Southern Plains 4-H
May Newsletter
NEWsletter Navigation
- 4-H Spotlight - where news worthy items are listed!
- Upcoming Workshops
- Animal Information
- Static Exhibits & Contests
- Special Opportunities
- Link to Printable Calendar of Events
- 4-H Council & Extension Board Meetings
- Contact Us!
4-H Spotlight!
2017 Fair Dates & Theme
Thayer Co. Fair: July 19-23, 2017
The 2017 Fair Theme is: 4-H... The Good Life. We ask 4-Hers to incorporate this theme into their fair exhibits for special recognition. We are incorporating Nebraska’s 150 year celebration, with 4-H. Be creative and original.
Congratulations Graduates!
"POWER TO DO MORE" WIN $10,000!!!
Recently we were contacted by Dow AgroSciences informing us that a Thayer Co. 4-H Alum, Paxton Folkerts, had been selected as one of the 10 finalists in their “Power To Do More” contest. Paxton nominated Thayer Co. 4-H as his non-profit of choice to win $10,000. To win the contest, and the funds, Paxton must receive the most votes.
This is where we need your help! Please go to https://www.poweroverweeds.com/powertodomore/ and vote for Paxton Folkerts. You may vote once per day [per device]; voting closes May 21st. Please help us spread the word about this contest!
Zoom @ Noon - May 16th, Noon
http://go.unl.edu/s-pzoomatnoon
The first time you join, you will need to download the "Zoom Launcher Plug-in". When you click on the link for the meeting, the launcher download should automatically walk you through the set-up. No need to create an account. If you would like to join us via mobile phone or tablet, the easiest way is to download the "Zoom app" and connect using the link.
If the link doesn't automatically open our Zoom @ Noon, you can click on "Join Meeting" at the top of the screen and type our meeting i.d. into the field: 372639735
If you're not able to join us, the recording will be posted on the Southern Plains Facebook page immediately following the Zoom.
Upcoming Zoom @ Noon Dates: June 13
Thayer County T-Shirts
Please fill out the online ORDER FORM to order t-shirts. T-shirts must be ordered by June 15 by midnight.
Upcoming Workshops & Camps
Babysitting Clinic
May 23 - Thayer Co. Courthouse, Hebron
May 24 - Salem Lutheran Church, Superior (Tentative)
Quilt of Valor Workshop
Nuckolls County Extension Office - May 30th; Pre-register by May 19
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; No Cost
Sewing on a Quilt of Valor is a way that 4-H'ers can give back to our country by donating quilts to a soldier that has been "touched by way". Basic straight seam sewing skills are required. Bring a sack lunch, the Extension office will provide drinks and snacks. Please pre-register by contacting the Extension office.
Plant Science Investigation Workshop
Project BONANZA Day!
Metal Washer Wind Chime
Rope & Tin Can Bird Feeder
Jute Ribbon Coat Rack
Rocket Workshop
STEAM Clothing Project Day
June 22, Thayer Co. Fairgrounds, Deshler
Pre-register by June 9; Cost $20 per session (STEAM Level & Beyond the Needle)
Need help kicking your 4-H Sewing projects into high gear? Come to our STEAM Clothing Sunday! We will be having 3, 1-hour sessions 4-H'ers can rotate to based upon their sewing skill level.
STEAM 1: FUN- damentals
- Clothing Portfolio
- Fabric Textile Scrapbook
- Simple Bottom (2 hours)
STEAM 2: Simply Sewing
- Clothing Portfolio
- Pressing Matters
- Upcycled Garment (2 hours)
Beyond the Needle
- Color Wheel
- Original Designed Fabric Yardage (will need to print yourself)
- Tie Dye T-shirt (will need to designate t-shirt size when you pre-register)
4-H Camps
Science, Engineering & Technology Camp - May 25 (Thayer & Nuckolls Co. Fairgrounds)
Youth ages 8-18 explore Science, Engineering & Technology through this 3-hour day camp. Cost is $12 pre-registration by May 8 is required (contact Extension Office). No need to be a 4-H member to participate. Activities include:
- Food Fuel and Fiber: youth discover about sugar chemistry and the structure of sugars, starches, and celluloses. Culminating in how the body rapidly breaks down starch into sugar. This is a wet chemistry experiment.
- Solar Cars: youth discover engineering design through building and testing solar powered cars. A financial component can be added to this activity add to the challenge.
