Mailing Address: PO Box 148 - Thedford, NE 69166

Email: s.albertus@unl.edu

Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/centralsandhills/
Location: 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE, USA
Phone: (308)645-2267
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralsandhillsarea/

In this edition:

• Communications and Expressive Arts Contests
• Introduction to 4-H Judging
• Shooting Sports Instructor Training Opportunities
• Data Driven & Statistics Based Field Day
• 2025 Special Agronomy Project
• State Programming
  

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Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills

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Nebraska Extension in the Sandhills

PLEASE SHARE WITH US YOUR NEWS so it can be included in our newsletters! Forward any 4-H news, events, or activities to s.albertus@unl.edu.

• March 18th- PSA/Speech Workshop 3:45 in commons area
• April 10th- CEA Contest @ Lecture Hall 5:00

• Date TBA

Spring into 4-H judging! A training series for 4-H project judges will take place in April 2025:

• Thursday, April 10th (5:30 - 6:30 pm CST): Introduction to Judging 4-H Projects
• Audience: Adults interested in learning about judging 4-H projects at county and state fairs.
• Topics: Ensuring interview judging is a positive experience, the role of Positive Youth Development in the judging process and more!
• Monday, April 14th (5:30 - 7:00 pm CST): 4-H Visual Arts & Foods Judges Training
• Audience: New and experienced judges for Visual Arts and Foods projects.
• Topics: Class changes to 4-H Visual Arts department; Refresh on foods department judging including the new trends of sourdough and updates.

Participation is optional, and while live attendance is encouraged, the sessions will be recorded and available at: https://4h.unl.edu/resources/judges/.

Visit https://go.unl.edu/judgestraining2025 to register!

📢 Registration Now Open for "Data Driven: A Statistics & Data Science Field Day"!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 22, 2025, and join us on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus for an exciting day of data science and statistics competitions! This event is open to teams of 4 high school students and 1 coach.

Compete in 5 unique games focused on probability, data science, and a bit of luck for a chance to win amazing prizes, including $500 CASNR scholarships for the top-scoring team members. Registration is free for the first 20 teams, courtesy of CASNR sponsorship!

📍 Where: Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, UNL East Campus

🕙 When: 10 AM - 4 PM, March 22, 2025

Don’t miss out—register today! For more details, visit 4h.unl.edu/data-driven

2025 Special Agronomy Project — Sunflowers

In the fifth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sunflowers — a crop that can be marketed different ways depending on the variety.

There are two types of sunflower production in Nebraska — the first type is grown for oil production, and the second type is grown for human food consumption, referred to as confectionery seeds. A portion of the oil seed production is used in the bird seed industry. Sunflowers are grown throughout the state of Nebraska, with the greatest concentration in western Nebraska. The variety we will be growing is a high oleic hybrid. Its oil profile combined with a nice black seed color ensures multiple market options.

• 4-H members enrolled in the Special Agronomy Project will: Receive a ‘packet’ of seeds (one packet per youth) in March/April • Grow their seeds in their garden or pots
• Receive written resource materials
• Be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area:
• G750011 - Special Agronomy Project Educational Exhibit (SF259)
• G750012 Special Agronomy Project -Video Presentation o
• G750013 Special Agronomy Project (Freshly Harvested Crop – Either 2 heads or 2, 2-foot stalks)
• Enroll for the 2025 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Special Agronomy project in 4-H Online and contacting The Central Sandhills Area Extension Office who will order and distribute the seeds

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge for 4-H and FFA Members

We are delighted to announce the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.

Key Features:

• Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.

• Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.

• Data Collection: The Corn Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.

• Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:

• First Place: $1,000

• Second Place: $500

• Third Place: $250

• Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices. Registration deadline is April 1st.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.