Otoe County 4-H Wednesday What-Nots
February 14, 2024
SHOUT OUTS
OPPORTUNITIES
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
For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-judging-circuit.
Certified Angus Beef’s Nebraska BQA Workshop with FREE YQCA Training
Beef producers (both adults and youth) are invited to the Certified Angus Beef’s Nebraska BQA Workshop. This event will be held Saturday - February 24th, 2024 @ Round the Bend Steakhouse “The Ballroom” in Ashland, NE. Lunch is available to those who arrive between 11 am and 12 pm.
Additionally, those who attend and participate in the entirety of the BQA workshops, will have the opportunity for a meet-n-greet with Nebraska Volleyball’s Head Coach John Cook, who will also be joined by a few volleyball players! There will be an opportunity for autographs and pictures.
Because producer’s family members may wish to attend the Nebraska Volleyball sessions, family members are welcome to attend as well. However, we are going to be strict that all those wanting to participate in the Nebraska Volleyball speaker and meet-n-greet sessions must attend the entirety of the BQA workshop sessions (This includes any accompanying family members). This is to keep non-beef industry folks out to cater the event to our beef producers!
Additionally, before the BQA workshop, kids will have the opportunity to complete Youth Quality Care for Animals (YQCA) at 10 a.m. As a reminder, YQCA is a requirement for all youth 8 – 21 years old who plan to exhibit beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits, or poultry in Nebraska.
Find the schedule and/or register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/dbb75079-e99e-4d24-82d5-24ff60ab3649/websitePage:832ff3cc-2403-4e45-b845-e6e6e6f9cc50?utm_source=ewire&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=RaisedwithRespect&=
Johnson County Extension has invited youth from Otoe County 4-H to participate in their Beef Clinic on February 25th!
Find the registration link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7gQ0Y_0V_hG4kTF5v4Jxsr6mUwc1iY5SkzvSkDxkBhEfueg/viewform
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
See attached flyer. Questions should be directed to those names on the flyer.
The 4-H Horse Stampede entry portal is open! New for 2024 is the addition of elementary age group (8-10) for all contests.
Online Entry Procedures:
Entries for 2024 4-H Horse Stampede are utilizing 4-H Online. Youth need to login to their 4-H Online account and click on the events tab, then select the 2024 Horse Stampede event.
Please contact Kim Dugan at 308-750-3912 if you are interested.
Make a difference this summer! The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is now hiring Program Staff and Assistants for the 2024 Summer Camp season. Work with youth from across Nebraska helping to build community, teach new skills, and foster a love of the outdoors. Apply today at go.unl.edu/campjob
More information can be found at https://animalscience.unl.edu/chick-days
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 Department of Ag Poster Contest
Theme: “Ready, Set, Grow!”
The poster contest is open to all Nebraska students (public, private, and home school) in first through sixth grades. All artworks must be exclusively student created. Each submission must include a completed entry form attached on the back. All entries become the property of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and will not be returned.
Each drawing should demonstrate the contest theme. Each drawing should be in color, using a medium of your choice (paint, colored pencil, crayon, etc). Each entry should be drawn on white paper, measuring 8.5” x 11”. Entries will NOT be accepted if they are folded, rolled up, or are larger than 8.5" x 11”.
The deadline is March 1, 2024, for entries to be received in the Lincoln office. Please mail entries to: Christin Kamm Nebraska Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 94947 Lincoln, NE 68509
Entries will be divided into three age groups for judging purposes: 1st/2nd grades; 3rd/4th grades; and 5th/6th grades. Winners will be notified during National Agriculture Week (March 17-23). Winning posters will be featured in various NDA publications, special events and on our website.
For More Information • Contact Christin Kamm at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-6856, or christin.kamm@nebraska.gov, or visit the Kids Page at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.
4-H Rabbit Show
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!
For questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Registration is NOW OPEN!
Data Driven: A Statistics and Data Field Day
Date: March 16, 2024
Location: Dinsdale Family Learning Commons on UNL East Campus
Who: Teams of four 10th-12th graders!
Why: Win Scholarships! Make Connections! Meet Industry Leaders!!
Additional Information:
• Teams will compete in 5 unique games with a focus on probability, data science, and a little bit of luck.
• Additional rewards include Nebraska swag, time with industry professionals, and more!
• Team Members should be in 10th – 12th grades, with occasional exceptions allowed for exceptional 9th graders; and all members on a team should be from the same or neighboring counties.
BONUS: Registration costs for the first 20 teams is sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Use code CASNR at checkout!
Email Dr. Kimberly Stanke at kstanke2@unl.edu with questions or to be added to future email communications!
More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/data-driven
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.”
“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.
Find the registration link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLiN4p9_AQwJX_9Xf_6GdhctGA_aVxWwZPVmIvWcQxtpzvGg/viewform
FROM THE OFFICE
February is 4-H Month! Join us in celebrating with these fun 4-H events
This year's theme is "4-H is a Feeling"!
Register for the in-person trainings online at this link here: YQCAprogram.org. Here is a link that may help troubleshooting any issues you may have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZHW2qtMlOc For any questions or help, please contact Stephanie at the Extension Office at (402) 269-2301 ext 314
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.
Your impact is great and we want to hear from you!!!
UPCOMING DATES
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, February 19th - Extension Office Closed for President's Day
- Sunday, March 17th - In-person YQCA Training 6:00 - 7:15 pm
- July 25-28 - Otoe County Fair
Nebraska Extension in Otoe County
Elizabeth Dunn, Youth Development Extension Educator, edunn8@unl.edu
Stephanie Stephens, 4-H Assistant, sstephens9@unl.edu
Ben Jewell, Rural Prosperity Nebraska Associate Extension Educator, bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu
Cheryl Goff, Office Manager, cheryl.goff@unl.edu
Website: www.otoe.unl.edu
Location: 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 269-2301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska-Extension-in-Otoe-County