- Paper Circuits: youth explore electrical circuits and using conductive tape, paper, and a battery.
Thayer County Fairgrounds - May 25, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Nuckolls County Fairgrounds - May 25, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Clover Kids Camp (Thayer & Nuckolls Co.)
Kids ages 5-8 come join us for a fun-filled day camp where they will make projects, learn skills, prepare their own lunch and play games! Clover camp takes place from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Cost is $25 and pre-registration by May 31 is required. Also looking for 4-H'ers 12-18 years old to serve as Camp Counselors for Clover Kids Camp.
Nuckolls County Fairgrounds (location change since last newsletter) - June 6
Thayer County Extension Office - June 7
- Kids ages 8-10, don't miss your first over-night camping experience at Camp Renegade this summer. Lots of outdoor fun and education, canoeing, swimming, insects, nature! Mark your calendars!
- Camp Flyer
- Camp Registration
EntrepreneurShip Investigation Camp (Hebron, Superior)
Explore the world of being an entrepreneur and create your own business through the EntrepreneurShip Investigation (ESI) Camp. This 4-day camp will excite youth in 5-9th grade about the possibilities and engage them in their community by speaking with local business owners and touring local businesses. Camp cost is $25, participants need to bring sack lunches. Do not need to be a 4-H member to participate.
ESI Camp Hebron - location TBA, June 7, 8, 9, 11 - pre-register by June 1
ESI Camp Superior - location TBA, August 8, 9,10, 11 - pre-register by August 1
Camperships Available for 4-H Camps!
Big Red Summer Academic Camps - grades 10-12
Livestock Projects & Exhibits
Livestock Nomination Cards
All animals you plan to exhibit at County Fair, State Fair, or Ak-Sar-Ben need to meet official 4-H ID guidelines and have a Livestock Nomination Card and DNA envelopes completed by JUNE 15 for Breeding Beef, Feeder Calf, Bucket Calf, Breeding Goat, Market Goat, Breeding Sheep, Market Sheep, Market Hog, Breeding Hog, and Rabbits. These cards must be turned into the office by June 15.
Sheep & Goat Tagging & Weigh In
All market lambs and market goats which will be shown at the county fair and be eligible for Rate of Gain Contest MUST be tagged at an official tagging/weigh in event. Tagging will be from 5-7 p.m. on either
Tuesday, May 16 - Thayer County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, May 17 - Nuckolls County Fairgrounds
If you don't want to compete in the Rate of Gain Contest and be eligible for the Supreme Market Lamb award you don't have to bring your market lambs to this event, you can pick up tags and nomination cards at the office which must be turned in by June 15.
All lambs and goats being nominated for State Fair and/or Ak-Sar-Ben must have hair pulled for a DNA sample, which cost $6.00.
Breeding Sheep and/or goats will need to have an official USDA scrapie tag and be identified on a breeding nomination card. There are NO 4-H Breeding tags so you don't need to bring breeding animals to this event. Breeding Sheep include both meat breeds and wool breeds of sheep.
Regional Dairy 4-H Youth Show is Sunday, June 11, 2017 in Clay Center. The show will start at 11:00 am. Register by June 1 to the Clay County Extension Office at 402-762-3644, or get an entry form at the Extension Office here. Potluck lunch, bring food to share. Drinks and table service will be furnished.
AKSARBEN is moving to the State Fairgrounds in Grand Island in 2017! Dates for 2017 are: September 28 - October 1. The AKSARBEN schedule has changed a great deal, so you’ll want to review the 2017 Schedule which is available at http://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/p/events/359.
New Bucket Calf Record Book to use for the fair! Bucket Calf Record Books are due at Beef Check-in. New for 2017: we will also be having Bucket Calf Interviews at the fair:
Nuckolls Co. - July 7, 5 p.m. 4-H Office
Thayer Co. - July 18, 3 p.m. 4-H Office
Bucket calf interviews, and record books, and live placing will be scored, the scores will then be figured to determine the ribbon placings.
