The 4-H Update
June 30, 2023
Deadlines and Events
Today is the deadline to sign up for your t-Shirt size!
FREE t-shirts are available to all youth who are enrolled in Douglas-Sarpy 4-H! Please fill out one form per youth. Registration is due by June 30. Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu, email Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu, or call 402-444-7804. The shirts will be available for pick up July 20th at the Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office. If you're unable to pick them up at the office, they will be available at the Sarpy County Fair. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/5SwoNA8L9oWksS7f9.
Tack Cleaning Workshop, Sign up by July 1
Get your tack cleaned before State Horse show. Come join Alaina as we clean tack together and get your tack in tip top shape.
When: July 11
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Register by July 1st. https://forms.gle/sDg2kfraeJupsRnm9
Contact Alaina with questions Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Rocket Launch Contest, Sign up by July 5
Rocket Launch Contest entry form is due Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Contest Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 3:30-6:30pm
This contest is open to 4-H members ages 5 – 18.
See the Rocket Launch Contest information, including Entry Form
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-rocket-launch-2023.pdf
*NEW - 4-H members must participate in launch safety briefing prior to launching
The 4-H office will provide a launch pad and the launch controller. You need to bring everything else that you will need for a safe and successful flight (i.e. wadding, engines, and igniters).
Rockets will be judged on: launching ability, flight, and recovery process. Safety will be very important in judging. To see scoresheets, email Tiffany Sessions at tiffany.sessions@unl.edu
PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
July 1 - July 15 - Livestock Online Entries for the County Fair - REQUIRED
- Online animal pre-entries for the county fair includes Horses, Poultry, Rabbits, Cavy, and all livestock. This does NOT include Dogs.
- The deadline for entries is July 15th. No exceptions. Online entry includes all livestock, horses, rabbits, cavy, and poultry. No paper entries will be accepted. Go to: https://sarpy.fairwire.com/
- See the instructions at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/34200902-7a44-44d3-9f6a-17cee66bf388.pdf
Now - Pre-Entry for Static Exhibits - Optional
Entry Day for static exhibits is Tuesday, August 1st from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in the green 4-H building.
f you would like to avoid the lines on entry day for Static Exhibits, you can now request your entry tags ahead of time at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-exhibit-hall-entry-form-2022-fillable.pdf
- The deadline to request the tags and have them mailed to you is July 24. If you miss this deadline, no problem, we can still create the tags on entry day.
Find Department, Division and Class Numbers at the Fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
Feature of the Week
4-Her - Andrew Sutherland
This week's 4-Her of the week is Andrew Sutherland with his Champion Junior Ranch Riding and Champion Junior Trail exhibit.
This year's horse show will be:
- Performance Classes - Saturday July 29th at 9 am
- Speed Events - Thursday, August 3rd at 7 pm
Learn more about the horse show in the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-horse-2023.pdf
Do you have a notable 4-H moment? Upload your project pictures to be included in our newsletter at https://go.unl.edu/4-hwinners
Livestock Project Highlight - Poultry Showmanship
See an Exhibiting 4-H Poultry Guide here.
See an example of poultry showmanship in a video from Brett at https://youtu.be/ZDmAuhLEb6g
Zoe Martinez is pictured with her champion chicken showmanship award from the 2022 fair.
Static Project Highlight - Barn Quilt
A barn quilt is a large piece of wood that is painted to look like a quilt block. Supporting information is required for this exhibit. Information must also include elements or principles of design used and steps taken to complete project. Tag templates can be found on the 4-H State Fair website, please note this is in the Static Exhibits section in the Home Environment information sheet: http://4h.unl.edu/fairbook. Exhibits without supporting information will be dropped a ribbon placing.
Barn quilts are entered in the fair in
Consumer and Family Science - Department C
Division 229 - Quilting
There are two options for creating a Barn Quilt.
CLASS 21 BARN QUILT created that is less than 4’x4’.
CLASS 22 BARN QUILT created that is 4’x4’ or larger.
