![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/blossom-01-6.9df04b15.jpg)
Dakota County 4-H News
JULY 2023
Nebraska Extension - Dakota County
DAKOTA COUNTY OFFICE STAFF
Angela Abts—4-H & Youth aabts2@unl.edu
Julie Boyle—Food Nutrition and Health julie.boyle@unl.edu
Tammy Dunn—Office Manager tpeterson3@unl.edu
Brenda Sale—SNAP-ED bsale@unl.edu
Dakota County 4-H
Email: dakota-county@unl.edu
Website: https://dakota.unl.edu
Location: 1505 Broadway Street, Dakota City, NE, USA
Phone: 402-987-2140
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLDakotaCounty
Twitter: @NEDakota4HExt
Follow us On Facebook and Instagram!
Instagram: NE Extension Dakota County
Dates & Deadlines
JULY
4 - Office closed Independence Day
15-19 - Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo
21 - County Fair Pre-Entry Deadline
29 - Fairgrounds Cleanup day
31 - 4-H Clothing Day, Fairgrounds
AUGUST
2- August 6 - County Fair Week
10 - State Fair Animal & in-Person entries due (Showstock Manager)
25 - September 4 - Nebraska State Fair
26-28 4-H State Fair Livestock Show Weekend
SEPTEMBER
August 25 - September 4 Nebraska State Fair
1-4 - State Fair FFA Livestock Show Weekend
4 - Office Closed Labor Day
11 - 4-H Council meeting (May be joint council)
21-24 Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show Fonner Park Grand Island
ONLINE FAIR ENTRIES ARE OPEN
You should have received a BIG packet of information in the mail last week (BIG envelope, white 10x13). I'm sure it was overwhelming!. Take the time to read, make notes and contact Tammy if you have any questions.
To do online entries visit: https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Deadline for entries is JULY 21ST.
Paper copies are available at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/fair-entry-info/ (Use as a last resort, They would need to be printed out, and filled in. )
LATE ENTRY POLICY
The Dakota~Thurston County Fair has the following policy:
1) Late fair entries will be accepted for one week following the entry deadline and will be accessed a $10 late fee per individual for the Dakota~Thurston County Fair.
This does not apply to ANY State Fair submissions! State Fair deadlines are hard & firm!
LIVESTOCK EXHIBITS
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY AS THINGS HAVE CHANGED THIS YEAR!
Poultry Exhibitors - When you enter your animals Wednesday, August 2nd, from 6:00 –8:00PM we are asking that you check your animals in with either the superintendents or Extension Staff. We want to try and ensure that our show programs are accurate. Your assistance on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Rabbit Exhibitors - The Rabbit Show is on Tuesday, August 1st. Check-in is from 8:00 - 9:30 AM; Show starts at 10:30 AM.
Bedding - The fair board will be supplying bedding for livestock projects. If you have special needs for your projects, it is your responsibility to bring the supplies or contact the Fair Board.
Stalling Horses - The Dakota~Thurston County Fairboard voted in 2010, That if a horse is showed, it must be stalled. No veterinarian excuses will be accepted. This applies to all horses exhibiting at the 4-H Horse Show, no expectations. All horses must be stalled and checked in at the fairgrounds with the Superintendents or Extension Staff on Wednesday, August 3rd from 6:00-8:00PM.
Livestock Check-in - Wednesday, August 2nd from 6:00 - 8:00 pm is check-in day at the fair. Please check-in your animals at the respective livestock scale. This will help us with making sure we have the right exhibitors and livestock that are on the fairgrounds and help with correct stall assignments and correct show programs. Reminder: Swine ear tags need to be purchased for $3.00 each at the time of check-in.
No early release of animals - Please refer to the fair book for the following rule: All live animals, 4-H/FFA, Open Class (except cats, dogs, household pets/birds) will remain on the grounds for the duration of the fair. No early releases. Also see the following statement from the Fair Board: Penalty– Premiums will be pulled for exhibits leaving the fairgrounds prior to the aforementioned release time.
