The 4-H Update
January 6,2023
Special Garden Project -Sign up by Jan. 6
The 2023 Special Garden Project will focus on Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil. This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or used as a cut flower in arrangements to add scent and interest.
Youth should enroll for the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online. Once enrolled through 4-H Online, youth are then email Mary Dierks at mdierks@sarpy.com to let us know they enrolled for the project. By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation.
New 4-H Member Zoom Meeting
January 31, 2023, 6-7 PM
Want to know more about 4-H? Youth and parents are invited to attend this free Zoom meeting to learn about Douglas-Sarpy 4-H and the ways you can get involved. This meeting will provide you with the resources you need to start your family's 4-H story. Registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/8VoR8775xL6MCXgQA
New Information for 2023
New 4-H Club for Youth Who Love Horses!
Interested in Horses but don't have a horse?
Not a problem!
There is a new club geared towards youth that want to learn about horse topics such as level testing and horse care and basics. If you are interested, fill out the google form (https://forms.gle/SPrwspeh9Khbd23ZA)!
We want anyone and everyone! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the 4-H horse project and all it has to offer without a horse.
For more information, contact Alaina Kauffman, Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu.
2023 Special Agronomy Project is Tepary Beans - Sign up by Feb. 15
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. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different.
The focus of the 2023 Special Agronomy Project is Tepary Beans. Tepary beans can be used like dry edible beans, forage, or hay. To participate in the Special Agronomy Project, enroll in the project through 4-H Online or call Mary at 402-444-7804 to reserve seed by February 15.
There are three ways to complete this at the county or state fair. First, an educational exhibit that can be in a poster format can include what you learned. Secondly, let your creativity go wild and create a video-type presentation explaining what you have learned, showing the growing process, etc. Finally, you can enter the crop itself. To do this, cut 6 stalks at the ground level and bound-together with supporting information about the project. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
Market Beef Weigh Day - New Details
Located at Cooper Farm (8602 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha)
Date: January 28
Time: 9 am-11 am
Weighing of Market Beef participating in the Sarpy County Fair Market Beef Rate of Gain Contest
EID Tags and County-Only tags will be available. EID Tags are required for Market Beef and Feeder Calves being exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair or the AKSARBEN Stock Show
DNA Hair Samples will also be pulled for all Market Beef, Breeding Heifers and Feeder Calves being exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair and/or AKSARBEN
(Breeding Beef and Feeder Calves do not need to be brought to the Beef Weigh Day unless you’d like a weight or to pull DNA hair Samples)
Tags will be free this year!
4-H Rabbit Show, March 18
The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m. at the Lancaster Event Center Fairgrounds – Exhibit 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! New this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee! Show flyer will be posted at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/companionanimal. For questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
4-H Project Idea - 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort
We are now accepting registrations for the 2023 Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort! This opportunity is designed to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H swine project by focusing on swine production, accurate record keeping, and industry knowledge and engagement by the 4-H member. Registration closes Wednesday, February 1. To learn more and register, visit 4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned
See more 2023 4-H project ideas at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.642169387476476&type=3
Prepare for this contest by connecting with our experts
Companion Cat Science program at https://4h.unl.edu/companion-cat-science
Feature of the Week
4-Her of the week -Margot Boyd
Participants in the clothing category will demonstrate their knowledge through the creation of garments using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) techniques. Through the creation of garments 4-H exhibitors will learn more about clothing and application of STEAM abilities. Five divisions in the clothing category offer a varying level of difficulty for 4-H exhibitors. Learn more about this area of 4-H at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-clothing-shopping-2022.pdf
Enroll in 4-H
To enroll in 4-H for 2023, click here.
For returning families, please do not create a new account; rather use your log-in credentials for 4honline used in previous years. Instructions can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/returning-member. Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/new-member.
Please note the enrollment fee for Douglas-Sarpy counties is $10 per member and is paid online. Enrollments are due June 15, 2023.
