Dakota County 4-H News
MARCH 2024
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
MARCH
1 - Extension Office hosts South Sioux City Chamber Coffee Hour
4- Extension Board meeting
4- 4-H Horse Stampede entry deadline
4- All Contest Day registration deadline
9 - All Contest Day - St Lukes Church, Emerson, NE
10 - Spring ahead!
16 - Siouxland Garden Symposium - Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center
23 - 4-H Horse Stampede, UNL Animal Science Complex
29 - Dakota Count 4-H Senior Scholarship due
29 - Ambassador Training
31 - Easter Sunday
APRIL
1 - Entries due Virtual Companion Animal Challenge
1 - Extension Board meeting
1 - NIFA Grand Deadline
5 - Big Red Camp - Early bird tuition deadline
10-16 - Virtual Companion Animal Challenge
21-27 - National Volunteer Week
27 - Rocketry Workshop - Haskell Ag Lab
JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
7/13-7/17 - 4-H Horse Expo
7/31 - 8/4 - Dakota County County Fair
8/23 - 9/2 - Nebraska State Fair
LOCAL OPPORTUNITES
2023-2024 4-H ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
Beat the rush! 4-H enrollment for 2023-2024 is now open.
There are some updates to project listings.
New requirements for volunteer enrollments
https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Please enroll so we can get you included in our mailing list!
There WILL NOT be a Beef Weigh-in for 2024
We have collectively decided to not have a Beef Weigh - In in 2024. If you would still like to attend a weigh-in, there are surrounding counties that will have them. If you need these dates, please contact the Thurston or Dakota extension offices! Thanks
DAKOTA COUNTY SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
Dakota County 4-H Council provides a $250 one time college scholarship to our graduating seniors.
The purpose is to provide assistance to our 4-H'ers that wish to continue their education at a school of higher learning in any course of study.
Applicant must belong to a Dakota County 4-H Club and have actively participated in the 4-H program, including club meetings, workshops, contest, County/State Fair currently and for the 3 years prior (4 years participation total).
The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $250 to the chosen finalists(s) upon proof of enrolling in an institution of higher learning.
Submission deadline March 29TH, 2024
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/dakota-county-scholarship/
March 16th, 2024, Lewis & Clark Interpretative Center, Sioux City, IA
TRY A PROJECT
2024 Dakota County Special Project
The 2024 Dakota County Special project is......
RECYCLED RIBBONS
Do you have a collection of 4-H ribbons that you really don't know what to do with? Well I have some ideas for you. Repurpose them into a wall hanging, a wreath, a decorative quilt.
So many creative and useful ideas can be found on Pinterest.
No need to enroll in the project. Just bring your exhibit to the County fair.
There may be special prizes!
OVERLOOKED PROJECTS
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with. These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: https://4h.unl.edu/news/nebraska-4-h-5-underrated-practical-projects
SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT
This project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will
give them the opportunity to learn about growing,
harvesting,and exhibiting this unique flower.
The Special Gardening Project lets 4-H members try
their hand at growing unusual vegetables, flowers, and
herbs. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners
to grow something fun, new, and different while letting
those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project
area
SPECIAL AGRONOMY PROJECT
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. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle!
In the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets! Sugar beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.
Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
4-H VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Nebraska 4-H is now accepting nominations for a new awards program to recognize the outstanding contributions of 4-H volunteers across the state.
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as and multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the state’s 10 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner will be named in the each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.
“Our 4-H volunteers go above and beyond to serve Nebraska’s youth every year,” said Jill Goedeken, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator. “We are looking forward to another opportunity to recognize 4-H volunteers for their contributions to youth in Nebraska.”
The nomination period runs through March 15, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer (such as robotics or shooting sports), afterschool club volunteer or 4-H camp volunteer. More information, along with the nomination form, is available online at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.
Winners will be announced virtually in April 2024. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair.
SO MUCH MORE TO DO!
AGE ELIGIBILITY FOR 4-H STATEWIDE EVENTS
As you know, in 2023, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to nine years of age. That change increased our participation and provided more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. We had many positive comments from legacy families as well as new.
This fall, we have had follow-up conversations with many of you as well as the show superintendents and various teams that run these events during State Fair and throughout the year. Based on that feedback and our goal of increasing access, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility in 2024 to be 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests) and other state competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest). Note: there will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event as it becomes available.
SUMMRY OF CHANGES FOR STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK 2024
- Age of Eligibility
- The age of eligibility in 2024 is now 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows)
- Showmanship Age Divisions
- Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
- Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
- Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)
- Awards
- Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.
- Entry Limits
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 5 beef.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 sheep.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 goats.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 hogs.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 rabbits.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 live birds.
