Thurston County 4-H News
July 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
July 4 - Office Closed - 4th of July Holiday
July 10-14 - State Horse Show @ Fonner Park, Grand Island
July 20 - ALL Dakota-Thurston County Pre-Fair Entries DUE
July 27 - 4-H Clothing Day Judging @ Emerson
July 30 - Pre-Fair Clean Up
July 31-Aug 2 - Pre-Fair Judging Shows
Aug 3 - 7 - DAKOTA-THURSTON COUNTY FAIR
Aug 8 - Post Fair Clean Up
Aug 10 - State Fair Animal & In-Person Entries DUE
Aug 23 - State Fair Exhibits DUE @ Extension Office (Noon)
Aug 26-Sept 5 - NEBRASKA STATE FAIR
Sept 5 - Office Closed - Labor Day
Sept 7 - State Fair Exhibits ready for pick up
Sept 19 - 4-H Career Portfolios DUE @ Extension Office
Sept 22-25 - AK-SAR-BEN, Omaha
Need To Know
Summer Workshops
We are excited to announce our summer workshops for youth. 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. To register go here: http://go.unl.edu/w36o or get more information follow this link: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/thurston-county-summer-workshops/.
- WeDo Lego Workshop - July 6-8
- Robotics Workshop - July 6-8
- Meals for Beginners - July 12
Surrounding County Clover College Opportunities
Burt County - http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/burt/2016%20May-June%20Newsletter.pdf
Wayne County - http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/wayne/Summer%20Workshops_2016.pdfCuming County - http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cuming/Clover%20College%202016%20Brochure%202.pdf
Dakota County - http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-HCamps/
Dixon County - http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/2016%20%20Project%20DAy%20Flyer.pdf
Fair Information
Pre-entry DEADLINE!
ENTRY DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 20th BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS (4:30 P.M.). Note: Late entries will be assessed a $10 late fee per exhibitor
Late Entry Policy
The Joint 4-H Council created the following rule at their November 5, 2012 meeting. Late fair entries will be accepted for one week following the entry deadline and will be accessed a $10 late fee per individual for the Dakota-Thurston County Fair.
2016 Dakota-Thurston County Fair Schedule
TUESDAY August 2, 2016
4-H and Vendor Booth Set-up ……………………………………………………..….....5:00-8:00 P.M.
Enter Open Class Products (except food & flowers) …………..………………6:00-8:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY August 3, 2016
Enter Open Class …………………………………….....................................8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Open Class Products Judging…………….………….………………….….....…………….1:30 P.M.
4-H King & Queen and Little Prince/Princess Coronation – Exhibit Hall….…..7:00 P.M.
THURSDAY August 4, 2016
Exhibit Hall Hours – Open to Public ………………………..………..….10:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Parade – Dakota Ave …………………………..……………………………...……………………6:00 P.M. BBQ – Free – West of Exhibit Hall …………………………………………….…..………….7:30 P.M.
“Tri-State Shootout” Tractor Pull ($5 admission).………………………...……………7:00 P.M.
FRIDAY August 5, 2016
Exhibit Hall Hours – Open to Public……….………………………..…….10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Wine & Beer Tasting Event (Sponsored by Hy-Vee) ……………………………6:00-8:00 P.M.
Pioneer Farm/Good Neighbor Awards (Rodeo Arena) ……………...……………..7:45 P.M.
Rodeo/Beer Garden ($5 admission) ………………………..…………………..…………..8:00 P.M.
Live Music – Headwind ($5 admission) …………..……………………….…..Following Rodeo
SATURDAY August 6, 2016 Kids & Family Day/Veterans Day
4-H Horse Show …………………………………………….………………...………………………8:30 A.M.
Exhibit Hall Hours – Open to Public ……………………………………….10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Pedal Pull – Exhibit Hall ………………………………………………..........………………..11:00 A.M.
Kids Day Events ($5 admission) Front of Exhibit Hall ………....……1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Kids Ranch Rodeo (located at Rodeo Arena)………Registration 3:30-4:00 P.M. Events…..…….……4:00-5:45 P.M.
Mutton Bustin’ (located at Rodeo Arena)……....…..Registration 5:30-6:00 P.M. Riding …......……….6:00-7:00 P.M.
Mud Volleyball Tournament…………………………………………………..………………...1:00 P.M.
