Gosper County March 2024
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
In This Smore
- Save the Dates
- Remind App Sign Up!
- 4-H Volunteer Information
- Enrollment
- Activity Bag Sign Up!
- Diamond Clover
- Public Speaking Contest
- Shooting Sports
- Scholarships
- PASE Information
- Lottery Hog Update
- YQCA
- County Fair Nominations
- Small Animal Progress Show & Info
- CWF
- Statewide Opportunities
Save the Dates
1 – YQCA Training @ 5:00 Phelps County Ag Center
1 – Phelps County 4-H Council Kids Fest
15 - Phelps & Gosper County Lottery Animal Sign Up Due
25 - Gosper County 4-H Council Meeting
3 – Gosper County 4-H Promotion Event (2-4 Gr.)
18 - Phelps-Gosper Speech Contest in Holdrege
23 & 24 - Water Jamboree
6 – Phelps County 4-H Council Meeting (Holdrege)
16 – YQCA Training @ 6:00 PM (Elwood Civic Center)
20 – Gosper County 4-H Council Meeting (Elwood)
28-30 – Building A Better Babysitter Workshop (Holdrege YMCA)
27- Memorial Day Office closed
2024 Save the Dates
- 4-H Enrollment Due: June 15
- County ID's, YQCA, DNA, and NE State Fair Livestock Nominations Due: June 15
- County Showorks Due July 5
- Phelps/Gosper 4-H Fashion Show: July 15
- Phelps County Aerospace Launch: July 15
- Phelps/Gosper 4-H Horse Show: July 20
- Phelps County 4-H Fair: July 21 - 25
- Gosper County 4-H Fair: July 23 - 27
- Nebraska State Fair: August 23 - September 2
Remind App!
Sign Up for Gosper County 4-H Remind!
Gosper County 4-H is going to be trying out a new reminder system with more direct push notifications. We will be using this app to send out reminders for upcoming events, deadlines, and announcements... Like this Newsletter! In the app you are able to turn on App Notifications, Email and Browser Pop Ups, and even Text Reminders directly to you, so you don't miss any announcements!
Sign Up
You can sign up in multiple ways. Choose whichever seems the best for you.
Tap this link to sign up and join.
Gosper County 4-H Link: remind.com/join/gosper4-h
Or you can use the following on screen instructions or open the pdf file.
✨ Congratulations Kathy! 🎉
We are so grateful for Kathy's years of service, dedication, and strong support of Gosper County 4-H and Gosper County Extension. Her efforts have gone above and beyond and she will be dearly missed by Nebraska Extension and Gosper County.
The Gosper County 4-H and Extension family wishes Kathy a great retirement!
Dear friends: It's hard to believe that 23+ years have passed since I first started at the Gosper Extension Office. I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful staff members and even more wonderful families since July 2000. Over the years, I have gotten to watch the positive influence our 4-H program has had on our local youth. We can be proud of the teachers, farmers, business men and women and office workers who have taken the lessons learned and become the successful individuals they are. And if I got to be a very, very small part of the process - I consider my job well done. Thank you for your support and affection. It has and continues to mean a lot to me.
God Bless you all - Kathy Beck
New Gosper County Extension Office Hours
We are excited to welcome Sandy Dannehl as our new Gosper County Extension Office Manager! Sandy will be working under part time hours. Starting Tuesday, March 5, the Gosper County Extension Office office hours will be Tuesday - Thursday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
4-H Volunteer Screening
All 4-H volunteers and staff are required to complete the Nebraska 4-H volunteer screening process outlined below. Volunteer screening is done in order to assure a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for all youth involved with the Nebraska 4-H programs and provide protection for the child, the volunteer, the educator, the 4-H Council, the Extension Board, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
The Following 3 steps must be completed by all 4-H volunteers serving as a Direct Volunteer before performing your role. All steps need to be completed prior to your volunteer service.
1.) 4-H Online Enrollment: https://v2.4honline.com
- Step by Step Instructions: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll
2.) DHHS Volunteer Screening (must use this link).