Please contact Mary Dierks at mdierks@sarpy.com with any questions.
New 4-H Volunteers for Douglas-Sarpy 4-H will need to be screened and have a background check done. Volunteers may not work with youth until volunteer enrollment and screening is complete. To begin the screening process visit and enroll via 4-H Online.
Local Events
Clover Kid Club
Parents and children ages 5-7 are invited to be a part of the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Clover Kid Program. January programming will be all about Houseplants and growing things!
Clover Kid Dates: Jan 10, Feb 7, March 7, April 4, and May 2.
Time: 6-7 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to preregister with Rachel at rwright4@unl.edu.
4-H Quilt Club
When: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Celtic Quilter, 5080 S. 108th Street, Omaha
For more information, contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
*This club usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Jewelry Making Workshop
When: February 9, 2023
Time 5:30-7:30 PM
Cost: $15
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
During the workshop, youth will learn jewelry making basics. Youth will be guided through the jewelry making process and get hands-on experience using tools of the trade. Youth will design, create, and take home their own necklace or bracelet!
Registration Deadline: January 27, 2023
Registration link: https://forms.gle/KHhzxQykByhJr7zc6
This workshop is for youth ages 10-18. 4-Hers ages 8-9 can participate if they have an adult stay with them for the workshop.
Start a Club Informational Zoom Meeting
Interested in starting a 4-H club? Attend a FREE Zoom meeting to learn how you can start a club in your community. This meeting will provide you with the resources you need to get started. Registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Date: February 16, 2023
Time: 6-7 PM
Registration: https://forms.gle/LLFe3XoWDUopWgTg6
Date: May 10, 2023
Time: 6-7 PM
Registration: https://forms.gle/wDQ58cSkF3uBjQhi7
Livestock Information
Nebraska State Fair and AKSARBEN Stock Show Changes for 2023
For those 4-Hers anticipating showing Beef, Sheep, Goats or Swine at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair and AKSARBEN Stock Show, there are a few changes for 2023
*NEW*
All Breeding Beef, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Swine and Breeding Goats MUST have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted along with being nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15th, 2023.
All Feeder Calves must also have hair pulled and DNA sample submitted and the animal must be nominated in Show Stock Manager by June 15, 2023.
This change allows breeding animals to also be nominated for Market Classes, however that animal may still only be shown in one division. (Market or Breeding, not both)
All Market Beef, Market Swine and Feeder Calves must still have an 840 EID tag like normal.
For more information, contact Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Update from State Horse Program
Hello 4-H Staff and Families –
We’ve learned over the past few years how important developing programming to meet your needs in an ever-changing environment is to our mission of providing 4-H Horse Program youth with learning opportunities. With the changing needs and desires for the program, we are updating our events to better meet the current interests of youth. One of the things we consistently hear is the need for more hands-on learning, especially through workshops and clinics.
To meet that need, we are excited to offer a series of clinics during the summer of 2023 that will be led by Carla Wennberg, Western Collegiate Equestrian Team Coach from St. Andrews University. Carla brings a wealth of experience leading clinics and is a certified horse show judge for several associations across the country. Details on sites and dates will be forthcoming!
Additionally, we have spent time reviewing the intent and outcomes of District 4-H Horse Shows. The intent of these shows was for youth to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show. Throughout the years, the number of exhibitors who qualify has increased dramatically to a point where 80-90% of exhibitors qualify. These percentages, along with declining numbers indicate these District Shows are no longer serving the intent and instead causing an extra burden for families of exhibitors who want to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Hence, beginning in 2023, participation in a District 4-H Horse Show will not be required to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. This is also similar to the process used by other state livestock events (i.e., State Fair, AKSARBEN, etc.) and will allow more youth the opportunity to experience the State 4-H Horse Show. As safety is always our most important concern, being able to provide more opportunities for learning through workshops and clinics will allow youth to increase their skills and further develop with their project horse(s) in preparation for the State 4-H Horse Show.