- Individual Species
- Sheep: New Breed Class-All Hair Breeds
- Goat: Market goats will show in separate classes; Market Wethers and Market Does (until final selection)
- Swine: New Breed Classes-Tamworth and Landrace
- Rabbit: New Breed Classes-Blue Holicer and Czech Frosty
Dog Skillathon Contest: Added a Junior Skillathon Division and rotated breed ID picture topics
NEBRASKA 4-H SUMMER CAMP
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 Green. Youth will get to explore and interact with their natural world in six different sessions. Youth will learn how they can use their head, heart, hands, and health to make our natural world a better place for all.
The 2024 sessions offer tailored age cohorts, providing sessions for younger campers between the ages of 8-10, and an older cohort for ages 10-14.
Families can find dates, session summaries, and registration information by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.
CORN YIELD CHALLENGE FOR 4-H AND FFA MEMBERS
We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.
Key Features:
- Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.
- Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.
- Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.
- Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $500
- Third Place: $250
- Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.
This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.
For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
2024 CORNHUSKER LIVESTOCK JUDGING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Complete the following information to reserve your spot in this year's Cornhusker Livestock Judging Championships. A minimum of 100 participants is needed for this contest to happen-- if we do not get 100 participants registered by March 8, we will not have the contest. This contest will be capped at 400 participants so register TODAY. Walk-Ins welcome. Note: walk-ins will NOT receive a t-shirt.
$100 per team
Age Divisions
Junior High 6th-8th Graders Only
Open: ANYONE (9-12 gr. & Adults)
There is no limit for teams, you can have 5 participants per team but only the top 4 scores will be counted towards the team total.
Where: York County Fairgrounds
When: March 19
Registration 7:30-8:45 am
Judging starts at 9:00 am
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOAOKshGXZSWl4h15wvYZ0mXq6XgmQ9RQIwyYDOfGsuyYUEA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
4-H RABBIT SHOW
4-H Rabbit Show, March 16
The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. at Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall. Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7. This is a great opportunity for youth to talk to other 4-H’ers about where to purchase a good rabbit for a 4-H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit Quiz and Breed Identification contests are free for youth to enter!
Again this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee!
Show flyer is now posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/rabbit/rabbit-show-spring-24.pdf. For questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
DOG ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
The Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages youth to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events, and contests. The program is designed to equip youth with a variety of skills and abilities and prepare them for success in the future. The Dog Achievement Program is open to enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18.
The program consists of 4 levels that require youth to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of recommended accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. At each level, youth must choose a specific number of recommended accomplishments they plan to achieve. Each level also has a certain number of required accomplishments that youth must complete in order to pass the level. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the level, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end, 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.
LIVESTOCK ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition, by recognizing youth striving to improve their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
Members of Excellence are recognized within each 4-H livestock project area, including:
- beef
- sheep
- meat goat
- swine
- dairy cattle
- dairy goat
- rabbit
- 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.
Livestock Information School
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.
4-H Horse Judging School
Please join us for our annual Nebraska 4-H Horse Judging School on April 20, 2024 at the Animal Science Complex on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus in Lincoln, NE. This event is for horse show judges, aspiring judges, judging team coaches, and youth! We will have classroom demonstrations to judge. The main topics we will cover are Hunter Under Saddle, Horsemanship, Reining, and 4-H Horse show rules and guidelines
Presenters
- Kathy Anderson - Nebraska Horse Specialist
- Kelsey Ebke - Horse Trainer and Judge
- Brooke Parrish - Judge
- Lena Luck - Nebraska Youth Equine Specialist
Hippology Academy is back!
It's back! The 2024 Hippology Academy kicks off on February 17. Topics for this year include toxic plants of the northeast, horse evaluation, feeding myths, soil testing and usage, identifying feeds, and fencing. Content for each topic includes practice tests, slides, and digital learning stations in addition to twice weekly lectures.
There are three enrollment levels to choose from:
1. Bronze: All content listed above, accessible until August 31, 2024.
2. Sliver: Everything included in Bronze, plus can ask teacher questions, participate in discussion board, and have access to course material until November 31, 2024.
3. Gold: Everything included in Silver, plus opportunity to participate in live virtual office hours with instructor (Thursday evenings) and access to course material until December 31, 2024.
Learn more and register here: https://catalog.extension.org/?category=6&keyword=hippology&cond=advand&search=Search
2024 4-H HORSE STAMPEDE
Saturday, March 23, 2024 @ UNL - Lincoln East Campus, $10 Entry Fee
Registrations, Art, & Exhibits due to Extension Office by Monday, March 4, 2024
https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede
The Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede offers a variety of 4-H horse contests that do not require live animals, including public speaking, demonstration, quiz bowl, art, and photography contests. Youth have the opportunity to display their equine knowledge through these contests both as an individual and as part of a team.
