Thurston Co. 4-H News

Jennifer E. Hansen, Extension Educator, jhansen6@unl.edu

Sydney Williams, Extension Assistant, sydney.williams@unl.edu

Bobbie Hingst, Office Manager, bhingst2@unl.edu

Email: thurston-county@unl.edu
Website: thurston.unl.edu
Location: 415 Main Street, P.O. Box 665, Pender, NE 68787
Phone: 402-385-6041
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLExtensionThurston/
Twitter: @UNLThurstonCty

MARCH

1 - Thurston County Early Enrollment Incentive Deadline!

4 - Dakota-Thurston All Contest Day Registration is DUE by 12:00 PM!

4 - Butter Braid Sales are DUE by 4:30 PM!!

4 - 4-H Horse Stampede entries DUE

9 - Dakota- Thurston All Contest Day - Speech, Favorite Foods, Presentation, & Music contests (St Luke's Lutheran Church, Emerson, NE @ 9:30 AM)

11 - 4-H Council Meeting; 6:30 PM

14 - Butter Braids delivered (To Extension Office)

15 - Jarvis Memorial Scholarship Application DUE

23 - 4-H Horse Stampede, Lincoln, NE

APRIL

8 - Joint 4-H Council Meeting (TBA)

15-21 - National Volunteer Week

20 - All Contest Day (RAIN DATE)

26 - Office Closed – Arbor Day

MAY

13 - Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting

20 - Thurston Extension Board Meeting

27 - Office Closed – Memorial Day

JUNE

7 - Adventure Day Camp, Neligh Park West Point, NE

10 - Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting

15 4-H Enrollment ABSOLUTE DEADLINE

15 - Drop/Add 4-H Projects DUE for county fair & state fair participation.

15 - All Livestock Affidavits (including Horse County Only) DUE

15 - State Fair Beef, Sheep, Swine, & Goat DNA & Nominations DUE

18 - Premier Communication Event @ UNL

19 - Office Closed - Juneteenth

20-21 - PASE/Life Challenge @ UNL

JULY

4 - Office Closed – 4th of July.

8 - Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting

13-17 - State 4-H Horse Expo @ Fonner Park, Grand Island

17 - ALL Dakota-Thurston County Pre-Fair Entries (including YQCA) DUE

27 - Pre-Fair Clean Up

29 - 4-H Clothing Day Judging

31 - Aug 4 Dakota- Thurston County Fair

29 - 4-H Clothing Day Judging

AUGUST

July 31 – Aug 4 - Dakota-Thurston County Fair

10 - State Fair Animal and In Person Entries DUE

12 - Thurston 4-H Council Meeting

19 - Thurston Extension Board Meeting

21 - State Fair Exhibits; Grand Island, NE

23-Sept 2 - NEBRASKA STATE FAIR

23-25 - 4-H Weekend @ State Fair

Thank you to all that enrolled in 4-H online by March 1st! You will be receiving a small token of appreciation from the 4-H Council at a later date. For those who have not enrolled in 4-H for the 2024 4-H year, it's not too late! To enroll, visit https://v2.4honline.com/

For returning families: Do Not create a new account; rather use your existing log-in credentials from 4-H online as used in previous years. Find instructions at https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/returning-member

For new families, find instructions here: https://4h.unl.edu/enroll/new-member

Our county has a $5 enrollment fee. Cloverleaf members pay your leader. All other clubs, TC Roughriders, Rosalie Feeders, and Independent pay by check to the Thurston County Extension Office.

Please contact us at 402-385-6041 with any enrollment questions.

Thurston County 4-H'ers will again have the opportunity to sell Butter Braids this year starting Thursday, February 1st through March 4th! Members can pick up their fundraising materials from the extension office! Online options are available again for 2024. Please have your sales sheets turned into the extension office by Monday, March 4th. Thank you!!!