Pie Contest (Exhibit Hall), ****Pie sale by the slice after judging**** …………………..……..………………..1:00 P.M. Music (Exhibit Hall) – The Country Flavor Band………………………….……………………….……………..2:00 P.M.
Demolition Derby by CS Promotions ($5 admission)…………………...………….…4:00 P.M.
Friends of the Fair/Good Neighbor Awards (Rodeo Arena) …………....…………7:45 P.M. Rodeo/Beer Garden ($5 admission)……………..………………………………....……….8:00 P.M.
Live Music – 3 of Diamonds……………………………………………………...….Following Rodeo
Laser Tag (located near Open Horseshow Arena) ……………………………8:30-11:30 P.M.
4-H Sponsored Movie Night (FREE ADMISSION) ……………………...…………………9:00 P.M.
SUNDAY August 7, 2016
Dakota County Omelet Feed - West Side of Exhibit Hall………….8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Open Horse Show ……………………...……………………………………………..……………..9:00 A.M.
Farmer’s Market/Arts & Crafts at the Fair ……………………….…….9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall Hours – Open to Public ……………………………………….10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Horseshoe Competition……………………………………………………...………………….…1:00 P.M.
Round Robin Showmanship ……………………………………………………..………………1:30 P.M. Bonus Auction …………………………………………………………………..……………………..4:00 P.M.
RELEASE OF STATIC EXHIBITS (LOCATED IN THE EXHIBIT HALL) …...…………….3:00 P.M.
RELEASE OF LIVESTOCK EXHIBITS …………………………………………………………..….5:30 P.M.
(OR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE BONUS AUCTION)
Clothing Day
Clothing Day is Thursday, July 27th at the Emerson-Hubbard High School. (Pre-entries are also due on July 20th.) Clothing Level 1, Clothing Level 2, Beyond the Needle, Knitting, Crocheting, Attention Shoppers, Shopping in Style ,Quilt Quest and Cloverkid sewing are entered on Clothing Day (NOT ON FAIR ENTRY DAY).
Fair Livestock Reminders
- Cats & Dogs must have current vaccinations. Forms are available on our website. http://thurston.unl.edu/livestock-exhibitors
- Bucket calf record books need to be turned in prior to the show by Noon on Thursday, August 4th. http://thurston.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=2b5fb784-a8b6-45ba-a2bf-f38c936d793c&groupId=135065&.pdf
- Rabbit Exhibitors - When you enter your animals Monday, August 1st, from 6:30 –8:30 we are asking that you check your animals in with either the superintendents or Extension Staff. We want to try and ensure that our show programs are accurate. Your assistance on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
- Bedding - The fair board will be supplying bedding for livestock projects, which will consist of sawdust. If you have special needs for your projects, it is your responsibility to bring the supplies. If you have any questions, please contact the Extension office.
- Stalling Horses - The Dakota~Thurston County Fair board voted in 2010, That if a horse is showed, it must be stalled. No veterinarian excuses will be accepted. This applies to all horses exhibiting at the 4-H Horse Show, no expectations. Horses must be stalled at the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 4th by 8:00 p.m.
- Livestock Check-in - Wednesday, August 3rd, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm is check-in day at the fair. Before you unload your livestock trailer, please stop by the livestock office and check-in. In order to verify exhibitors and livestock that are on the fairgrounds. This will help us with correct stall assignments and correct show programs. Reminder: Swine ear tags need to be purchased for $1.00 each at the time of check-in.
- Early release of animals - Please refer to page 6 of the fair book for the following rule: All live animals, 4-H/FFA, Open Class (except cats, dogs, household pets/birds) will remain on the grounds for the duration of the fair. No early releases. Also see page 23 for the following statement from the Fair Board: Penalty– Premiums will be pulled for exhibits leaving the fairgrounds prior to the aforementioned release time.
Fair Clean-Up Days
Make sure you’re on hand on Saturday, July 30th starting at 9:00 A.M. for the pre-fair clean-up. All 4-H members and families are encouraged to attend and help clean-up the fairgrounds. Committee chairs should definitely be there to get together all the stuff they’ll need for their shows. Brooms, rags hammer, pliers, staple guns, and buckets, bring them along and plan on getting dirty! The fair board will be providing lunch at Noon.
Just as important is the post-fair clean-up, on Monday, August 8th. Everything needs to get put away 9:00 A.M. Start time.
Fair Floriculture & Horticulture
Preparing Flowers & Plants for Fair
You can’t control what the weather does to your plants but you do control how you prepare your exhibits.
