Phelps County February 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
1. Save the Dates
2. Nebraska 4-H Month & Kids Fest
3. 4-H Volunteer Information
4. Enrollment
5. Diamond Clover
6. Shooting Sports
7. Scholarships
8. PASE Information
9. Lottery Hog Update
10. YQCA
11. County Fair Nominations
12. Small Animal Progress Show & Info
13. CWF
14. Statewide Opportunities
Save the Dates
Nebraska 4-H Month
19 - Last week for Phelps County Archery
19 - Last week for Phelps County Air Rifle
24 - Phelps County 4-H BB Gun Contest
25 - 4-H Shotgun Team Starts (Weather permitting)
26 - Phelps County 4-H Council Meeting (Holdrege)
29-Leap Into 4-H Enrollment Event 3-6
29 – Phelps/Gosper Leader Training and Volunteer Orientation Session
1 – YQCA Training @ 5:00 Phelps County Ag Center
1 – Phelps County 4-H Council Kids Fest
4 - Phelps County 4-H Council Meeting (Holdrege)
15 - Direct 4-H Volunteer Requirements Due
15 - Phelps & Gosper County Lottery Animal Sign Up Due
18 - Phelps-Gosper Speech Contest in Holdrege
23 & 24 - Water Jamboree
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
4-H Spirit Day-February 1
Start Nebraska 4-H Month off right by wearing a 4-H shirt! IF you stop by the Phelps County Extension Office on February 1 while you are wearing your 4-H gear, you get a small prize!
4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day-February 8
4-H loves our volunteers! 4-H thrives because of our dedicated adult volunteers. Show appreciation to a 4-H volunteer by saying thank you with a card, a text, or posting a photo to social media. #welove4Hvolunteers
4-H Supporter Day-February 15
Our community supports 4-H. Today is our turn to support them! Shop local and say thank you to a 4-H Supporter.
4-H Give Back Day-February 22
4-H's motto is “Make the Best, Better!” Use this day to give back to others. Consider donating to the food pantry, giving a helping hand to a neighbor, sharing cookies, or coloring a special card for someone. Community service is a large part of the Citizenship 4-H Project. The 4-H team can help you with more ideas.
4-H Leap into 4-H Enrollment Event-February 29, 3-6 PM
Enroll in 4-H! Enrollment can be done online at https://v2.4honline.com. Everyone is welcome to visit the Phelps County Extension Office and our staff will assist you. If you visit the Phelps County Extension Office February 29, 3-6PM and enroll, you will be able to spin our 4-H prize wheel! Already enrolled? Visit us this day and you will still have a chance to spin the wheel.
4-H Volunteer/Leader Training February 29 6-7:30PM
All Phelps and Gosper 4-H Volunteers and leaders are invited for supper and hands-on 4-H training at the Ag Center in Holdrege, NE. Attendees will leave with their volunteer orientation complete and a better understanding of 4-H! Please RSVP at 308-995-4222 by February 28.
4-H Kids Fest
Phelps 4-H Council welcomes you to attend an evening of games, bingo, food, a petting zoo and more! Canned food drive at the door. All 4-H clubs are asked to provide a game. Walking Tacos and Cotton Candy included in the $5 price of entry. Bingo only twenty-five cents a game. March 1, 6-8PM at the Ag Center.
4-H Month Photo Challenge-Prizes for best photos
It is officially Nebraska 4-H Month and the start of our 4-H Month Photo Challenge. New themes are release each week on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PhelpsGosperExtension
We would like to introduce your 1st theme: My 4-H Spark. What is something that excites you about 4-H? Something you look forward to every year, a project you are proud of, a program that piques your interest? Whatever your “Spark” is, we want to see it!
Pictures should be submitted by Sunday, February 11th at 11:59 pm CST to 4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase. By submitting an entry to this contest, the 4-H member grants permission to Nebraska 4-H the use and rights associated with the use of the photograph and quotes, in promotional publications, online, and other media, without compensation. The 4-H member who created the project will be credited whenever and wherever the photo is shared, published, or reproduced in print or digital media.
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 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 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
We are excited to announce a new Nebraska 4-H Volunteer orientation! This online course serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska. The orientation is part of the screening process and covers a variety of foundational and essential topics for 4-H volunteers. While it is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the orientation.
Volunteer Orientation (Estimated Completion time - 40 mins.): https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation
4-H Volunteer/Leader Training February 29 6-7:30PM
All Phelps and Gosper 4-H Volunteers and leaders are invited for supper and hands-on 4-H training at the Ag Center in Holdrege, NE. Attendees will leave with their volunteer orientation complete and a better understanding of 4-H! Please RSVP at 308-995-4222 by February 28.
4-H Volunteer Impact Study
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!!!
4-H Online 2023-2024 Enrollment NOW OPEN
WHO: New 4-H members
Returning 4-H members-required to enroll through 4-H Online each year
Volunteers-required to enroll through 4-H Online each year
WHY: To participate in county fairs and the Nebraska State Fair
To participate as a 4-H member in additional statewide programs.
To get the latest news
COST: Enrollment is FREE in both Phelps and Gosper County!
WHERE: Enroll at v2.4honline.com.
HOW: Instructions available in the Extension Office OR https://4h.unl.edu/enroll
DUE: June 15. 2024
**Don’t forget to update your 4-H Youth members T-Shirt sizes!**
This is the size we will use throughout the year.