Butter Braids are available in a variety of flavors! Thurston County 4-Hers will be taking orders from February 1 to March 4, orders will be delivered to the 4-Hers on March 14 between 3 and 5 pm at the Thurston County Extension Office. Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund 4-H activities throughout the year.

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present Returning to the Farm, a workshop series for families who are in the transition process of bringing members back to the farm or ranch. It will begin with a two-day workshop in Kearney for multi-generational families on March 8 and 9 at the office of Nebraska Extension in Buffalo County, 1400 E 34th St.

“Returning to the Farm gives families the tools and resources to have a successful transition with more family joining the business,” said extension educator Jessica Groskopf. “We really want to have two or three generations come to this together and take that time, as a family, to sit down, learn together and start these important processes.”

The workshop fee is $75 per person on or before March 1. March 2, the fee increases to $85 per person. Registration includes dinner on March 8 and lunch on March 9. It also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually. Hotel accommodations are not included.

https://events.unl.edu/CAP/2024/03/08/177795/

The Nebraska 4-H volunteer recognition program is designed to complement the tradition of recognizing outstanding volunteers and provide a standard and consistent approach to volunteer recognition across Nebraska!!

Please help us make sure our volunteers get the recognition they deserve! Nominate your favorite local 4-H volunteers for a Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.

Nominations are due March 15th!

Teams of four high schoolers and one or two adult coaches are invited to join the Department of Statistics and Nebraska 4-H to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of data science, statistics, and numerical literacy. This full-day competition will feature interactive head-to-head competitions, providing a platform for teams to showcase their skills. Additionally, participants will have the valuable opportunity to interact with the University recruitment team and industry professionals.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, (CASNR) is generously sponsoring the registration costs for the first 20 teams.

And, CASNR is sponsoring the top prizes of EIGHT $500 scholarships.

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!

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.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.

We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield 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.
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.

More details at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge

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

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.

Join us for an immersive and empowering college and career ready experience through Big Red Camps 2024! Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, skill-building, and preparation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Through this experiential learning opportunity, you will work alongside UNL faculty and staff as well as business and industry professionals. Incoming freshmen through seniors during the 2024-25 school year are welcome. Whether you're a first-time camper or a returning veteran, we guarantee an unforgettable experience filled with learning and fun! Don’t delay, reserve your spot today! For more information and to register, visit our website 4h.unl.edu/big-red-camps or contact us at BigRedCamps@unl.edu. We can't wait to see you at camp!

Summary of Changes for Livestock Fairbook for 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

The Loup Valley 4-H Horse Conference is once again holding a two-day horsemanship clinic for all Nebraska 4-H horse youth at the Merrick County Youth & Ag Education Center in Central City. It will be held on Saturday March 9 and Sunday March 10 from 9:00 - 4:00 PM each day. It costs $100 per day with lunch included.

Registration deadline is March 1st! Contact Kim Dugan for more information 308-750-3912

Saturday, March 23, 2024 @ UNL - Lincoln East Campus, $10 Entry Fee
Registrations, Art, & Exhibits due to Extension Office by Monday, March 4, 2024
https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede

The Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede offers a variety of 4-H horse contests that do not require live animals, including public speaking, demonstration, quiz bowl, art, and photography contests. Youth have the opportunity to display their equine knowledge through these contests both as an individual and as part of a team.

There is a $10 entry fee per participant. Event shirts are also available for pre-order. All order forms, fees, and exhibits must be submitted to local Extension offices by March 4, 2024.

Nebraska 4-H Horse show dress code is required for all in-person contests. Please see pages 23-24 of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide for details. Exception: No hats or headgear.

The 4-H Spring Rabbit Show will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 9 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock – South Hall in Lincoln, NE. 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!

Again this year: the knowledge contests are open to adults for a minimal fee!

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications to attend one of the biggest ag youth outreach events in the state. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together hundreds of high school juniors and seniors for a week to learn more about agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry.

