Dakota County 4-H News
MAY 2024
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
MAY
6 - Extension Board meeting -cancelled due to inclement weather
6 - Dakota County 4-H council meeting - cancelled due to inclement weather
27 - Office closed Memorial Day
29 - All horse ID's, District & State Entries DUE
JUNE
3 - Extension Board Meeting
3 - 4-H Council meeting
15 - Apply to State Livestock recognition program (final report (8/1)
15 - ALL LIVESTOCK ID'S/AFFIDAVITS DUE No late submissions will be accepted
15 - State Fair livestock nominations /DAN due
15 - final 4-H enrollment/project enrollment due
18 - State Public Speaking Event - UNL
19-21 - Youth Leadership Conference
20-21 - Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) - UNL
JULY
1 - Extension Board
4 - Office closed Independence Day
13-17 - Fonner Park state 4-H Horse Expo
17 - County Fair pre-entry deadline - online
27 - Fairgrounds clean up day
28 - August 6 - Dakota~Thurston County Fair
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
8/23 - 9/2 - Nebraska State Fair
Happy Mothers Day to all our wonderful mom's!
LOCAL OPPORTUNITES
FAIRBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE
Printed copies of the Dakota~Thurston County Fairbook are available at the Extension Office. Stop by and pick up your copy.
It is also available online at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/fairbook2/
DEADLINE DAY IS APPROACHING
Deadline Day is June 15th, which is a Saturday, it would be better if submission was in Friday, in case you need help or have questions.
THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD FOR 4-H ENROLLMENT, LIVESTOCK ID'S/AFFIDAVITS, DNA OR TAGGING. Please don't miss out.
ENROLLMENT
You must be enrolled in our 4-H program by June 15th to participate in the 2024 fair.
Please enroll and check your project enrollment at https://v2.4honline.com (youth and Leaders.
LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS
- Animal need to be tagged - tags are at the Extension office (beef and swine)
Tags are $3.00 each - All goats and sheep need Scrapies Tags- these are your responsibility to get. If you need to obtain tags, you can get them here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-disease/sheep-goat/scrapie-tag
- ID/affidavit sheets for beef, sheep, swine, goat, rabbit- these can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/livestock-affidavits-0/
- DNA envelopes - if you plan on attending State Fair or Ak-Sar-Ben, we have DNA envelopes.
You are responsible for collecting the DNA, turning in the envelope to our office.
Families submit the DNA nomination online at https://showstockmgr.com
4-H HORSE PROGRAM
All horse Id's are due to the Extension office by May 29th. No late submissions will be accepted.
- Horse ID's dues
Please try to fill in the ID sheets by typing in the information then printing it off. While line drawings of markings are acceptable, photos are preferred. Find ID Sheets here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/livestock-affidavits-0/ - Entries for State Horse Expo in Grand Island - https://4h.unl.edu/horse-expo
- Advancement levels need to be completed and submitted - https://4h.unl.edu/horse-advancement
DAKOTA COUNTY GRADUATES
Congratulations to our Dakota County Seniors.
Hunter Heikes - Emerson-Hubbard High School
Hunter has been a Dakota County 4-Her since 2013
Caedan Nelsen - Homer High School
Caedan has been a Dakota County 4-H'er since 2015
Congratulation and best of luck with wherever the future takes you!
YQCA TRAINING
Nebraska 4-H requires all members enrolled in a livestock meat animal project (beef, sheep, swine, goat, poultry, rabbit) to complete annual quality assurance certification through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program. The program has recently moved to a new online system available at YQCAProgram.org. Learn more about YQCA requirements and find help documents at 4h.unl.edu/yqca.
YQCA must be completed by July 17th.
2024 GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURAL EXCELLENCE AWARD (NIFA GRANT)
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Through our partnership with NIFA, we are able to offer the Governor’s Agricultural Excellence award grants again in 2024. NIFA has committed funding to support up to 25 grants state-wide.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. This grant is intended to provide funding for 4-H Clubs to complete projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Projects aim to be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community.
Successful applicants will be awarded a $500 grant issued to the club’s treasury to be used as described in the award application.
At the conclusion of the project, clubs will submit a report detailing the outcomes of the intended project.