See this area of the Fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-quilting-2023.pdf
Pictured is Kate Wagner with her Barn Quilt that was selected for state fair!
See more project ideas on our facebook here.
Volunteers of the Week - Lorraine Henry
In addition to this, she is also on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Extension & 4-H in Douglas/Sarpy County Foundation. The Foundation supports and enhances the University of Nebraska Extension and 4-H programs in Douglas and Sarpy counties, including sponsoring the Douglas County Fair.
This year's fair (which is open to 4-Hers) is July 22-23, 2023 at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St, Ralston. Learn more, including specific entry fees, at https://www.douglascountyfair.org/
FIREWORKS CLEANUP GUIDE from our Partners at Keep Omaha Beautiful
Fireworks contain a variety of toxic chemicals, to create colors and effects in fireworks. Safe cleanup practices will help prevent fireworks waste from entering storm drains on the street, which flow to rivers and streams without being filtered first.
4-Hers are invited to clean them up to help protect our local waterways and our urban ecosystem – the neighborhoods and parks where we live and play.
See a Step-by-Step Guide from Keep Omaha Beautiful to clean up fireworks at https://www.keepomahabeautiful.org/resources/fireworks-cleanup.html
Workshops and Classes
Watercolor Workshop, Sign up by July 7
When: July 13, 2023
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Cost: $15 per youth
For youth ages 10-18
Register at: https://forms.gle/oeXcvQ9mJFSt9fGC9
Registration deadline: Friday, July 7
4-H Quilt Club
When: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
*This club usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Paddock Posse - Horseless Horse Club
Please join Douglas-Sarpy's Horseless Horse Club!
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: TBA (usually the first Friday of every Month) at 5 pm
Who: Youth ages 8-18
Let's learn more about the Horse Industry and Horse Related Topics!
You need to rsvp with Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Contests
Fashion Show, Sign up by July 7
Entry form (deadline 7/7 midnight) https://go.unl.edu/4hfashion2023
Entries for the 4-H Fashion Show Contest are due by Friday, July 7th and the 4-H Fashion Show judging day will be held on Thursday July 13, 2023 at the Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm by appointment. Also, participants are required to model at the Sarpy County Fair Fashion Show on Wed. August 2, 2023 at 6:00 pm and to enter their project as an exhibit to receive their fashion show ribbon and premium award.
See tips for preparing for the 2023 4-H Fashion Show here.
The Online Insect Identification Contest
Learn more and find study materials are 4h.unl.edu/oiic
Fremont 4-H Expo will be July 12-15
The Fremont 4-H Expo is open to 4-H Exhibitors from Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington Counties. This year's Expo will be July 12-15, 2023.
Check out the schedule! https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/frfourhexhguide/
For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Showcase of 4-H Gems - Due July 14
The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council would like to encourage all eligible candidates to participate in the Douglas-Sarpy Showcase of 4-H Gems.
To be selected and honored as a 4-H Gem is a positive way to share your success and experiences throughout your 4-H career. Receiving the honor of being named a Diamond or Emerald 4-Her is an excellent addition to your resume and college scholarship essays. We encourage all eligible candidates to submit their application for the opportunity to participate so that we can celebrate all of your accomplishments throughout your 4-H career.
Eligibility requirements:
* Each candidate must have been enrolled in 4-H for at least 3 years previously and be currently enrolled as a Douglas/Sarpy 4-Her.
* Candidates for Emerald 4-Her must be completing their sophomore year in high school.
* Candidates for Diamond 4-Her must be completing their junior year in high school.
Get your application at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/e844e20b-4235-4a82-8fc6-35cb5c8d3b0a.pdf
4-H Dog Show - Due July 14
Where: Sarpy County Fairgrounds
Make sure to sign up by July 14.