- Select at least one project at the time of enrollment. Please enter as many projects as you may possibly participate in. You are not held to these projects, but we would rather have every possibility, rather than a project not listed. This can be edited up to June 15.
- 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.
Join a Club in 2024
Phelps County is the home to nine 4-H Clubs! If you are interested in joining a club or starting a 4-H club, contact the Phelps County Extension Office! The current clubs include;
- Atlanta Industry
- 4-H Heelers
- Lone Star 4-H
- Leprechauns
- Kountry Kids 2
- Loomis Livestock;
- Midwest Livestock
- The Stable Kids;
- The Timberwolves
- Robotic Enforcement
Gosper County is the home to three 4-H Clubs! If you are interested in joining a club or starting a 4-H club, contact the Gosper County Extension Office! The current clubs include;
- Hi-Line Hustlers
- Jiffy Juniors
- Hot Shots
An independent learner option is also available. Everyone has a place to belong in 4-H!
Diamond Clover
The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will prepare them for success in the future.
The program consists of six levels. For each level, the Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals.
At the beginning of the 4-H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4-H year, they report on accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Diamond Clover program.
For more information, https://4h.unl.edu/diamond-clover
4-H Shooting Sports
Phelps BB Gun Contest-Febraury 24
Phelps County BB Gun participants should sign up for their preferred contest time. If there are conflicts with the schedule, work with your 4-H Shooting Sports Leader! Best of luck!
Phelps Archery and 4-H Air Rifle Competitions will take place the last week practice during your regularly scheduled time.
Contact your 4-H Shooting Sports Leader if you have a schedule conflict.
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
Phelps County Shooting Sports
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.
Gosper County BB Gun will begin in March, more information to come in the spring!
Please note, YOU CAN ONLY COMPETE IN ONE COUNTY, you may choose to practice in each county but will not be able to compete in the contest for both.
Scholarship Opportunities
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.
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 Phelps County Extension Office. Applicants must be a past or current Gosper County 4-H member.
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 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 has agreed to coach our 4-H members who are interested in Livestock Judging! 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. The 4-H Phelps/Gosper 4-H team will be responsible for submitting 4-H youth team registrations. To sign up for PASE, please contact the Phelps or Gosper County offices no later than Monday, May 27. 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 Phelps County 4-H Lottery Hog Sign Up
To sign up for the Phelps County Lottery Hog program, please stop by or contact the Phelps County Extension Office and provide $175 payment for each youth participating by Friday, March 15. Phelps County Families will need to make checks payable to Phelps County 4-H Council.
Phelps County 4-H Lottery Goat Program
Thank you to all who are interested in the Lottery Goat program for Phelps County! A date/location will be set soon for the Phelps County 4-H Lottery Goat Selection. Our producer is kidding yet and would like to have all animals born before setting a date. Lottery selection for this program will likely be set towards the end of April. We appreciate those who have expressed interest in participating. If you have not expressed prior interest but would like to sign up, please contact the Phelps County Extension Office. Those who completed our initial survey will be provided with more information. Stay tuned for more information!
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.
The training dates will be:
- Friday, March 1st @ 5:00pm prior to 4-H Kids Fest in Holdrege, NE at the Ag Center.
- Thursday, May 16 @ 6:00 pm at the Elwood Civic Center
- Sunday, June 2nd @ 2pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, NE
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.
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
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
Special Garden Project
As you begin making plans for 2024, be sure to check out the Special Garden Project. It offers a unique introduction to plant science. Members are given seeds and guided through planting, growing, and harvesting seasons. Members can exhibit a cut flower or harvested vegetable at the fair if all goes well. Otherwise, youth can share their experience through a poster, story, or video exhibit. Next year, members will work with the PRINCESS INDIA NASTURTIUM. Visit 4h.unl.edu/spg to learn more.
Let the office know you are interested by Feb 7
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.
The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project
The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live in. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle!
In the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets! Sugar beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.
Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. Please let the office know by February 29.
For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fair book at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
NDA’S ANNUAL POSTER CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE
With abundant natural resources, a diverse landscape, and innovative farmers and ranchers leading the way, Nebraska is home to some of the nation’s best agriculture. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) annual poster contest highlights and celebrates Nebraska agriculture. NDA’s poster contest is open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme, Nebraska Agriculture: Ready, Set, Grow, applies to everything in Nebraska from livestock to crops. The deadline to submit posters is March 1, 2024.
“Outreach in agriculture education is an important part of the work we do at NDA, and our annual poster contest is a good way for parents and teachers to connect with students and talk about agriculture,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “We’re looking forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they share their ideas of what Nebraska agriculture and this year’s “Ready, Set, Grow” theme looks like to them.”
NDA will announce the winners during National Agriculture Week, March 17-23, 2024, the perfect time to highlight agriculture and celebrate Nebraska’s number one industry. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries from this year’s contest on its website and in promotional materials and publications.
NDA’s poster contest is divided into three age categories for judging purposes: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students, in any Nebraska public, private or home school. All posters must be exclusively student created. Entries must be received at NDA’s office by March 1, 2024.
Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.
“NDA’s poster contest reminds all Nebraskans that agriculture positively impacts all of us, from the food we eat, to the fuel for our cars, to the clothes we wear,” said Vinton. “Last year, we received a record 2,000+ entries in our annual poster contest, and we’re hoping for even more this year.”
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...
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
Kathy Beck, Office Manager - Gosper
Noah Renken, Office Manager - Phelps
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.
Monday-Friday
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