Hall County 4-H Newsletter
March 2024
IT'S TIME TO ENROLL IN 4-H!
New and returning 4-H families may enroll at https://v2.4honline.com. We ask returning 4-H families to reenroll by March 15th. (Returning 4-H families, please enroll under the same email login that was used the previous year; do not create a new account.) Enrollment fees remain $10 per youth. Fees may be paid online during the 4-H enrollment process or by check/cash at the Hall County Extension Office.
Important Update on Project Selection: Starting in the 2023-2024 program year, project selection is now optional. By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment by the June 15th deadline, youth will be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring. Please note:
- Youth are only eligible to exhibit in a specific project area or contest in a single county.
- Horse and shooting sports projects will continue to require project enrollment due to the parental consent required to participate in these projects.
If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please call the Extension Office at 308-385-5088. We are here to help!
SIGN UP FOR 4-H TEXT MESSAGES!
NEW – Hall County 4-H will be using the Remind app (in addition to email & social media) to communicate important 4-H news, events & deadlines to 4-H families. Get information for Hall County 4-H right on your phone! Two-way text messaging makes it more convenient for families to receive important information. Plus, it’s free and easy to use!
Options to sign up for Remind:
- Option 1 - Click the link to sign up, https://www.remind.com/join/4h-hall.
- Option 2 - Text the message @4h-hall to the number 81010.
See the attached pdf below.
Please call Crystal at 308-385-5088 for assistance.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
STEM Challenge Club - March
Bridges are amazing feats of engineering! You drive, walk over them, and see them all the time. Have you ever thought about how they are built or how they can hold so much weight? There is a lot of STEM that goes into building a bridge. We invite kids ages 7 and older to join us on Thursday, March 7 from 2-4 pm in Room 207 at College Park (new location). Register by March 5 by calling LaDonna at 308-385-5088 or email ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu. The cost for this workshop is $15.00.
Join Sew Crazy Sewing Club!
- Who: Any youth interested in sewing, ages 5-18.
- When: Saturday, March 9, 2024
- Where: Hall County Extension meeting room
- What Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
- March Project: Your choice - bring what you want to work on!
Club Leaders: Annette Schimmer and Barb Hovie
- Annette 308-379-7191 | netterz95@gmail.com
- Barb 308-379-5208 | barbarahovie@gmail.com
PLEASE contact Annette or Barb if you plan to attend, or if you have questions.
Join the Ag Innovators - STEM Challenge!
On April 1st from 10–11:30 am, Hall County 4-H Ag Innovators will walk kids in grades 3–8, through the Ag Innovator Experience, Save the Plate. This program will be held at the Hall County Extension Office. Those participating will discover that future generations of farmers, scientists, and other professionals will need to become Ag Innovators to grow food while using fewer resources.
Hall County 4-H has three Ag Innovators for 2024: Reagan Dearth, Greta Knuth, and Adrian Svitak. The Ag Innovators Experience is sponsored by the National 4-H Council, Bayer, and Nebraska 4-H. The 4-H Ag Innovators program is a unique program that has high school students teaching a real-world agricultural challenge, introducing agricultural careers, and tying in relevant concepts like aquaculture and environmental stewardship with a hands-on activity.
There is no cost for this program, but registration is required. Please register by March 27th by clicking here https://forms.gle/EFULkammfzhisiEB6. There will need to be a minimum of 5 registrations to hold the workshop.
Save the Date! 4-H Bicycle Road-E-O
The Hall County 4-H Bike Road-E-O will be held Wednesday, May 29 at 3:30 pm at the Hall County Extension Office (north parking lot). Bring your bikes and helmets for a fun contest to test your bicycle knowledge! (Limited number of helmets available at contest). The contest involves a written test as well; study guides are available. All 4-H members (ages 5-18) are welcome to sign up; please register by May 22. Contact Crystal at 308-385-5088 or cbeissenherz2@unl.edu to register and/or receive a study guide.
SHOUT OUTS!
4-H Community Changemakers
A BIG THANKS to our new teen leadership group, 4-H Community Changemakers, for delivering over 200 roses and cards to senior citizens in our area on Valentine’s Day! Thanks for being the best Cupid Crew! Our Community Changemakers were welcomed by Primrose Retirement Community and the Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island, and Prairie Winds in Doniphan. Our thanks to all the 4-H members, families, and volunteers who helped decorate cards for the event. We couldn’t have done it without your help! While we delivered 200 roses locally, over 170,000 roses were given to seniors across the United States as a part of this inspiring project. This event was sponsored by Wish of a Lifetime and AARP.
**If you have a teen who still might be interested in being a part of the Community Changemakers, contact D’Ette or Megan at the office!