- Select the best. The judge will note flaws!
- Choose the same cultivar and color.
- Harvest with care. Cut your flowers in the evening or early morning, whichever is closest to judging time. Cut the stem several inches longer to allow for trimming. Use a clean, sharp knife to make a smooth, even cut.
- Remove foliage from the portion of stems in the water.
- Conditioning flowers reduces stem blockage and promotes quick water uptake.
- The container should be a good size and shape. The opening should be large enough that stems don’t have to be forced into the neck, yet small enough that blooms don’t fall in and become waterlogged.
- Grooming flowers is the last step. Carefully remove all insects, soil and spray residue from the foliage, stems and blossoms and avoid bruising.
- Remove faded blooms, petals and ragged leaves. Remember, grooming shouldn’t be evident.
- Review rules and double check the required number of stems in the fair book.
- Label with the flower name and cultivar or variety name so the judge can base the placing on the proper criteria.
Tips for Exhibiting Houseplants
- Potted plants should be free of insects, diseases and damaged leaves.
- Plants grown as houseplants must be used. No annual flowers or annual plants.
- Foliage houseplants are judged on quality and appearance of leaves and stems. Color should be bright, clear, and typical of the cultivar.
- Flowering houseplants are judged for their display of flowers but should not show foliage damage.
- Plant size should be about one-third larger than the container in spread, fullness, and height. Good branching and a compact plant are most desirable.
- Plant shape should be symmetrical. Unevenly developed plants indicate poor rotation practices in relation to light exposure.
- Use clean containers in proportion to plant size. The color, texture, and style of the container complement the plant without drawing attention away from it.
- Use a good quality soil or potting mix. Do not use soil from outdoor gardens.
- Plants need to have been grown in the container for 6 weeks and are well rooted.
- Good grooming practices keep houseplants healthy and attractive. Remove dead or damaged leaves and wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- In Dish and Desert Gardens, all plants used should have similar growing requirements, leaf shapes and textures varied, and not too busy or too sparse.· Follow the exhibit guidelines and label all house-plants with the plant name on the entry tag.
Campsites - Dakota/Thurston County Fair
Free Breakfast @ Fair!
Dakota County 4-H Omelet Feed
Looking for Trophy Sponsors
One aspect of the 4-H program is awards and recognition. If you would like to donate a trophy for the 2016 Dakota~Thurston County Fair, contact the Extension Office. Trophies are $15 each. If you have suggestions for other ways to reward our youth please let the Extension Office or a committee member know.
State Fair Book Updates & Changes/County Fair Books Available
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/. And is also available at the office.
State Fair Info
State Fair Static Exhibits
State Fair Livestock Entry
http://www.statefair.org/p/getinvolved/4h-ffa
This is a link directly to the State Fair 4H/FFA page where important documents and the online entry system link is. Please use this link in your communications with families as it gives them the most up to date reminders/etc.
Entry will open on or around July 1, 2016. The deadline to enter livestock for State Fair is August 10, 2016.
2016 State Fair Discount Tickets
Nebraska State Fair Sixth Annual Recycled Garden
Join us in creating a planter using recycled objects! Piece your planter together yourself or use a found object. All planters will be displayed in the Recycled Garden at the Nebraska State Fair! Be sure to incorporate the 2016 theme – Grand Champions – in your display! The event is open to all ages, so gather your business, 4-H Club, Boy or Girl Scout troop, church group, family or friends, and create a Recycled Planter together. Individual entries also accepted. Learn more athttp://www.statefair.org/events/2016/recycled-garden-contest-display.
State Fair Volunteer Recruitment
Do you want to spend a few hours at the state fair as an important part of the 4-H programming going on during the fair? We need your help! Nebraska 4-H is looking for volunteers to help with exhibit entry day, judging, and serving as 4-H exhibit building hosts. Volunteers will also be needed to serve as the Lil’ Green Mascot and assist with all 4-H contests and events throughout the fair. State Fair 4-H volunteers will receive a fair pass for the day(s) they volunteer.
Volunteers can sign-up by completing the 4-H Volunteer Interest Form available online at http://go.unl.edu/2016statefair4-hvolunteer . If you have questions about being a 4-H volunteer at the Nebraska State Fair, please contact: Cathy Johnston, Extension Educator, cjohnston1@unl.edu or (402) 472-1762.
We look forward to seeing you in Grand Island!