New for 2017! Thayer County Beef Fitting Contest - July 21st
Rules: Teams of 2 (two) to 4 (four) 4-H or FFA members enrolled in a Beef project? are formed by 4-H clubs [or independents] or FFA Chapters. Clubs or FFA Chapters can have as many teams as necessary as long as they meet the 2-4 member rule. Teams consisting of one or more Intermediate or Senior 4-H member are not allowed an adult adviser, but teams consisting of all Junior 4-H members are allowed 1 (one) adult advisor who is not permitted to touch the animal, they are only there for guidance. Teams must provide their own Beef to participate in the contest. Beef animals must have a 4-H or FFA ear tag or tattoo and have been identified on a livestock affidavit or breeding nomination card prior to June 15. Teams are allowed 30 minutes, 1 (one) blower, 1 (one) blocking chute, and 1 (one) set of clippers and accessories to complete a full-fit of the beef animal. The beef animals are to start clean and dry (completed by a 4-H member prior to the contest). Teams are scored on: 20 points for safe practices (youth, animal, chemical, and etc.); 20 points for technique; 20 points for use of time; and 40 points for teamwork and participation.
Just a Reminder! Penalty for missed deadline (Nuckolls Co. Only): All fair check-in deadlines, static and livestock, will be enforced with a $50.00 fine per project area, per exhibitor due to the 4-H Office before you're allowed to show or exhibit. Static exhibits or Livestock must be on the fairgrounds by 10:00 p.m. the day of check-in or you will not be allowed to show.
Fair Board would like to remind 4-H members and families that it is your responsibility to clean Tie-outs and surrounding areas.
County Fair Trophy winners remember to provide postage for your Thank You Notes!
Progress Shows & Clinics:
McCullough Fitting Clinic (Chase County) - May 29-31
NCTA Livestock Judging Camp - May 24
West Central Animal Science Field Day - May 25
Nebraska Pork Youth Conference - May 31-June 2
Phelps Co. Progress Show - Large Animal - June 3
Phelps Co. Progress Show - Small Animal - June 3
South Central Livestock Judging Clinic & Contest - June 1 Registration
South Central Livestock Expo - June 3 Entry Form
Platte Co. Swine Show - June 18
Fun in the Sun Beef Progress Show - June 10
Deuel Co. Progress Show - June 11 Entry Form
Winners Unlimited Livestock Judging Camp (UNL East Campus) - June 6-8 or June 12-14
Livestock Quality Assurance Trainings
All 4-Her’s enrolled in swine, beef, sheep, dairy goat, dairy cattle, meat goat, rabbits or poultry need to complete Livestock Quality Assurance. There are 3 ways you can complete QA training:
Face-to-face trainings—4-H’ers can attend a Face to Face Quality Assurance Training which will be held on:
- May 23—Nuckolls Co. Extension Office 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.
- May 25—Thayer Co. Courthouse Clubroom 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.
- Clubs may request a QA Training for a club meeting by contacting the office.
For more information about YLQA see the April Newsletter.
- Testing—Youth 12 years old and older may take a multiple choice test at the office. They must receive at least a 70% on the test but then they are certified for 3 years.
We are excited to announce that the new QA Curriculum called Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is now active. Anyone who has not registered for the LQA online course for 2017 should now navigate to the NEW online YQCA course at yqca.learngrow.io. You will use your FAMILY 4HOnline login and password information to access the courses for the ACTIVE youth in your family. Only ACTIVE members will show in the drop down menu for access to the course. All registration questions with YQCA should be directed to mailto:help@yqca.org. There will not be local support for the YQCA program. All 4-Hers need to use the 4-H tab and not the FFA tab even if they are members of both organizations. There is a button for families that have forgotten their password. 4-Hers that have started their QA training in the LQA site will be able to complete their modules and print off their certificate of completion and take it to their Extension Office. The YQCA site is user friendly and should make it easy for 4-H families to complete their QA training for this year.
Horse Project & Events
District & State Horse Show information and registration is now available at the office or by visiting http://4h.unl.edu/horse/district-shows
Horse Advancement Levels We all know it doesn't seem like it is 4-H Horse time, but for those riders going to Districts or just wanting to update their 4-H Horse Advancement Level work for 2017, now might be a good time to start! Remember that in order to compete at the County Fair, all 4-H horse members MUST have passed Level I. District and State shows require level II or higher and those tests must be completed by May 5.
Horse Shows & Clinics:
Missouri Valley Horse Judging Contest - May 20
Northeast Nebraska 4-H Horse Show - June 1, 2017 (Ridge Ranch Arena - Homer, NE)
Pre-District Horse Show & Horse Judging Contest - June 2-3
3 Gs Open Horse Show (Beatrice) - June 10
Small Animal Projects & Events
The Southern Plains Poultry Judging Clinic & Contest will be held at the Thayer County Fairgrounds on June 6, 2017. The Clinic will teach participants about poultry judging and will prepare them to participate in the State Poultry Judging Contest at PASE. Following the Clinic, a Poultry Judging Contest will be held and awards presented.