Congratulations Alison!
Alison Schimmer, Hall County 4-H member, was 1 of 32 Nebraska 4-H members chosen to walk the runway at the Omaha Fashion Show in garments they've sewn. To be considered, garments must have been exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair and should be fashion-forward, runway appropriate, and display high-quality construction. Alison is pictured here, far left. Way to represent Hall County 4-H - we are proud of you!
Thank You Bomgaars!
Thank you Bomgaars for including Hall County 4-H in your Grand Re-opening festivities!! The youth had a great time serving hot dogs and we appreciate the donations! Thank you to the 4-Hers who joined us – Keith, Reba, Emma, Cayleigh, Chaeli, Elijah, and Cash! It was a fun time and wonderful to see 4-H Alumni and families in store as well.
Great Job, Reba!
Congratulations to Hall County 4-H member, Reba Watts! Reba received a scholarship from the Nebraska Beekeepers Association, which covers training on beekeeping at the UNL Pollinator Garden as well as supplies to start her own beehives. The NBA Youth Beekeeping Scholarships are given to select 4-H members and are an important investment in the future, helping to promote environmental sustainability, provide valuable skills and experiences for young people, and support the vital role of bees in our ecosystems. Look for more information on Reba's beekeeping project at the Nebraska Beekeepers booth at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair!
SHOOTING SPORTS
Hunter's Education
If you plan to participate in the shotgun or rifle project this year and have turned 11 before January 1st, make sure you take a hunter’s safety course first. To register, visit http://outdoornebraska.gov/huntereducation/.
2024 Hall County 4-H Shooting Sports Schedule
The dates are set for 4-H Archery, BB Gun, 22 Rifle and Shotgun practices/competitions. (Dates & times are subject to change.) Youth who participate in practices and competitions must be enrolled in 4-H Online BEFORE practicing and competing in a 4-H Shooting Sports event. *Minimum age for Archery & BB Gun is 4-H age 8. Minimum age for 22 Rifle and Shotgun is 4-H age 11 (Hunter's Safety Certification REQUIRED). Please review the Hall County Fair Book - Shooting Sports section/rules (coming soon!) and the 2024 Hall County 4-H Shooting Sports Schedule, located here: hall.unl.edu/4-h-contests-events/. Contact the Hall County Extension Office at 308-385-5088 with questions.
4-H Shooting Sports Information, Statewide Competitions
Go to 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports for more information about the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports program & to view the calendar of upcoming statewide shooting sports competitions!
LIVESTOCK UPDATES
Important Information for State Fair Livestock Exhibitors
- New in 2024 - Changes to State Fair Age Eligibility! All 4-H members who were at least 8 years of age on January 1 will be eligible to show livestock at the Nebraska State Fair. Learn more about State Fair: 4h.unl.edu/state-fair.
- Online Livestock Nominations - Any animals that you are considering and would like to be eligible to show at State Fair, will need to be nominated and paid online ($7 per animal), by YOU (4-H families) at showstockmgr.com. The deadline for all animals is June 14. *The official State Fair nomination deadline is June 15; however, that is a Saturday. Our office WILL NOT be open or be able to answer questions on the 15th; therefore, we STRONGLY SUGGEST that you complete your nominations by June 14.
- DNA Samples will need pulled for ALL animals that are nominated - market, breeding & feeder calves (this applies to Beef, Swine, Sheep & Goats). Please pick up DNA envelopes at the Extension Office for any animals that you plan to nominate & return completed envelopes with samples by June 14 (see * above). **Multiple exhibitors in the same immediate family may be listed on each DNA envelope, but ALL EXHIBITORS MUST SIGN THEIR SIGNATURES ON EACH ENVELOPE. (This is NEW for 2024.)
- Check out the Hall County Animal ID Guidelines. It lists methods of ID, nomination deadlines & entry deadlines for animals that will be shown at County Fair and State Fair, all in one document. *ID forms/nominations MUST be submitted by June 14th, 2024 for ALL SPECIES.
- Please call the Extension office at #308-385-5088 with questions BEFORE June 15th so you may complete all of the requirements by the deadline.
Market Broiler Project
- Order Chicks by April 16
- Hall County Fair, July 17-21
- Ages: 5-18 (Age as of January 1, 2024)
- Cost: $22.50 for 10 chicks, $33.75 for 15 chicks, $45.00 for 20 chicks.
- Hall County 4-H enrollment is required.