For additional information and full application instructions, please see the Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s website. https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/governers-ag-excellence-award/
Please share this opportunity with your local clubs and encourage them to apply. Applications are due in the Nebraska 4-H Foundation office by May 31.
We hope to be able to award clubs by June 15 with checks arriving shortly after that.
TRY A PROJECT
2024 Dakota County Special Project
The 2024 Dakota County Special project is......
RECYCLED RIBBONS
Do you have a collection of 4-H ribbons that you really don't know what to do with? Well I have some ideas for you. Repurpose them into a wall hanging, a wreath, a decorative quilt.
So many creative and useful ideas can be found on Pinterest.
No need to enroll in the project. Just bring your exhibit to the County fair.
There may be special prizes!
OVERLOOKED PROJECTS
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with. These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences: https://4h.unl.edu/news/nebraska-4-h-5-underrated-practical-projects
SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT
THE SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT SEEDS ARE IN!!!
If you would like a packet please let Tammy know.
This project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will
give them the opportunity to learn about growing,
harvesting, and exhibiting this unique flower.
The Special Gardening Project lets 4-H members try
their hand at growing unusual vegetables, flowers, and
herbs. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners
to grow something fun, new, and different while letting
those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project
area
SPECIAL AGRONOMY PROJECT
THE SPECIAL AGRONOMY PROJECT SUGAR BEET SEEDS ARE IN!!!
If you would like a packet, please let Tammy know.
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. 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 both 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. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
FREE INCUBATORS
We have a few incubators for hatching eggs that are up for grabs. Results not guaranteed. First come first serve. We no longer do the embryology classroom education. Contact Tammy to get one.
SO MUCH MORE TO DO!
Animal Science Discover Day
All youth aged 8–18 years old are invited to the annual Animal Science Discover Day May 29, Wednesday 9:00am – 3:30 pm in Curtis, NE on the NCTA Campus. NEW topics this year include: meat science, calving simulation, horse IV, Livestock skillathon, quiz bowl, Zoonosis, Animal welfare, Ag Advocacy and more! Participants will be divided into junior and senior tracts so teachers can go more in depth with the older youth. Sessions are designed to be learning experiences in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Parents and other adults interested in the livestock industry and in educating youth are encouraged to register and participate also.
Register & pay online by May 22 for $15/participant at: https://cvent.me/mNXrmy Late registrations will be $20/participant. This price includes lunch provided by the Frontier County 4-H Council and Ag Valley Co-op. For more information contact Kimberly at kimberly.cook@unl.edu
AGE ELIGIBILITY FOR 4-H STATEWIDE EVENTS
As you know, in 2023, Nebraska 4-H lowered the age limit for participation in the Nebraska State Fair for all in-person events to nine years of age. That change increased our participation and provided more youth the opportunity to have an engaging learning experience. We had many positive comments from legacy families as well as new.
This fall, we have had follow-up conversations with many of you as well as the show superintendents and various teams that run these events during State Fair and throughout the year. Based on that feedback and our goal of increasing access, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility in 2024 to be 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person State Fair events (livestock, contests, fashion shows, contests) and other state competitions (Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo, PASE, communications contest). Note: there will be some events that will maintain their ages due to specific program rules (shooting sports, FIRST LEGO League Challenge robotics). Please check information on each specific event as it becomes available.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK 2024
- Age of Eligibility
- The age of eligibility in 2024 is now 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows)
- Showmanship Age Divisions
- Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
- Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
- Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)
- Awards
- Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.
- Entry Limits
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 5 beef.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 sheep.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 goats.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 hogs.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 rabbits.
- A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 live birds.
- Individual Species
- Sheep: New Breed Class-All Hair Breeds
- Goat: Market goats will show in separate classes; Market Wethers and Market Does (until final selection)
- Swine: New Breed Classes-Tamworth and Landrace
- Rabbit: New Breed Classes-Blue Holicer and Czech Frosty
Dog Skillathon Contest: Added a Junior Skillathon Division and rotated breed ID picture topics
NEBRASKA 4-H SUMMER CAMP
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 Green. Youth will get to explore and interact with their natural world in six different sessions. Youth will learn how they can use their head, heart, hands, and health to make our natural world a better place for all.
The 2024 sessions offer tailored age cohorts, providing sessions for younger campers between the ages of 8-10, and an older cohort for ages 10-14.
Families can find dates, session summaries, and registration information by visiting https://4h.unl.edu/camps-register.
SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is now hiring Program Staff and Assistants for the 2024 Summer Camp season. Work with youth from across Nebraska helping to build community, teach new skills, and foster a love of the outdoors. Apply today at go.unl.edu/campjob
Nebraska 4-H summer camp employees have the opportunity to impact children's lives in many experiential, outdoor settings. Employees are continually challenged to find new ways of teaching, motivating, and playing all summer. Summer camp employees are leaders and are held to high expectations as they will be the best resource camp will ever have in delivering our mission! Summer camp employees are trained to help provide active, hands-on, fun, and cooperative outdoor programming designed to develop respect for self, others, and the environment. We hire a team that will constantly encourage campers to grow up to be the absolute best they can be! We believe our summer camp employees are the heart of summer camp; we give you the tools and the confidence to positively impact anyone you meet or interact with at camp this summer! You will be the key to helping others discover, learn, and grow.
2024 ONLINE HORTICULTURE IDENTIFICATION CONTEST
Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?! We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest. The contest will be available June 7-21, 2024 at: http://go.unl.edu/online4hhortcontest
LIVESTOCK ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition, by recognizing youth striving to improve their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
Members of Excellence are recognized within each 4-H livestock project area, including:
- beef
- sheep
- meat goat
- swine
- dairy cattle
- dairy goat
- rabbit
- poultry
The program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence.
LIVESTOCK INFORMATION SCHOOL
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic.
HIPPOLOGY ACADEMY IS BACK!
It's back! 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&keyword=hippology&cond=advand&search=Search
CALIBRASKA ARTS INITIATIVE REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER 2024
programs for youth ages 5 years old and up. True to the ‘Cali-braska’ name, this initiative brings specialized arts offerings from the California industries to Nebraska communities where access is limited to technology, cultural or arts institutions, professional mentorship and resources to the creative industries. The fun begins June 3 - July 26, 2024!
Each class, camp, or workshop is taught by experienced teaching artists and professionals from the West Coast ‘scene’. This includes zooming them in or bringing them out to teach in person on the Calibraska ‘tour’ stopping:
- June 3rd-14th at The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts in Lincoln
- June 17th-21st at Northeast Elementary in Kearney - June 24th-28th at Scottsbluff High School in Scottsbluff
- July 8th-19th at the Mid Plains Community College in North Platte
- July 22th-26th at our new stop at Wayne State College
This year the program is offering an introduction course to 3D modeling with Maya, Storyboarding
classes, Music Video Camps, multi-generational offerings in Animation, and free virtual workshops with Nickelodeon Animation Studio!
Calibraska has a “No One’s Turned Away Policy” to make sure students who may be facing financial
insecurity can still participate in these special opportunities. Scholarships and discounts of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% are available for all prospective students as well as options to pay in installments.
Calibraska Arts Initiative founding director, Erica Larsen-Dockray grew up north of Scottsbluff, NE. After moving to Los Angeles to receive her Masters of Fine Arts in Experimental Animation and Integrated Media, she has returned each summer to Nebraska to teach animation, media, and arts to locals for the
past decade.
Calibraska is an initiative operating under the 501c(3) non-profit, Arts with Others, allowing donations to
be tax deductible. Any businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring students in need can visit:
https://www.calibraska.org/donate
For more information on the classes, registration, or to donate, visit http://www.calibraska.org or contact
Calibraska at info@calibraska.org or call (ne) 308.631.5704, (ca) 661.670.8663.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT CAREER EXPLORATION
Mark Thursday, June 13, 2024 on your calendar to spend the day in Hastings, NE exploring Heavy Equipment. This opportunity is open to students entering 8th – 12th grade in fall of 2024. Cost is $30 per individual. The registration link will open May 1, 2024 and close Friday, May 31st by 5 pm CT. You will find the registration link at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment.
Sessions will include:
* Navigate and drive virtual heavy equipment simulators
* Behind the wheel experience with a variety of Heavy Equipment pieces
* Learn about the Hastings CCC Heavy Equipment Program
* Career Panel
* Optional campus tours
For more information contact Beth Janning, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator at ejanning2@unl.edu.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment
MORE CAMPS & WORKSHOPS
As we find out about events across the state they are posted on our website, Facebook & Instagram.