- https://ecmp.nebraska.gov/DHHS-CR/CheckRequest/BeginOrgCheck/81102416
- $5 Fee associated with screening.
3.) Volunteer Orientation
- https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation
- Estimated time of completion: 40 Minutes.
Additional volunteer resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer.
Direct volunteers are those working directly with youth, such as club leaders and workshop facilitators. Direct volunteers will be asked to complete the following screening process and repeat screening as scheduled.
Please note that direct volunteers are responsible for covering a screening fee. Currently, the cost of the screening is $5.00. This fee must be paid at the time of screening and re-screening.
Re-Screening Process
Volunteer screening is repeated every five years based on geographic location regardless of when the original screening was completed. When it is time for re-screening, volunteers will be prompted with instructions for completing the online re-screening process. See Volunteer Screening Schedule.
2024: Adams, Arthur, Buffalo, Chase, Custer, Dawson, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Hall, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Kearney, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Webster.
4-H Volunteer Orientation
All 4-H volunteers and staff are required to complete the Nebraska 4-H volunteer screening process outlined below. Volunteer screening is done in order to assure a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for all youth involved with the Nebraska 4-H programs and provide protection for the child, the volunteer, the educator, the 4-H Council, the Extension Board, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
The Following 3 steps must be completed by all 4-H volunteers serving as a Direct Volunteer before performing your role. All steps need to be completed by March 15 or prior to your volunteer service.
1.) 4-H Online Enrollment: https://v2.4honline.com
Step by Step Instructions: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll
2.) DHHS Volunteer Screening (must use this link).
https://ecmp.nebraska.gov/DHHS-CR/CheckRequest/BeginOrgCheck/81102416
$5 Fee associated with screening.
3.) Volunteer Orientation
https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation (Estimated time of completion: 40 Minutes).
Additional volunteer resources can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer.
Direct volunteers are those working directly with youth, such as club leaders and workshop facilitators. Direct volunteers will be asked to complete the following screening process and repeat the screening as scheduled.
4-H Online 2023-2024 Enrollment NOW OPEN
IT'S TIME TO ENROLL IN 4-H!
New and returning 4-H families may now enroll at https://v2.4honline.com. (Returning 4-H families, please enroll under the same email login that was used the previous year; do not create a new account.) NO Enrollment fees.
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.
**Don’t forget to update your 4-H Youth members T-Shirt sizes!**
This is the size we will use throughout the year.
If you have any questions regarding the enrollment process, please call the Extension Office at 308-995-4222. We are here to help!
- The health form is optional, except for one question regarding any life-threatening allergies. This question is near the end of the page immediately before the Health Form Consent
- If you need to make connections with a club, the Extension office is happy to give this introduction.
- Youth between the ages of 5 and 7 as of January 1 of the current year may enroll as Clover Kids.
How old do you have to be to join a 4-H club?
Children can join a 4-H club if they are 5 by January 1 of the current year and they can stay involved until their final year of eligibility – the year they are 18 on January 1. In addition, many colleges offer collegiate 4-H clubs, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!
What is a Clover Kid?
Children ages five to eight are known in 4-H as Clover Kids. These children are full 4-H members and can participate in a wide range of programs and activities, including the fair. However, because research has shown that competition at this age is detrimental, Clover Kids are not allowed to compete. Clover Kids do participate in many contests and receive participation ribbons. Their work isn't judged or compared to others.
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.
4-H Grab and Go Activity Bags 🧶
The Phelps-Gosper 4-H Team has created three DIY activities for March.
Projects will explore the 4-H Home Environment Project. Youth will receive everything needed to create the project or projects of their choice. These may be exhibited at the 2024 County Fair. Please call the office to reserve your kit by March 15th for guaranteed
pick-up by March 26.
The activities are FREE thanks to the Gosper County 4-H Council.
PHELPS-GOSPER 4-H PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST 🎤
BE BOLD. BE HEARD.
