- June 13 - Kearney
- June 14 - Chadron
- June 15 - McCook
- June 16 - Leigh
- June 17 - Bloomfield
- June 21 - Lincoln
All entries are due to the county office by May 13, 2016. All Level testing required for participation in the 2016 District 4-H Horse Show MUST be completed by May 13, 2016.
All entries fro the State Horse Show much be mailed by May 13, 2016. These include Showmanship, Halter, All Cattle Classes, Hunter Hack, Dressage, Advanced Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship, Trail, 2 year old and 3 year old Western Pleasure and Working Ranch.
2016 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Show July 10-14, 2016!
Tractor Safety Courses Planned
The 2016 Tractor Safety Trainings will be held in seven locations across the state during May, June, and July.
Any youth 14 or 15 years of age who works on a farm or ranch other than his/her parents’ is required to be certified through a tractor safety course. Extension Educators and field specialists will teach the 2-day courses.
The training in this area will be June 20-21, 2016 at Wayne County Fair Grounds, Wayne, NE.
Cost for the course is $60, which includes all course materials, lunch both days and breaks. Registration is requested a week prior to class. For details or to register, contact the Nebraska Extension Office in Thurston County at 402-385-6041.
Massey's Show Lamp Camp
There will be a Lamb Camp on June 27-28th at the Wayne County Fair Grounds, Wayne NE starting at 8 am. This camp will cover how to show, feed and prepare lambs for exhibition. Showmanship will also be covered. For more information and registration check out www.niemannclublambs.com
Matt Niemann, Newcastle NE who is the contact person for this camp.
This camp is not affiliated with Nebraska 4-H and is not required. This is for your information only.