For more information, contact Alaina Kauffman - Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu, 402-444-4092
See this area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-dog-2023-rev-05-23-2023.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3MTbmJWXAIF7MRJNMlJkxwBC3roFG9GFeFQyz7l3nnjVfJ9tU94l1I_44
Pictured is Marissa Rolle with her Reserve Champion Dog - Trick Class from the 2022 Sarpy County Fair.
Poultry Photo contest Due July 15
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is sponsoring its annual Poultry Photo Contest and encourages 4-H members to submit photos of their fine feathered friends. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov. Entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/NDAPhotoContest by the July 15th deadline
Learn more at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/poultryphotocontest.pdf
Communication Contest Results
See all the award winners here. Pictured is first time participant Emersyn who was enjoying her time on East Campus for the contest!
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) Poultry Judging Contest Results
CONGRATULATIONS to the 4-H'ers who participated in the Premier Animal Science Event last week! 64 youth participated in Poultry Judging, with two Douglas-Sarpy 4-Hers landing in the top 10! Jayden Prososki was 4th, and Elsa Castillo was 10th.
Our Intermediate Team consisting of Jayden Prososki , Lillie Gruhlkey and Mallory Beethe placed 3rd.
Fair Information
Douglas County Fair
When: July 22-23, 2023
Where: Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St, Ralston
Who: Open to anyone.
Learn more, including entry fees, at https://www.douglascountyfair.org/
Volunteer at the Food Stand at Sarpy County Fair
Sign up to volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand
4-H Council’s food stand during the fair features a variety of snacks and beverages. The food stand is Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council’s primary fundraiser. Proceeds support 4-H youth programs, activities and scholarships. Sign up to help at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4AAAA628A0FD0-sarpyFair History Table
Help us bring history to life! We're looking for volunteers to work at the History Connection table at the Sarpy County Fair, August 2-6. Douglas-Sarpy 4-H has a rich history and we're looking to preserve it. We need the public's help to identify photos. At the table, you will make sure our photo slideshow continues to run (no sleepy computers here!) and take down any information people may have on the photos. People are also encouraged to write down their contact information so we can get in touch with them and talk more about the program's history. Consider helping out for a couple of hours during the fair! Sign up here. Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu or give her a call at 402-444-4306.
Fair Volunteer Opportunities
- Sign up to volunteer at the Passport table for 2023. This year we are going to have two locations so that means we need even more volunteers! Signing up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4bada92caaf5c52-2023#/
for more information about this fun volunteer opportunity, contact Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
- Clothing Area Superintendent to help keep things on track in the clothing area on August 1st, entry day. To volunteer please contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
- 1 volunteer for the Fashion Show judging day, July 13, (mainly to help read the narratives and call in contestants when it is their turn). To volunteer please contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
Sarpy County Fair Premium Auction
Any 4-Her who wins Champion or Reserve Market Animal in their respective species or gets a purple ribbon in the market animal classes is eligible to participate in the Sarpy County Fair Premium Auction. The 4-Her must declare their intent to participate no more than 30 minutes after their animal is shown.
Forms will be available to fill out and returned to the announcers table at the livestock shows. Youth Participating in the Market Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Broiler and Market Fryer Rabbit projects are eligible.
Youth must be present, in their 4-H show attire, with their animal during the auction. Auction begins at 4 pm on Saturday, August 5th in the Livestock Building.
The public is invited to support local 4-Her's livestock projects by bidding during the annual Premium Auction. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/776048967167433
Saturday at Sarpy County Fair
Saturday August 5 will be filled with fun activities in the livestock barn:
- 11 am - Adult Showmanship Fundraiser with Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council, sign up that morning.
- 12 pm - Best Dressed Animal Competition where youth will be dressing up their swine, goats, cattle and sheep. The public is invited to watch this fun event. Horses, rabbits and poultry best dressed take place at their perspective shows.
- 1 pm - Elite Showmanship Competition where the champions from large animal showmanship species will compete to be Douglas-Sarpy's Elite Showman
- If awarded a plaque or belt buckle, please remember to send the thank you note to the donor!