April 18 Holdrege at 6:00 PM
Register by calling the Extension Office by April 17
Age Divisions: Clover Kids 5-7;
Novice-ages 8 and 9 OR Junior – ages 8-10;
(A 4-H member may participate in either Novice or Junior, but not both.)
Intermediate – ages 11-13;
Senior – ages 14 and older
Public Service Announcements Rules and Regulations;
* All PSA’s are 60 seconds in length.
* The state theme for the 2024 Public Service Announcement (PSA) is “4-H is a Feeling.”
* All radio PSA’s must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.
* All 4-H PSA’s must include the following tagline within the last ten seconds of the PSA: “Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu.” The tagline is included in the 60 second time limit.
* Sound effects and public domain music may be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used.
* All PSA’s must be the original work of the presenter. Contestants may not use PSA’s written and provided by the state or national staff.
* PSA’s will be audio, brought to and presented at the contest in an electronic format as a .wav or .mp3 audio format.
Speech
Time Length
Clover Kid- under 3 minutes Novice-3 minutes or less
Both Clover Kid and Novice may recite a favorite poem, story or something written by someone else. These classes are not eligible for state.
Time Length
Jr. Division – 1-3 minutes
Intermediate Division – 3-5 minutes
Senior Division – 5-8 minutes
* All speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech.
* 4-H public speakers may not use the old speech written by a sibling, another 4-H member or anyone else.
* Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. Use of visual aids and props is not allowed.
* Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effect clothing.
* 4-H’ers may participate in both the PSA and Speech categories.
* Only individuals, no teams may participate in the contest.
🏹 4-H Shooting Sports 🎯
Gosper County 4-H BB Gun
Gosper County BB Gun is currently underway at the Elwood Civic Center. The Gosper BB Gun Contest will be held April 27. 4-H promotes safety, marksmanship, and community through shooting sports activities.
Phelps-Gosper County Shooting Sports
County Only 4-H Shotgun
This six-week program offers opportunities for youth to learn safe gun handling skills and sound fundamentals of shooting under the guidance of caring and knowledgeable adult volunteers. Youth practice for six-weeks and compete at a county contest.
Fee for 2024 Season is $20. Register in office or at above link.
**Must be enrolled in Phelps or Gosper County 4-H before allowed to practice.
**Must be at least 10 years old and have 2 years BB Gun
**Starts March
**Meets weekly
Enroll at https://go.unl.edu/4hcountyshotgun24
2024 Phelps Gosper 4-H Trap Shoot Team-
Practice as a team for conference trap shooting competitions in Aurora. $30 enrollment fee.
** Must be 12 years or older.
**Must have completed Hunter Safety.
**Must be enrolled in Phelps or Gosper County 4-H before allowed to practice.
**Team enrollment fee does not cover competition fees.
Enroll at https://go.unl.edu/trapteam24
All shotgun practices are held at Silhouette Gun Club, west edge of Holdrege.
Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification
Volunteers are welcome! 4-H Shooting Sports requires certified leaders. New leader training dates can be found below. If you are interested in becoming a certified shooting sports leader, please let the Extension Office know. Funds are available!
March 16-17, 2024
Keith County Fairgrounds
1000 W 3rd Street, Ogallala, NE
April 13-14, 2024
Boone County Fairgrounds
2624 Fairgrounds Road, Albion, NE
Scholarship Opportunities 🎓
Gosper County 4-H Scholarships
The Gosper County 4-H Council supports scholarships for both high school seniors and post-secondary students. Applications are due April 1, 2024. You can find the applications on our website, at your high school office, or in the Gosper or Phelps County Extension Offices. Applicants must be a past or current Gosper County 4-H member.
Phelps County 4-H Foundation Scholarships
The local Phelps County 4-H Foundation supports scholarships for both high school seniors and post-secondary students. Applications are due April 1, 2024. You can find the applications on our website, at your high school office, or in the Phelps County Extension Office.