Please let us know if there are any questions and thanks to the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee for their input into the process. Be on the lookout for equine related clinics across the state with nationally known Carla Wennberg from St. Andrews University in June 2023!
Lena Luck, Equine Extension Specialist
Grace Kim, Extension Horse Assistant
For more information about the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program, contact Alaina at alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Statewide Opportunities
2023 4-H Camp
Registration for the 2023 4-H camp season is open! There are a limited number of spots available this year, so we recommend that families register as soon as possible. Session information and registration can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp
2023 4-H Youth Leadership Conference
2023 4-H Youth Leadership Conference is happening!!
We have NEW dates and a NEW location!!
Date: June 19 -21, 2023
Location: Camp Comeca, Cozad, NE
Learn more about this fun opportunity with Stacey Keys at stacey.keys@unl.edu
Mark your calendars–Big Red Camps will be June 11-16, 2023.
Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential, career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp youth get the opportunity to explore the Nebraska campus, meet people from across the country, spend time investigating an interest or potential career, and have a lot of fun! During the week-long camps, participants will work with our university faculty to explore the topic of their particular camp, like filmmaking or crop science. After spending several fun-filled days on campus, participants' families are invited to attend a special capstone event where youth showcase their achievements.
More details will be coming soon! https://4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps
Spark your imagination and passion!
2023-2024 J.H. & J.W. Claybaugh Memorial Scholarship
Nebraska residents, those attending school in Nebraska, or those interested in a career in poultry-based in Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the 2023-2024 J.H. & J.W. Claybaugh Memorial Scholarship. Application Deadline - January 13, 2023
Learn more and apply at https://form.jotform.com/221916476165158
2023 4-H Dates
Clover Kid Club, January 10 from 6-7 pm
4-H Quilt Club, January 17 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Market Beef Weigh Day, January 28th from 9 am-11 am, Cooper Farm
- Swine Project Sign up, Feb. 1, online
- Clover Kid Club, Feb. 7 from 6-7 pm
- Jewelry Making Workshop, February 9, from 5:30-7:30 PM
- Interested in 4-H Zoom, Feb. 16, 6-7 pm
- Agronomy Project Sign up due - online, Feb. 15
- Clover Kid Club, March 7 from 6-7 pm
- Cooking Basics March 16, from 9 AM- 12 PM
Lancaster Rabbit Show, March 18
Speech Workshop: March 23*
Companion Animal (including Cat show). April 15
Speech Contest: April 27, 2023 3:00 PM-8:00 PM*
Interested in 4-H Zoom, May 10, 6-7 pm
Presentation Workshop: May 18, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM*
4-H Table Toppers Workshop: May 30, 2023, 6:30-7:30 PM*
4-H Shooting Sports Competitions June 2, June 3, and June 10*
Rocket Launch Workshop - Beginners: June 13, 2023, 1-2:30 PM
- Discover Ancient Egypt June 13 from 9 AM-12 PM*
Presentation Contest Entries due: June 13, 2023, 5 PM*
Rocket Launch Workshop - Advanced: June 14, 2023, 1-3:30 PM
- Art for Relaxation/Mindfulness June 21 from 9 AM-12 PM*
- Presentation Contest: June 22, 2023*
- June 21 and Thursday, June 22, 2023 - Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus
- State 4-H Communications Event (including State 4-H Presentations and speech contest) -June 23, 2023 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus
- Wildlife Conservation June 27 from 9 AM-12 PM*
Rocket Launch forms due: July 5, 2023, 4:30 PM
Rocket Launch: July 12, 2023, 3:30-7 PM
- Discover Art Around the World July 13 from 9 AM-12 PM*
- Engineer an Empire: Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome July 20 from 9AM-12 PM*
4-H Table Toppers Contest: June 29, 2023 starting at 3 PM*
- August 2-6, 2023 - Sarpy County Fair
- Aug. 25 - Sep. 4, 2023 - Nebraska State Fair
*subject to change
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