Youth Showing Livestock
It is requested that all exhibitors help with barn set up on Monday July 31 at 5:30 pm and clean up at 5:30 on August 7th.
All animals are to be kept in their stalls from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. for the safety of the public that are viewing the animals.
If selected for Parade of Champions, please meet Friday at 8 pm at the North end of the rodeo arena.
All exhibitors are responsible for feeding, watering and tending to their own exhibit(s).
See the livestock area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-livestock-2023.pdf
Sarpy County Fair 4-H Tractor Driving Contest
Date: Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Sarpy County Fairgrounds North Parking Lot
Fill out the form to sign up for the 2023 Tractor Driving Contest up: https://forms.gle/XjtZBcXFUsxQBqt68
Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 15th.
Please contact Brett Kreifels with any questions 402-444-1799 or bkreifels3@unl.edu
2023 Sarpy County Fair Coloring Contest
Join the 2023 Sarpy County Fair Coloring Contest and get a chance to win cool prizes! This contest is open to all Nebraska youths (contest age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-13; and 14-18). All youth are encouraged to enter the contest, even if they're not 4-H members! Color it using any physical medium, including crayons, colored pencils, markers, or paints and then enter the coloring sheet. Bring the coloring sheet to 4-H project entry day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, 12-7 PM and turn it in OR drop the coloring sheet off at the Extension Office by July 26, 2023. For full details and to download the coloring sheets, visit the Sarpy County Website or click here. Questions? Contact Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu.
Tips for Entering Static Exhibits
- How to Prepare Photographs for Exhibit in 4-H at Fair - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/HowToPreparePhotosForFair.pdf
- Home Environment - Supporting information is preferred for all Home Environment exhibit. Tag templates can be found at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hhomeenvironment
- First Aid Kit Tips https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/fair/2018/FirstAidKit.pdf
- All food items need to have a recipe included.
- Some Clothing items (including tie dye) need a Design Data Card must be included with this project. The design data card is available here.
Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit - http://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/preparingvegetabesherbsandfruit
4-H Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/central4/PreparingCutFlowers.pdf
Canning Tips for Food Preservation - https://go.unl.edu/canning
Ongoing Programs
Participate in the Quilts of Valor Program
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program would like to encourage our youth to participate in the Quilts of Valor program.
A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
4-H members and volunteers can work alone or in groups to make the quilts. Perhaps you can find someone who will help donate fabric, batting or machine-quilting to complete your project. You may want to contact a service organization or other donors in your community to help provide funds for the Quilt of Valor. Learn more about the program at
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Quilts%20of%20Valor%20State-wide%20Challenge%20GUIDELINES.pdf
Diamond Clover Program
4-H Dates
July 5, 2023, 4:30 pm - Rocket Launch forms due
July 7 - Fashion Show Sign Up Due
July 11, 5:30 - 4-H Tack Cleaning Workshop
July 12, 2023, 3:30-7 pm - Rocket Launch
July 14 - Summer Embryology Ends
August 1, 2023 - Fair Entry Day
- August 2-6, 2023 - Sarpy County Fair
- August 10 - State Fair Animal Entries Due
- Aug. 25 - Sep. 4, 2023 - Nebraska State Fair
- Oct. 4 - Douglas-Sarpy Discount Day at Vala's Pumpkin Patch (more details to come)
Learn more
Leader Newsletter - Check out all the issues here.
The Nebraska 4-H Glossary https://4h.unl.edu/glossary
4-H Shooting Sports information can be found here.
Start a club: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18S0FvDS90FXh_xsP5s-NSD3DKu1gVlx0?usp=sharing
New Member Handouts (Drive folder)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1atu4VKDHTYukncs9_gVpRwPTY4MvbuRe?usp=sharing
New Member Guidebook
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j99YzlGpClOexfXZDJJrouP9USUTtVn_/view?usp=share_link
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
Email: douglas-sarpy4h@unl.edu
Website: www.douglas-sarpy.unl.edu
Location: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-444-7804
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douglassarpy4h
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.