Member Information
4-H Discounts
When purchasing items and supplies for 4-H exhibits and projects, ask if the store gives a discount for 4-H project supplies. 4-H members must be present at the time of purchase and have some type of 4-H identification. 4-H membership cards are available at the Extension Office that you can use as your 4-H identification.
2016 4-H Photography Nebraska Exhibit Theme
Family & Consumer Sciences
2016 Nebraska State Fair 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest
2016 Make It With Wool Contest
Enter the Make It With Wool Contest! The object of the contest is to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabric and yarn; to encourage personal creations in sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving of wool fabric; and to recognize creative skills.
The 2016 State Make It With Wool Contest will be November 19 at the Dawson County Extension Office in Lexington NE beginning at 9:00 a.m. Public fashion show is at 1:00 p.m.
The divisions determined by age as of January 1, 2016 (national rule change), are as follows:
- Preteen – age 12 and under
- Junior – age 13 to 16
- Senior – age 17 to 24
- Adult – age 25 and over
- Made For Others
Entry forms, fees, wool samples and wool testing fees are due October 15, 2016 to Entry Coordinator Andrea Nisley.
More information is available on the new National Make It With Wool website (http://www.nationalmakeitwithwool.com).
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. Come make memories this summer at Nebraska 4-H Camps!!
Plant Science
Youth Crop Scouting Competition - Connecting Youth with Crops
Looking for a fun club project? Want to unite your club members? Running out of ideas for club meetings? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, help is on the way! Nebraska Extension is pleased to present the second annual Crop Scouting Competition for Nebraska youth. Youth interested in crops have the opportunity to learn about crop growth & development and basic crop scouting principles.
Don’t know a lot about crops? Ask a local agronomist to assist by providing a short lesson on crop production. You can have the agronomist meet with youth a little during each meeting or outside of the meeting. This is one way to engage those youth interested in crops.
This contest will be held at the ARDC near Mead, Nebraska on August 2, 2016. The event will include both indoor and outdoor events. Teams of junior high and high school students (those completing 7-12th grades) from across Nebraska are invited to participate.
Clubs or other organizations may enter a team composed of three or four participants. An adult team leader must accompany each team of students. Team leaders could be FFA advisors, crop consultants, extension staff, coop employees, etc.
Top-scoring teams win prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third place.
Teams will be expected to know the basics of scouting corn and soybean fields. This includes crop staging; looking for patterns of crop injury; disease, insect and weed seedling identification; etc. Other topics many include but are not limited to, pesticide safety, nutrient disorders, and herbicide injury.
More information about the crop scouting competition and instructions on how to register a team are available online at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. Click on the link that says, “Crop Scouting Competition”. Top two teams will be eligible for regional competition in late August at Iowa.
Teams must be registered by July 18. Registration is $50/team; the fee will be refunded when the team attends the competition. Payment by check is due along with the registration form by July 15. This program is sponsored by DuPont Pioneer, the Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association and Nebraska Extension.
Animal Science
2017 Poultry Calendar Photo Contest
Eligibility:
- All current Nebraska FFA and 4-H members.
- Photo must be taken by contestant.
- Photo must feature poultry.
- Each submission is to be accompanied by an entry form.
- Submissions limited to four photos per contestant.
- All photos submitted are granted a non-exclusive right to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for use in the calendar and/or other promotional material.
- The print must be sized at 8 by 10 inches. No drastic manipulation of images is permitted. Minor corrections, such as for exposure, contrast, white balance, etc., are allowed.
- Photos must be in landscape orientation.
- Please refrain from having identifiable items in the photos, such as faces, addresses, license plates, etc. Remember these will be publicly displayed.
- All entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2016, and accompanied by an entry form.
- Entries will be judged on appeal, content, and photographic skill. The decision of the judges is final.
- The submitted prints will not be returned.
Entries forms can be picked up at the office!
2016 Animal Exhibitor Handbook is Now Available
2016 Nebraska State Fair Livestock Schedule
The 2016 Nebraska State Fair Livestock Schedule is now available on the Nebraska State Fair website!
Along with the livestock schedule, you can also find the following documents available:
- Livestock Rules and Regulations and General Information
- Health Requirements
- Arrival/In Place Schedule
Direct Link: http://www.statefair.org/p/getinvolved/270
Upcoming Shows & Events
- July 31 - York County 4-H Open Horse Show, York County Fairgrounds, York