Phelps County 4-H Council Scholarships
Phelps County 4-H Foundation is sponsoring scholarships valued from $1000 to $2000. The scholarships are available to current Phelps County 4-H members who are graduating seniors this year or post secondary scholarship. Applications are due April 1st to the Phelps County Extension Office at 1308 2nd St, Holdrege NE. The application can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/phelps-gosper/phelpsgosper-scholarships/ picked up at the Extension Office, or at your guidance counselor office.
Phelps-Gosper Cattlemen
The local Cattlemen provide scholarships for local high school seniors. You can find the scholarships on our website, at your high school office, or in the Phelps or Gosper County Extension Office. Applications are due April 1, 2024.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/phelps-gosper/phelpsgosper-scholarships/
PASE
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
Phelps and Gosper County 4-H’ers are invited to participate in the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). PASE is a 4-H statewide competition where youth compete in Livestock Judging, Poultry Judging, Livestock Quiz-Bowl, Livestock Skill-a-thon, and Meats Judging. Meetings have started and Tigh Renken is coaching our 4-H members who are interested in Livestock Judging! Practices are hosted on Thursday's in Bertrand, NE at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 7:00 PM. To learn more about this program or to RSVP for a future practice, please contact 4-H Educator Calvin DeVries at 308-995-4222 or cdevries2@unl.edu.
To sign up for PASE, please contact the Phelps or Gosper County offices no later than Tuesday, May 28. The 4-H Phelps/Gosper 4-H team will be responsible for submitting 4-H youth team registrations. Additional information and full contest descriptions on the PASE program can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/pase.
Lottery Animals (Update Included)
🐷Phelps & Gosper County 4-H Lottery Hogs
**UPDATE: Sign up for both the Phelps and Gosper County Lottery Hog programs has been moved up and needs to be completed by Friday, March 15. Youth may only participate in 1 county for each program and only one animal per youth member is allotted for each species. There will be a special class for lottery hogs and lottery goats at the respective County Fairs. The price this year for hogs will be $175 for each county's program. The date for Phelps & Gosper Lottery Hog Selection has been set for Saturday, March 30 at Noon at the Gosper County Fairgrounds in the Swine Stalling area. Swine projects will be tagged and weighed on site by the committee prior to the Lottery selection.
2024 Gosper County 4-H Lottery Hog Sign Up 🐷
To sign up for the Gosper County Lottery Hog program, please stop by or contact the Gosper County Extension Office and provide $175 payment for each youth participating by Friday, March 15. Gosper County Families will need to have checks payable to Gosper County 4-H Council.
🐓🐖 YQCA 🐄🐑
Nebraska 4-H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete annual quality assurance certification through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program focused on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. Requirements
YQCA certification is required for all 4-H members enrolled in any of the following projects:
· Beef (bucket calf, feeder calf, breeding beef, market beef)
· Dairy Cattle
· Goat (breeding meat goat, dairy goat, meat goat)
· Poultry
· Rabbit
· Sheep (breeding sheep, market sheep)
· Swine (breeding swine, market swine
YQCA is required annually.
Face-to Face Training In-person YQCA training courses cost $3 per individual regardless of age. Dates to be determined. Be watching your 4-H Newsletter!
Web-based Training at https://yqca.learngrow.io/Account/Login. The online YQCA course costs $12 per individual regardless of age.
Test-out options are only available to youth in the first year of Intermediate (age 12) and Senior (age 15) age levels. There is no test-out option for Juniors. Participants will have only one chance to take the test-out option. If youth fail, they will not be provided another opportunity to test out of that age level.
Test-out costs are:
Intermediate: $36 ($12 x 3 years of certification) Senior: $48 ($12 x 4 years of certification).
YQCA TIPS
Þ 4-H Families will register and pay online
https://yqca.learngrow.io/Account/Login
Þ 4-H’ers use their 4-H Online Account
Þ Phelps and Gosper counties will offer a number of in-person training this spring.
YQCA – Coupon Codes Available!
Two Phelps-Gosper In Person YQCA training dates remain for 2024!
This training is required by all 4-H youth enrolled in Beef, Dairy Cattle, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, and Swine and is due June 15.