Cat, Dog, & Ferret Exhibits - Vaccinations are required for cats, dog (and ferrets) shown at the Dakota - Thurston County Fair. Please submit proof of vaccinations with your animal entries that are due on July 21st. Forms are available on our website. (https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/affidavitsid-forms/)
Bucket Calves - Record books for the Bucket Calf project are due to the Fair Livestock Office by Noon on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. Interviews will be from 1-3 PM on Thursday August 3rd. There will also be a sign up sheet for interview times at Beef Check-in on Wednesday evening! (https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/affidavitsid-forms/)
CHANGES TO HORSE SHOW PREMIUMS
Number of classes in which an Exhibitor may Participate:
Exhibitors will not be limited as to the number of classes in which they may participate. However, each exhibitor will be limited to premium(s) for one(1) showmanship class and a maximum of six (6) other classes. The premiums earned from the six (6) classes must be from at least 2 different horses. Exhibitors will receive a ribbon for each class in which they participate.
WRISTBANDS FOR COUNTY FAIR
The wristbands you will receive in your backtag packets or will be given at entry day are for the 4-Hers and Cloverkids. The wristbands allows them to get into the Tractor Pull and Bull Riding events at the fair for FREE! (The wristband does NOT cover the concert.) Once the wristband is tightened, it does not come off!
NEW WEBSITE FOR THE FAIR
The Dakota~Thurston County Fair has a new website. This is specifically for the Fair. https://dtfair.com
If you need information about 4-H visit https://dakota.unl.edu
TROPHY DONATIONS
If you are interested in sponsoring a trophy for the 2023 Dakota~Thurston County Fair contact the Extension Office. Trophy sponsorships are $25 each. You can designate the area you would like to support, if that area is taken, we will fill in as needed.
Trophies will be presented at the 2023 Dakota‐Thurston County Fair at a cost of $25.00 each. In addition to trophies, select classes may receive additional awards such as buckles, plaques or other awards. These awards are at a higher cost. If you would like more information on sponsoring these additional awards please contact the Dakota or Thurston County Extension Office.
Trophies add great incentive for our 4‐H’ers to excel. We sincerely appreciate your past support and hope you will continue. The Dakota and Thurston County 4‐H Council are also looking at different ways to provide incentive to our youth. We want to make sure that the rewards given are the best way to recognize our youth. Please remember at fair time and throughout the year that ribbons are awarded for the merit of the project and items such as trophies should be based on competition.
PLEASE HELP OUT DURING FAIR WEEK
- Volunteers are still needed for the fair! Some of the livestock shows may need additional help with wrangling youth, show order, ring set up or miscellaneous duties.
- We need volunteers or parents to help with the 4-H Sponsored Movie Night on Saturday, August 5th. It's at 9:00 PM with free admission!
- Help is also needed in the exhibit hall all day on August 2nd for check in! Please contact the office if you are willing to volunteer!
DAKOTA~THURSTON COUNTY FAIRBOOK IS ON THE WEB AND IN PRINT.
The 2023 Fairbook is loaded on the web , check it out. You can find a full version or just check out the sections you need.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/fairbook2/
A hard copy was included in the mailing you recently received.
This Years Theme is "Proud Past, Bright Future"
JR ROBOT CAMP
Attention students going into 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades? Are you up for something new and exciting to do this summer with Legos? How about learning about WeDo 2.0 Lego kits? You will learn to build simple machines and program them.
July 27th & 28th
Dakota County Extension Office (1505 Broadway St, Dakota City, NE
$20 per particiapnt
registration deadline, July 21st
The 2023 Dakota County Special project is about your families past and future. Use your imagination to create an exhibit that tells about your family.
DAKOTA COUNTY 4-H T-SHIRT ORDERS
If you missed the order deadline, you are in luck! A 2nd order will be placed and will be in in time for fair week. Deadline to order is July 11th.
Our very own Audric designed the shirt.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/dakota-county-4-h-t-shirts-order-now/
NEWS & INFORMATION
Dakota~Thurston County Fair Schedule
The fair also has a new website: https://DTfair.com (This is not the 4-H website).
FAIR ENTERTAINMENT
Friday August 4th, 2023 , come see Canaan Smith with opening act Brad Morgan in the arena.
Canaan Lee Smith (born August 24, 1982) is an American country music singer and songwriter signed with Round Here Records, an independent label founded by Florida Georgia Line. He has released two albums, Bronco in 2015 and High Country Sound in 2021. His second single, "Love You Like That", was a Number One hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He was also a reality television contestant on the 15th season of The Amazing Race.[2]
STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK & IN-PERSON CONTEST ENTRY
DON'T FORGET!! If you are planning on exhibiting Livestock or participating in an In Person Contest your deadline is August 10, 8:00PM CST.
