Dakota County 4-H News

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

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

Facebook: Nebraska Extension in Dakota County

Instagram: NE Extension Dakota County

JULY

4 - Office closed Independence Day

5- Office closed -

13-17 - Fonner Park state 4-H Horse Expo

17 - County Fair pre-entry deadline - online

17 - YQCA completion deadline

27 - Fairgrounds clean up day

28 - Dakota~Thurston Dog, Cat, Small Animal Show - Pender, NE

29 - Dakota~Thurston Clothing Day - Fairgrounds Expo Center

31 - August 4 - Dakota~Thurston County Fair

AUGUST

10 - Nebraska State Fair Livestock Entries DUE

20 - State Fair Entries due to Extension Office

23-25 - 4-H State Fair Weekend

30- Sept 2 - FFA State Fair Weekend

SEPTEMBER

2 Labor Day - Office Closed

26-29 - Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show, Grand Island, NE

8/23 - 9/2 - Nebraska State Fair

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/

ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM IS OPEN!!!

County fair pre-entries are due by 11:59PM on July 17th, 2024.

https://dakotane.fairwire.com

If you need a t-shirt to wear at the for for shows now is the time to get them ordered. See the order form below. The due date says June 27th, but it has been extended until July 8th.

Orders must be pre-paid.

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.

The Dakota-Thurston 4-H County Fair has the following policy:

19) Late Policy - 4-H members are to pre-enter their projects for deadline will be accessed a $10 fee per individual. Entries will be accepted up to one week past the deadline, as long as the late fee has been paid.

These do not apply to any State Fair submissions! State Fair deadlines are hard and firm!

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY AS THINGS HAVE CHANGED THIS YEAR!

Poultry Exhibitors - When you enter your animals Wednesday, July 31st, 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, July 30th. Check-in is from 8:00 - 9:30 AM - Showmanship starts at 10:00, and the 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, July 31st from 6:00-8:00PM.

Livestock Check-in - Wednesday, July 31st 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 17th. Forms are available here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/cat-dog-companion-animal/

Bucket Calves - Record books for the Bucket Calf project are due to the Fair Livestock Office by Noon on Thursday, August 1st. Interviews will be from 1-3 PM on Thursday August 1st. There will also be a sign up sheet for interview times at Beef Check-in on Wednesday evening! Click here for more info: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/livestock/

Did you know that the Dakota~Thurston County Fair has a store? Yes it does! You can shop and get your wearable swag to wear at the County fair and beyond.

Several styles of tee, sweatshirts and hoodies are available and a hat too!.

The store closes soon, July 8th, 2024 at 11:59PM,so visit the website and place your order.

https://stores.inksoft.com/dakota_thurston_county_fair_24/shop/home

NOTE: These shirts are not approved dress code for 4-H shows.

The wristbands will be given to each 4H youth that are exhibiting during fair week. These will be handed out to Dakota & Thurston Extension kids starting Wednesday July 31st during Static entry check in and the additional wristbands can be handed out to kids as they pick up backtags in the livestock office. The wristbands allows them to get into the following events for free:

• Thursday - Tractor Pull
• Friday - Figure 8 Racing, Kids Day Activities, and Laser Tag
• Saturday - Kids Day Activities, Extreme Bull Riding

Have someone who might like to donate and support our 4-Hers? Have them contact the Thurston County Extension Office.

Trophies that are presented at the 2024 Dakota-Thurston County Fair are great incentives for 4-Hers to excel. Trophies presented cost $25.00 a trophy. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

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.

All 4-H rabbits exhibiting at the 2024 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.

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!

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

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.

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.

• 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

As you are aware many of your youth rely on being able to dual submit their livestock’s DNA for the Aksarben Stock Show. We are adding a new step to the process for the Aksarben Stock Show this year, online nomination. Youth that have purchased their DNA through your Extension Office will need to complete this online nomination to be eligible for the Aksarben Stock Show. They of course will not need to purchase a new DNA envelope. We will be accepting online nominations from May 1st through July 1st at 5 p.m. Please feel free to refer them to our website, aksarbenstockshow.com, which will have the link where to go to nominate, instructions specific for those that will be dual nominating for both shows, and frequently asked questions. You can also reach them at 308-382-1620.

Please note, the Aksarben Stock Show online nomination system will be different than Show Stock Manager. 4-H/FFA families who want to be nominated for both NSF and Aksarben will only need to submit one DNA envelope but will now have to submit the online nomination in two different databases.

The 4-H Volunteer Connection is a monthly e-newsletter for 4-H volunteers to get exclusive tips, tricks and support to help volunteers excel in their role, all delivered straight to their inbox. Volunteers subscribe to this e-newsletter at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-connection.

County staff are encouraged to add this opportunity to their 4-H family and/or volunteer communications.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-connection

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes loans to youth to establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is $5,000.

Youth Loan Eligibility Requirements:
1) Be a citizen of the United States (which includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) or a legal resident alien
2) Be 10 years to 20 years of age
3) Comply with FSA’s general eligibility requirements
4) Conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above
5) Demonstrate capability of planning, managing and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the youth loan applicant, along with providing adequate supervision.

For more information and help preparing the application forms, contact the farm loan team at the nearest USDA Service Center. To find the nearest office, visit: farmers.gov. Additional information about youth loans can be found at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index.

More details at: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index

Youth Crop Scouting Competition - Connecting Youth with Crops
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 11th 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 7, 2024. 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.
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.
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, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Extension.

More details at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/cropscoutingcompetition

As we find out about events across the state they are posted on our website, Facebook & Instagram.

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/4-HCamps/

Nebraska 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.