The modern broiler chicken is the fastest, most efficient, meat-producing bird. The Market Broiler project is great for youth living in town, on an acreage, or on a farm. The minimum order is 10 birds (limit 20 chicks per exhibitor). Up to three (3) family members may share (1) one set of 10 chicks. Each participant will receive Market Broiler chicks, educational materials on the care and showing of Market Broilers, and the opportunity to show at the Hall County Fair. To order chicks, call the Extension Office at 308-385-5088. The deadline to order chicks is April 16th; payment must be received by Noon on April 16th. (*Payment must be cash or check; we are unable to take credit card payments in the office.) Chicks are scheduled to arrive on May 30th.
**It is the 4-H family’s responsibility to process all Market Broilers purchased. If you have any questions, please get in touch with LaDonna at the office or email ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu.
4-H Spring Rabbit Show
The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 9:00 am at Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall in Lincoln. 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.
UNL Poultry Newsletter/Chick Days
Check out the latest edition of UNL Poultry Newsletter (pdf), including upcoming events, information & more! In addition, UNL Chick Days will be held on March 16, 2024 at the Animal Science Building in Lincoln. Chick Days is an annual educational event for small and back-yard poultry producers and youth to learn more about the poultry industry. Go to animalscience.unl.edu/chick-days for full details.
Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit
Livestock Achievement Program
Through the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement program, youth can receive recognition as Members of Excellence for engaging in various project-related activities. NEW in 2024: Members as young as eight will be able to participate. Applications are due June 15, but why wait? Visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement to get started.
HORSE NEWS
4-H 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. The 4-H Horse Stampede is held annually at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, Nebraska. This year's event will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024.
There is a $10 entry fee per participant and a $10 office fee per exhibitor. Event shirts are also available for pre-order. All orders, fees, and entry forms must be submitted online by March 4, 2024. Go to 4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede for more information and to register.
DOGS, CATS & SMALL PETS
Dog, Cat & Pet Shows
Cats, hamsters, fish, snakes, toads, dogs, and mini pigs, Oh MY! When you think of 4-H, do you picture kids showing cattle, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry? Did you know you can show your dog, cat, and ANY animal you consider a pet? Any animal not housed in the Cattle Barn during the Hall County Fair (except pet rabbits) can be shown in one of two shows. The Dog Show will be held on Thursday, July 18th, in the Five Point Bank Arena at 4:30 pm. The Cat and Pet Show (formally the Cat and Companion Animal Show) will be held in the Aurora Coop Pavilion on Friday, July 19th at 12:15 pm. These two programs are a great way to share the hard work that goes into caring for your family’s pets. Check the Hall County Fair Book for specifics of each show. (Vaccinations are required for dogs and cats.) If you have questions, please get in touch with LaDonna at the office.
ONGOING 4-H PROGRAMS
Little Free Pantry Built by Local 4-H Club
Kountryside Kids 4-H Club has installed a Little Free Pantry at Lincoln Elementary School. They are partnering with Grand Island Public Schools (and you!) on this project!
Kountryside Kids 4-H Club invites 4-H families and clubs to help keep the pantry filled with food, hygiene, seasonal needs, and home essentials, through the next year. If your family or club would like to contribute to the pantry, sign up for a week (or more) in 2024, by following this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ABA72DA7FBCF8-45801707-lincoln.
The Little Free Pantry is supported by Hall County 4-H, the Nutrition Education Program (NEP), and UNL Extension. If you have any questions, call the Extension Office at 308-385-5088 or email LaDonna at ladonna.obermiller@unl.edu. For ideas of items to put in the Little Free Pantry, click Little Free Food Pantry Food Safety Information | UNL Food.
Check out a STEM Backpack for your family during the winter months! Each of the backpacks contains theme-based books, activity sheets & materials, and a step-by-step lesson plan for adults. Most of the lessons are also available in Spanish. Families not enrolled in 4-H are welcome to check out backpacks as well.
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Husker Harvest Days Scholarship
Nine scholarships valued at $1,200 each for students pursuing a post-secondary education in various areas of the field of agriculture are to be awarded by the Agricultural Institute of Nebraska, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, and Farm Progress Companies.
The scholarships are awarded to high school graduating seniors who are pursuing a program/career in agriculture/agribusiness. All scholarships are academic in nature. Financial need may be a consideration in the selection process but will not be the determining factor.
Applications MUST BE POSTMARKED by March 8, 2024. Go to hall.unl.edu/4-h-youth-member-resources/ for more information.
Plan to Set Goals & Apply for Awards in 2024!
Have you thought about your 4-H goals for 2024? Now is the time to look at the Diamond Clover Program and the Clover Kids Recognition Program, and set those goals now. For more information on Hall County 4-H awards, go to hall.unl.edu/4-h-youth-member-resources/. To find out more about state and national 4-H award opportunities, go to 4h.unl.edu/awards-recognition.