For more information visit: https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair/live-animal-exhibitor
Livestock includes: All large animals, rabbits, poultry and basically any livestock.
In Person Contests include: Fashion Show, Presentations, ID Contests, and basically anything else that you have to come in person to participate.
STATE FAIR RABBITS - 15 DAY CVI
All 4-H rabbits exhibiting at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within 15 days of exhibition. The CVI must list the Nebraska State Fair as consignee and will need to have the official identification (ear tattoo) listed on all rabbits being exhibited during the State Fair. The health papers will be checked by a representative of the State Veterinarian’s Office.
NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - ANNUAL POULTRY PHOTO CONTEST
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has some egg-citing news for 4-H and FFA members who raise poultry. NDA is again sponsoring its annual Poultry Photo Contest and encouraging 4-H and FFA members to submit photos of their fine feathered friends. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov. Entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/NDAPhotoContest by the July 15th deadline.
“4-H and FFA members work hard to keep their birds healthy and show ready for various fairs and poultry events,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest gives us the opportunity to recognize these students for their hard work and welcome them as part of Nebraska’s poultry industry.”
Winners of NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest will be announced this fall. NDA will feature winning photos throughout the year in promotional materials, an online calendar, and on social media. NDA teammates will judge the photo contest entries based on originality, composition, and photographic skills.
The contest also gives NDA the opportunity to share information on biosecurity measures that poultry owners can use to keep their flocks healthy and prevent the spread of diseases. Bird owners in Nebraska should always practice sound biosecurity measures to help prevent diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease. Visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html for more information about protecting your flock. If a disease outbreak is suspected, poultry owners can call their local veterinarian or NDA at 402-471-2351.
EVENTS
YOUTH CROP SCOUTING COMPETITION
Looking for a fun club project? Want to unite your club members? Running out of ideas for club meetings? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, help is on the way! Nebraska Extension is pleased to present the 10th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Nebraska youth. Youth interested in crops can learn about crop growth & development and basic crop scouting principles.
Don’t know a lot about crops? Ask a local agronomist to assist by providing a short lesson on crop production. You can have the agronomist meet with youth a little during each meeting or outside of the meeting. This is one way to engage those youth interested in crops.
This contest will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska on August 2, 2023. The event will include both indoor and outdoor events. Teams of junior high and high school students (those completing 5-12th grades) from across Nebraska are invited to participate. This event is limited to the first ten teams who sign-up!
Clubs or other organizations may enter a team composed of three to five participants. An adult team leader must accompany each team of students. Team leaders could be FFA advisors, crop consultants, extension staff, coop employees, etc.
Top-scoring teams win prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third place. Top two teams will be eligible for regional competition held in Nebraska this year on September 18th.
Teams will be expected to know the basics of scouting corn and soybean fields. This includes crop staging; looking for patterns of crop injury; disease, insect and weed seedling identification; etc. Other topics many include but are not limited to, pesticide safety, nutrient disorders, and herbicide injury.
Nebraska Extension is also proud to present, “Ask an Agronomist” which is an opportunity for youth to bring pests, samples to Extension agronomists, learn more about crop scouting and networking. This event will be held via zoom on July 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., CST. Youth can join the meeting at go.unl.edu/askanagronomist.
More information about the crop scouting competition and instructions on how to register a team are available online at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/cropscoutingreg
Teams must be registered by July 15. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association, Ward Laboratories, UNL’s Doctor of Plant Health program, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Extension.
HASKELL AG LAB VAMILY FIELD DAY PLANNED
The planning committee is busy planning for this annual event. This year it will be held on Thursday, August 10th. We have a full day planned with various activities for all ages. Make plans now to come to the UNL Haskell Ag Lab on August 10th. We look forward to seeing you.
VIDEO COMPANION ANIMAL SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST
Mark your calendars! Entries for the Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest are due Monday, August 14, at 5:00 p.m. CT. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/vcasc.
ONLINE INSECT ID CONTEST
The Online Insect Identification Contest is currently open and will close on Monday, July 10. Learn more and find study materials are https://4h.unl.edu/online-insect-id-contest
More Camps & Workshops?
As we find out about events across the state they are posted on our website, Facebook & Instagram.