Opportunities & Events:
Static Exhibits & Contests
Horticulture Contest
The 2017 Nebraska 4-H Online Horticulture Judging contest is just around the corner. This year the contest will be available from June 9th at 8:00 a.m. until June 19th at 8:00 a.m. It is composed of three parts; general knowledge questions, plant part and seed identification, as well as a judging portion. It is open to all 4-H youth, as well as adults, and even Extension individuals. No password needed, the link listed below will take you directly to the contest. Please do not use any study materials, phones, etc. when competing online.
You can study for this contest by going to the following links at: http://4h.unl.edu/fairbook/plant-science/horticulture-id and
http://njha.org/contests-projects-activities/horticulture-identification-judging-contest/
Give it a try and see how you do!
Southern Plains Fair Contests
Contests that take place on the Pre-Fair Contest/Clothing Day:
Nuckolls County - June 29; Thayer County - July 12
- Company's Coming - 4-H'ers plan a menu and table setting and talk with judge about the "event" that they planned, all items are provided - no need to bring anything! Pre-entry not required.
- Favorite Foods Show - 4-H's prepare their favorite food, a menu, and a table setting at home, set it up before the contest, and present it to the judge. Pre-entry not required.
- Presentation Contest: Includes 4-H Film Fest, Illustrated Presentations & Life Challenge. Participants must pre-enter in these contests.
- 4-H Film Fest - 4-H'ers direct and produce a short film and present them with a 1- minute oral presentation during the Presentation Contest
- Illustrated Presentations - 4-H'ers prepare a presentation that shows/tells others how to do something.
- Life Challenge - Teams of 2-4 members choose a challenge question from the following content areas: Foods & Nutrition, Child Development, Home Environment, Clothing & Textiles, and Personal Finance. Teams will have 45 minutes to prepare a solution and present this solution before the judge during the Presentation Contest. Pre-entry not required.
- Music/Performing Arts Contest - 4-H'ers can participate by themselves or in a group, sing, dance, play an instrument, act, or even mime! The Performing Arts Pre-Entry Form must be submitted to the Extension Office along with a copy of the sheet music (if applicable), by the Pre-Fair Entry Deadline. The Performing Arts Contest will take place during the Public Fashion Show. Pre-entry required.
Contests that take place during the Fair:
- Ice Cream Contest (before the fair in Nuckolls Co.) - 4-H'ers make their own ice cream in a can (4-H members) or in a bag (Clover Kids) using the Official Recipe and adding their own special ingredients. Clover Kid Recipe
- Teaching (Trade Show Exhibit) Presentations Contest - this contest takes place from 5-6 p.m. on Friday night of the fair in/outside of the 4-H Exhibit Hall. These presentations are live, interactive, trade show style presentation where youth continuously engage a constantly changing/moving audience for 30 minutes by showing and telling them how to do something while answering questions. Teaching Presentations should engage the audience and teach them about something the 4-H youth is learning about science, healthy living, citizenship, and agricultural literacy. Live animals may be used in the presentation, however, presenters are responsible for all stalling arrangements, care, and handling of the animals.
Fashion Show
Be sure to pre-enter for the Fashion Show by the Pre-Entry Date! Print out the Fashion Show Pre-Entry Form, fill it in with 4-Her's information and narration, and bring it into the Extension Office.
Nuckolls County - Fashion Show judging will take place on Pre-Fair/Clothing Day, June 29. Please be present and ready to model by 9:00 a.m.
Thayer County - New for 2017! Fashion Show judging will take place during the Public Fashion Show and Performing Arts Contest beginning at 7:00 p.m. on July 12. Participants should report to the Majestic Theatre in Hebron by 5:00 p.m. to prepare for the Fashion Show.
Projects & Events
Nuckolls Co. Pre-Fair Entries Due: June 15
Thayer Co. Pre-Fair Entries Due: July 1
Life Challenge Practices will take place at the Thayer County Extension Office from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: April 13th, 27th, May 17th (Deshler), 25th, June 9th, 13th
Exhibiting School Projects at the Fair
Several projects 4-H members are completing at school can also be exhibited at the fair. Examples of these are family heritage books, bug collections, art projects and shop projects. Visit with the Extension Office Staff to make sure you are enrolled in the appropriate 4-H project and make sure you are following the 2017 Southern Plains Fairbook for your class entries.