SAVE THE DATE! Hall County 4-H Achievement Event - October 6, 2024 😊
SAVE THE DATE! CLOTHING JUDGING DAY & 4-H FASHION SHOW
Mark your calendars! Clothing Judging Day and the 4-H Fashion Show will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at College Park! If you are new to this day, you’ll want to hold the morning for the judging of all constructed items in the Clothing & Textiles project area and modeling judging. You’ll return in the evening for the fashion show. Below is a tentative schedule for the day to help you plan. If you have questions about how the day works, please contact D’Ette at the office!
July 2nd Schedule
8:30 am – 4-Hers begin to arrive at College Park
8:30-8:45 am – Judging room is open for modeling practice
9 am–Noon – Modeling Judging (a schedule will be sent out)
9 am–Noon – Construction Judging (come & go as you are available)
9 am–Noon – Theater is open for fashion show modeling practice
10 am–Noon - Family and Consumer Science Contest, awards given during the fashion show
7 pm – 4-Hers arrive at College Park for the Fashion Show
7:30 pm – The 4-H Fashion Show starts!
CAMPS & STATEWIDE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES
Changes to State Fair Age Eligibility
New in 2024! All 4-H members who were at least 8 years of age on January 1 will be eligible to participate in 4-H in-person events (live animal shows, fashion shows, and contests) at the Nebraska State Fair. Learn more about State Fair: 4h.unl.edu/state-fair.
Registration Open for Data Driven Statistics Field Day at UNL for High Schoolers - March 16, 2024
Teams of four high schoolers and one or two adult coaches are invited to join the Department of Statistics and Nebraska 4-H to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of data science, statistics, and numerical literacy. This full-day competition will feature interactive head-to-head competitions, providing a platform for teams to showcase their skills. Additionally, participants will have the valuable opportunity to interact with the University recruitment team and industry professionals.
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, (CASNR) is generously sponsoring the registration costs for the first 20 teams. And, CASNR is sponsoring the top prizes of EIGHT $500 scholarships.
More information and registration information is available at https://4h.unl.edu/data-driven
Apply Today to Attend the 2024 Nebraska Ag Youth Institute
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 nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. This year’s theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”
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.
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.
Dates, session summaries, and registration information can be found by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.
4-H Camp Scholarship
The Hall County 4-H Council will award one $100 Camp scholarship (4-H age 12 and under). To apply, visit hall.unl.edu/register-for-4-h-summer-camp/ for the Camp Scholarship application or contact the Hall County Extension Office. Applications are due to the Extension Office by April 5th. 4-H members (13 or older) may request funds to attend camp or other contests. Contact the Extension Office at 308-385-5088 for more information.
Big Red Summer Academic Camps
Exciting News! Big Red Summer Academic Camps registration is NOW OPEN! Don't miss out on the opportunity to develop new skills, prepare for college, explore career paths, and make lasting connections. Register today at 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps.
VOLUNTEERS & CLUB LEADERS
2024 4-H Volunteer Recognition Nominations Are Now Open!
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 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.
Have You Been Thinking of Starting Your Own Club?
It's easier than you might think! Contact Megan or LaDonna; we would be happy to answer any questions! We have the tools to help you get started! Call 308-385-5088 or email mknuth3@unl.edu. You can also check out this website: https://4h.unl.edu/clubs/start.
CALENDAR
March 4 - YQCA Face-to-Face Training, 6-8 pm at the Extension Office.
March 7 - STEM Challenge Club, 2-4 pm at College Park, Room 207.
March 12 - 4-H Fine Arts Night, 6:30 pm at the College Park Auditorium.
March 26 - 4-H Council Meeting, 6:30 pm at the Extension Office.
April 1 - Ag Innovators - STEM Challenge, 10-11:30 am at the Extension Office.
May 29 - Bicycle Road-E-O, 3:30 pm at the Extension Office.
June 14 - All Animal ID's, vaccinations & quality assurance certificates due to Extension Office.
June 14 - State Fair online livestock nominations & DNA envelopes due.
June 24 - Hall County Fair 4-H entry deadline.
July 2 - 4-H Clothing Judging Day & Fashion Show
July 17-21 - Hall County Fair
D'Ette Scholtz
4-H Youth Development
Megan Knuth
4-H Youth Development
LaDonna Obermiller
4-H Youth Development
Crystal Beissenherz
Office Manager
Joyce Krolikowski
Nebraska Extension - Hall County
Email: hall-county@unl.edu
Website: hall.unl.edu
Location: 3180 W Hwy 34, College Park, Grand Island, Nebraska, USA
Phone: 308-385-5088
Facebook: facebook.com/HallCounty4HNebraska
Twitter: @4HHoopla