Gosper County 4-H Council and the Phelps County 4-H Foundation are sponsoring $3 coupon codes to provide free in person YQCA trainings this year! This will cover the complete registration cost for trainings in person. Coupon codes can also be used to complete YQCA online to support the $12 online course fee ($9 when using coupon). Our goal is to see high attendance at our in-person trainings this year!
Gosper County 4-H Families
Contact the Gosper County Extension Office for Coupon Codes. (308) 785-2390
Phelps County 4-H Families
Contact the Phelps County Extension Office for Coupon Codes. (308)995-4222
Upcoming 2024 Phelps-Gosper in person YQCA Trainings:
Thursday, May 16 @ 6:00 pm at the Elwood Civic Center
Sunday, June 2nd @ 2pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, NE
Online Registration: https://yqcaprogram.org/.
Instructions: https://yqcaprogram.org/local/pdf/YQCA_HelpDoc_GettingILTCertification_2023.pdf.
Please note that a pre-test and post-test need to be completed by each youth before certificates will be made available. (Pre-test and Post-test are just surveys) Once both are completed, please email Certificates of Completion to cdevries2@unl.edu or provide a printed copy to the Phelps or Gosper County Extension Office by June 15. Unfortunately, certificates do not automatically populate on our end after the training is completed.
County Fair Animal Nomination and Identification
All Tags and Forms are available at the local Extension Office.
Market Beef- All market beef must be identified with a federally accepted 840 EID electronic identification (EID) tag. Any animal carrying an 840 EID tag will require the exhibitor to obtain a Premises ID. Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Breeding Beef– Any Breeding Heifer project animal enrolled in 4-H must be born between September 2022-December 2023. Breeding beef do NOT need a specific 4-H tag Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15. Registered heifers are required to have a copy of registration papers submitted to the office.
Stocker Feeder: All stocker feeders must be born within the current year (2024) and be identified with a farm tag. Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15
Bucket Calf: All bucket calves must be born within the current year (2024) between January 1 and June 1 and be identified with a farm tag. Calves are to be fed on bucket or bottle and/or dry feed only. Calves are to be away from real or substitute mothers from June 1.
Market Swine- All market swine must be identified with a federally accepted 840 EID electronic identification (EID) tag. Any animal carrying an 840 EID tag will require the exhibitor to obtain a Premises ID. Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Market Lambs and Market Goats- All market lambs and market goats must be identified with an official USDA scrapie tag. Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Breeding Sheep and Goats- All ewes and does (registered and commercial) must be identified with an official USDA scrapie tag. Paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Novelty Sheep and Goats: All novelty sheep or goats are required to have a farm ear tag and paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Dairy Cattle-All dairy cattle must be identified on the paper ownership affidavit by photograph, sketch, or ear tattoo. Dairy cattle paper ownership affidavits must be turned in to the local Extension office by June 15.
Horse- All horses that will be shown at the County, District &/or State Horse Show must be appropriately identified on the Nebraska Horse identification affidavit and turned in to the local Extension office by June 1 for State and June 15 for County Only.
Rabbits & Poultry- Rabbits and poultry do not have a COUNTY nomination/id form requirement in order to exhibit at the County Fair.
County-only rabbits will not be required to have an ear tattoo.
State Fair Rabbits do require ear tattoos.
Dogs-All dogs must have state and county vaccination records signed by a vet.
County Ownership papers must also be completed. Papers are available in the Extension Office. Due July 10.
Cats– Signed vaccination records are required. Papers are available in the Extension Office Due July 10.
Reminders
· The due dates listed above mean that all tagging is complete, the animal information completed and in the possession of the local Extension office.
· No animal may be shown in both breeding and market classes.
· Animals to be shown in “registered” categories must submit the authorized registration papers with the animal ID forms.
2024 Hy-Line Beef, Sheep, & Goat Progress Show 🐮 🐑 🐐
🐕 Companion Animal Program 🐇
Companion animals are diverse groups of animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and many more! There are currently more than 1.1 billion companion animals worldwide. In fact, there are more companion animals than people in the United States.
The Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs offer opportunities for youth to develop life skills and obtain knowledge of companion animals. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs is the total development of the young person. The companion animals contests, shows, and related activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development.
Find online resources for dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. Online workshops available. https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal
🐢 Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest 🐭
The Nebraska 4-H Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest provides youth an opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills they have developed in their 4-H companion animal project. The contest is open to youth ages 10-18 enrolled in a companion animal project.
Videos should be recorded at the youth’s home and submitted following the instructions outlined below. Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CST on August 12, 2024.
🐾 Barking Good Times with your 4-H Dog 🐶
Dog Showmanship Video Series
The Dog Showmanship Video Series includes maneuver descriptions, demonstrations, and general information for youth interested in learning more about dog showmanship. The short videos are intended to help youth while practicing with their dogs in preparation for 4-H showmanship.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL579hRei5D7xwKTqpe8kJw0GnfKK4x8l4
🍀 CWF 🏛️
Citizenship Washington Focus Conference 2024
Through Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), teens experience Washington D.C. like never before. Using the nation’s capital as their classroom, CWF connects young leaders from across the country to gain the skills and experiences to become effective change agents.
If you are still interested in attending this conference, please let the 4-H staff know!
🏕️ Summer Camp 2024 ⛺
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.
Are you ready to take the next step towards a successful future? Join us for an immersive and empowering college and career ready experience through Big Red Camps 2024! Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, skill-building, and preparation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve greatness. Our comprehensive program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in postsecondary education and beyond. Contact us at BigRedCamps@unl.edu. We can't wait to see you at camp!
Discover your future at UNL's Red Letter Days! Join us for an immersive campus experience filled with campus tours, academic appointments, engaging sessions and more! Reserve your spot today!
Premier Communication Event
The Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event features a variety of state-level communication contests. The two-day event is held at the on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus in Lincoln. June 17 and June 1, 2024
🌱 4-H Agronomy and Crop News 🌽
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.
Nebraska 4-H 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. The requirements for Senior level applications are shown below. Please contact the Extension office for more information.
The 2024 Hippology Academy 🐎
Check this out! 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...
🐴 State Horse Expo
Grand Island, Nebraska July 13-17, 2024
The Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo is the pinnacle showing experience for members of the 4-H Horse Program. The show includes a multitude of classes for youth and their horses, such as halter and showmanship classes which are open to all youth. Some classes require that youth have passed Horsemanship Level II, and many classes require that youth have passed Horsemanship Level III or Level IV.
4-H Horse Stampede 🏇
The Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede offers various 4-H horse contests that do not require live animals, including public speaking, demonstration, quiz bowl, art, and photography contests. Youth have the chance to display their equine knowledge through these contests as an individual and 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.
🐎 Horse 101 Course
Want to increase your horse knowledge? Check out this online course!
Horse 101 is a three-part online course for anyone wanting to learn more about horses. It covers everything from evolution, behavior, feeding, health and so much more. There are 3 parts to the course. Each part is divided into 4 to 5 units with 1 to 2 lessons each. You can take all three or just one and receive a certificate after completing each. Topics include:
-Part 1: Evolution, Breeds & Uses, Identification and Conformation and
Selection.
-Part 2: Senses, Behavior & Body language, Nutrition (2 Units) and Exercise
Physiology.
-Part 3 : Health (2 Units), Reproduction, Genetics, Environmental Management
The cost is $50 for each or $120 for all three and the on-line course will be available 24/7 from February 1 – May 1, 2024.
To enroll go to: https://go.unl.edu/unlhorse101
This course is brought to you by UNL Equine Extension.
Contact Information
Calvin DeVries, Extension Educator
Lori Swanson, Extension Assistant
Noah Renken, Office Manager - Phelps
Sandy Dannehl, Office Manager - Gosper
Phelps County Extension Office
1308 2nd St Holdrege, NE 68949
(308) 995-4222
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Gosper County Extension Office
507 Smith Ave Elwood, NE 68937
(308) 785-2390
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday
WEBSITE