Photography Unit 1 & 2 Theme is Capture rural living in your Nebraska County through the Camera's Lens.
New for 2017! A Rocket Launching Contest will be held in Nuckolls County on June 24 (tentative) at the Superior Municipal Airport in Superior (also tentative). Participants must be 4-H'ers in Nuckolls or Thayer County and must be enrolled an Aerospace project.
Horticulture & Floriculture Exhibitors you will find that the rules for the Hort & Floriculture projects require you to include the cultivar or variety name on your entry tag. If you do not include the cultivar or variety name, your entry is dropped one ribbon placing. What is the cultivar or variety name and where do you find it? When you go to purchase your seeds and/or plants, the seed packet or container has a name on it.
Example: Tomato. There are hundreds of different cultivars or varieties of tomatoes. You need to look closely at the seed packet or plant container to see which variety or cultivar you have purchased: Beefsteak, Brandywine, Early Girl, Park’s Whopper, Celebrity, etc.
You will notice that variety and cultivar names are usually English words. If the seed packet or plant container does not include the variety or cultivar name, do not purchase it. (It is rare that this information is absent.) HINT: Save seed packets and plant container markers.
County Fair Trophy winners remember to provide postage for your Thank You Notes!
Special Opportunities
4-H Clover Chase: A Nebraska 150 Event
Nebraska 4-H, in partnership with the Nebraska 4-H Foundation, is celebrating the Nebraska Statehood 150 with the 4-H Clover Chase!
Between March 1 - August 15, 2017, Nebraska 4-H will be hosting a photo scavenger hunt for all 4-H members. Using an app, participants will complete challenges and submit photo entries on social media using #NE4HChase. After submitting photos and earning 150 points, participants will be eligible to receive a commemorative water bottle from their local Nebraska Extension Office and will be entered into a drawing to win a drone with video capability. The Nebraska Extension Office with the highest percentage of participation wins a free National Youth Science Day kit!
Complete details about the 4-H Clover Chase can be found at http://4h.unl.edu/clover-chase. Celebrate Nebraska’s Statehood, and Nebraska 4-H, by participating in this fun-filled opportunity with your friends, club, or family!
Raise Your Hand
- Raise Your Hand - complete the form to show your pride as a 4-H alumni
- Compete for your state - raising your hand is a vote towards a $20,000, $10,000 or $5,000 award for the states with the most alumni hands raised.
- Pay it Forward - Tweet, post and share your #4HGrown experience or support and tag fellow alumni asking them to raise their hands for their state at 4-H.org/raise-your-hand
Fun Events & Community Service Opportunities
Charity Chair Auction - Hebron Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Charity Chair Auction during the Music and Arts Festival on Friday, June 9th at Roosevelt Park. ALL organizations, individuals, clubs, schools, cities, etc. are invited to decorate a chair and enter is in our fun contest! Chairs will be auctioned off during the event and all profits from your donated chair will go to the charity/organization of your choice! SPCT goers, this might be a great opportunity to fund raise for your trip!
Nebraska Mystery Foods Event - October 21, 2017 (Raising Nebraska - Grand Island, NE)Progressive Ag Safety Day - May 25th (Fillmore Co. Fairgrounds)
SPCT Fundraising Opportunities
- Meal for Nuckolls Co. Pre-Fair & Clothing Day - June 29
- Meal for Nuckolls Co. Static Exhibit Judging Day & Horse Show - July 6
- Meal for Thayer Co. Horse Show - July 15
- Meal for Thayer Co. Static Exhibit Judging Day - July 18
County Fair Campsites
Thayer Co. Fair Campsites are available at the Deshler City Park and must be reserved by contacting the Deshler City Offices (402) 365-4260.
Southern Plains 4-H & Extension
Next Meeting
7:30 p.m.
Nuckolls Co. Fairgrounds
Next Meeting
7:15 p.m.
Thayer Co. Fairgrounds
Next Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Nuckolls Co. Extension Office
Nuckolls County Extension Office
Email: nuckolls-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southernplains/
Location: 825 S Main St, Nelson, NE, United States
Phone: 402-225-2381
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlainsExt/
Thayer County Extension Office
Email: thayer-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southernplains/
Location: 225 N 4th St, Hebron, NE, United States
Phone: 402-768-7212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlainsExt/