The 4-H Update
June 23, 2023
Deadlines and Events
Sign up for Table Toppers by Today
Do you like to cook and create meals? Do you like to bake and prepare delicious desserts or breads? Then this fun contest is for you! 4-H youth will be inspired while they learn to pick a theme, plan a nutritious menu and learn table setting skills.
When: June 29, at set up at 2:30 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Papio Valley Livestock Progress Show - June 24
Make plans to join us for the 37th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show
Goat, Sheep & Beef Show • Saturday, June 24, 2023
Sarpy County Fairgrounds – Springfield, NE
Entry Fees: Beef & Bucket Calf- $25 per head • Sheep/Goat -$15 per head • Showmanship-FREE • Clover Kids-FREE • Sheep Lead -$15
Learn more at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/1d4a01d7-1db2-40da-b30e-98e126ee17d1.pdf
Pollinator Party - June 24
Join Nebraska Extension for a Pollinator Party on Saturday, June 24th from 10 am - 2 pm.
This event is hosted in partnership with the UNL Bee Lab, Nebraska Extension, the UNL Department of Entomology, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Come on out to learn and try different activities all about pollinators and their plants, and shop at a plant sale hosted by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. We will also have a food truck with ice cream for sale this year!
Learn more about this event at: https://fb.me/e/3sszQgGzk
See more about the 4-H Entomology program at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-entomology-2023.pdf
Sign up for your size so everyone can enjoy their free 4-H t-shirt!
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.
Feature of the Week
4-Her - Troy Lindquist
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
Static Project of the Week - Woodworking
This week's project of the week is - Woodworking
See this area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-woodworking-2023.pdf
All articles exhibited must include a plan (with drawings or sketch or blueprints) stating dimensions and other critical instructions a builder would need to know how to build the project and 4-Her’s name & county. Plans may include narrative instructions in addition to the dimension drawings and include any alternations to the original plan. Part of the score depends on how well the project matches the plans. If the plans are modified, the changes from the original need to be noted on the plans. All plans used for making the article must be securely attached and protected by a clear plastic cover.
Pictured is Grant with Wood working project that was selected for state fair!
See more project ideas on our facebook here.
Volunteers of the Week - Bellevue's Do More Learn More 4-H Club
Workshops and Classes
Watercolor Workshop - July 13
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
July 7- Fashion Show Deadline
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.
Showcase of 4-H Gems
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
NDA will be offering a Poultry Photo contest
· NDA will be offering a Poultry Photo contest. We are seeking poultry photos from current 4-H and FFA members to be used in poultry education. Electronic submission of the photos is required, and the entry form and contest rules will be available soon on NDA’s website at www.nda.nebraska.gov
2023 Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Dog Show
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
Fair Information
Entering Exhibits
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.
4-H members are encouraged to interview judge during that time.
If 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.
Check out what to enter in the fair, and what each item requires in the fairbook. It can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
The 4-H Exhibit Hall opens to the public at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2nd.
Do you have questions about where to find things in the fairbook for fair entry? Email questions to Rachel at Rwright4@unl.edu
Animals entry in the Showworks program will be open soon. Watch future newsletter for the link.
Volunteer at the Food Stand
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-sarpyVolunteer 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
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
Horse and Livestock Information
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
HORSE LEVEL TESTING FOR COUNTY FAIR ONLY
The Horse Level Testing requirements for youth participating in the Sarpy County Fair Horse Show ONLY are due July 15th. Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/horse-advancement
Questions about Horse Level Test or to schedule a test, contact 4-H assistant Alaina Kauffman alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Pictured is Taylor Tevis who won the 2022 Sarpy county fair Champion Halter Geldings, Senior Western Pleasure, Senior Reining, Best Dress; Reserve Champion Senior English Pleasure, Senior Ranch Pleasure, Senior Western Horsemanship, Senior Barrel Racing, and Senior Flag Race
Tack Cleaning Workshop
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
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.
- 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.
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
Champion & Reserve Champion senior, intermediate and junior showmen are invited to participate in this year’s elite showmanship contest. Watch for more details!
4-Hers at the Rodeo
The Sarpy County Ag Society has generously offered one free pass to rodeo on Friday, August 5 to all Douglas-Sarpy 4-H members. A voucher will be available during the fair at the 4-H Exhibit Hall office in the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. This voucher must then be taken to the Fair office to redeem for the admission ticket. There will be a signature check-out procedure for the vouchers.
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
2023 4-H Dates
June 23, 1:30-3 pm - Computer Coding Workshop
- June 23 - State 4-H Communications Event (including State 4-H Presentations and speech contest) - at University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus
- June 24 - Papio Valley Livestock Progress Show
- June 27 from 9 am-12 pm - Wildlife Conservation
June 29, 2023 starting at 3 pm - 4-H Table Toppers Contest
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
- Aug. 25 - Sep. 4, 2023 - Nebraska State Fair
*subject to change
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.