There is a $10 entry fee per participant. Event shirts are also available for pre-order. All order forms, fees, and exhibits must be submitted to local Extension offices by March 4, 2024.
Nebraska 4-H Horse show dress code is required for all in-person contests. Please see pages 23-24 of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide for details. Exception: No hats or headgear.
DATA DRIVEN; A STATISTICS & DATA SCIENCE FIELD DAY
It's highly probable that if you know a group of high school-aged youth who enjoy statistics, distributions, likelihood or inferences, they will have a blast at Data Driven! Check out this full-day, dynamic event that will engage youth in a world of endless possibilities in data science and literacy. And, $500 scholarships will be awarded! Register today at 4h.unl.edu/data-driven.
JARVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The intent of the scholarship is to assist women who live 3 or more hours drive from Lincoln but wish to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Applicant must reside in Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall on East Campus.
If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net
Application deadline: postmarked no later than March 15, 2024.
Application can be found here: https://go.unl.edu/jarvismemorial2024
(One $500 Scholarship — Fall 2024/Spring 2025—non renewable)
Who is Eligible?
1. Female born high school graduate (or soon to be) OR a UN-L student who has not resided at Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall (LMH) OR an undergraduate transfer student from another college or university pursing any major for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
2. Applicant must be or been a member of 4-H or FCCLA or FFA (minimum of two years) or have taken a minimum of three semesters in Family & Consumer Sciences classes and live in or attend school in the following Nebraska counties: Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Cedar, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Hooker, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Red Willow, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas, Thurston, Wayne, Wheeler.
3. Must have applied (minimum) or been accepted (preferred) to University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
4. Must have requested residency in Love Memorial Hall, a cooperative residence hall on East Campus. Residents rotate responsibilities for cleaning a portion of the Hall and planning/preparing meals (about 1 hour per week; more time during a week when responsible for food preparation). The cost of living in Love Memorial Hall is less than half of what is charged for all other traditional dorms. Over a four year period this amounts to a savings around $24,000. More information about Love Memorial Hall is found at: https://housing.unl.edu/love-memorial-hall Students may change housing preference by submitting a written request to the Housing Office.
For more information: Web - https://housing.unl.edu;
Phone - (402) 472-3561; Switchboard—800-742-8800; Email: housing@unl.edu
4-H VOLUNTEER IMPACT STUDY - YOU MAY BE CONTACTED
What you do makes a difference! We are excited to share that our state will be participating in the 4-H Volunteer Impact Study of volunteers in the North Central Region.
This survey is being conducted as a part of 12 state effort to document the impact of volunteering.
It will focus on three areas:
· the personal benefits of your volunteer experience;
· the impact you have on the organization by volunteering; and
· how your volunteer efforts contribute to your community in which you live and work.
A random sample of volunteers of 1000 volunteers from each state will be surveyed. This study will be conducted through an electronic survey. If you are selected you will receive an email to let you know you have been selected to participate.
You may be picked!!! If you are, please respond. We want to hear from you and learn from your volunteer experiences.
Your comments will be used to quantify the personal, organizational and public impacts of volunteers involved with 4-H Youth Development Programs in our twelve-state region.
2024 NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL YOUTH INSTITUTE (NAYI)
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications to attend one of the biggest ag youth outreach events in the state. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together hundreds of high school juniors and seniors for a week to learn more about agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry.
NAYI will be held July 8-12, 2024, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Students selected to attend NAYI do so free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2024, to apply. Applications for NAYI are available at https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. This year’s theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”
“From the beginning, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with thousands of Nebraska high school students,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm. “Students participating in NAYI continue the legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska by developing their leadership skills and by increasing their knowledge and passion for agriculture. If you know high school juniors or seniors interested in ag, encourage them to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline.”
NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. Over 250 students attended NAYI last year. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.
NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth.
Youth in Action Program
The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others.
Each year, program participants receive an exciting year of media training and national opportunities to share their 4‑H story and leadership.
All Youth in Action Program applicants will receive:
- Media, interview, and storytelling training from National 4‑H professionals.
- Admission into our national 4‑H story database; providing potential national multi-media and spokesperson opportunities.
Four Award Winners will receive:
- A $5,000 scholarship for higher education, to be paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools or other advanced learning opportunities.
- A year of personal professional and media development, training, and networking opportunities and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and key thought leader in your program area.
- All-expenses paid trips for each award winner & a chaperone to travel as the national youth spokesperson.
- An official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.
Applications should be submitted no later than March 27th!
Learn more and apply at 4-H.org/parents/4-h-youth-in-action-awards.
More Camps & Workshops?
As we find out about events across the state they are posted on our website, Facebook & Instagram.