NAYI will be held July 8-12, 2024, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. Students selected to attend NAYI do so free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2024, to apply. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. This year’s theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”

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Please join us for our annual Nebraska 4-H Horse Judging School on April 20, 2024, at the Animal Science Complex on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus in Lincoln, NE.

This event is for horse show judges, aspiring judges, judging team coaches, and senior age youth! We will have classroom demonstrations and live horse judging.

The main topics covered are Judging 4-H, Rules and Guidelines, Conformation, Ranch Riding and Trail.

Register today! https://cvent.me/MPlM03

Presenters will be:

Kathy Anderson (Nebraska Horse Specialist and AQHA Judge)

Kelsey Ebke (Horse Trainer and AQHA Judge)

Brooke Parrish (Former UNL Horse Judging Coach)

Lena Luck (Nebraska Youth Equine Extension Specialist)

Hello! Spring is around the corner and so is the Phelps County Small Animal Progress Show. All 4-H families are encouraged to participate in this great show! Not only will we have a show but also showmanship tips, prizes, and rabbit & poultry ID contest. Concessions are available.

We are excited to announce the fourth year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.

Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 1 via the completion form on the website.

Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.

For more information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)

Ashley Benes ashley.benes@unl.edu

Brett Kreifels brett.kreifels@unl.edu

Cole Meador cmeador2@unl.edu

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. Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-info-series

The intent of the scholarship is to assist women who live 3 or more hours drive from Lincoln but wish to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Applicant must reside in Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall on East Campus.

If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net

Application deadline: postmarked no later than March 15, 2024.

Application can be found here: https://go.unl.edu/thurstonjarvismemorial2022

(One $500 Scholarship — Fall 2024/Spring 2025—non renewable)

Who is Eligible?

1. Female born high school graduate (or soon to be) OR a UN-L student who has not resided at Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall (LMH) OR an undergraduate transfer student from another college or university pursing any major for an undergraduate or graduate degree.

2. Applicant must be or been a member of 4-H or FCCLA or FFA (minimum of two years) or have taken a minimum of three semesters in Family & Consumer Sciences classes and live in or attend school in the following Nebraska counties: Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Cedar, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Hooker, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Red Willow, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Thomas, Thurston, Wayne, Wheeler.

3. Must have applied (minimum) or been accepted (preferred) to University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

4. Must have requested residency in Love Memorial Hall, a cooperative residence hall on East Campus. Residents rotate responsibilities for cleaning a portion of the Hall and planning/preparing meals (about 1 hour per week; more time during a week when responsible for food preparation). The cost of living in Love Memorial Hall is less than half of what is charged for all other traditional dorms. Over a four year period this amounts to a savings around $24,000. More information about Love Memorial Hall is found at: https://housing.unl.edu/love-memorial-hall Students may change housing preference by submitting a written request to the Housing Office.

For more information: Web - https://housing.unl.edu;

Phone - (402) 472-3561; Switchboard—800-742-8800; Email: housing@unl.edu

The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others.

Each year, program participants receive an exciting year of media training and national opportunities to share their 4‑H story and leadership.

All Youth in Action Program applicants will receive:

• Media, interview, and storytelling training from National 4‑H professionals.
• Admission into our national 4‑H story database; providing potential national multi-media and spokesperson opportunities.

Four Award Winners will receive:

• A $5,000 scholarship for higher education, to be paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools or other advanced learning opportunities.
• A year of personal professional and media development, training, and networking opportunities and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and key thought leader in your program area.
• All-expenses paid trips for each award winner & a chaperone to travel as the national youth spokesperson.
• An official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.

Applications should be submitted no later than March 27th!

Learn more and apply at 4-H.org/parents/4-h-youth-in-action-awards.

We are excited to share with you the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Engler Program. Visit the website below to find more information about Engler as well as the scholarship that is available for high school graduating seniors. https://engler.unl.edu

If you have any questions please reach out to Michelle Bassford:

Michelle Bassford, Chief Experience Officer,

Engler Entrepreneurship Program-UNL,

DINS 201AD, Lincoln, NE 68583,

(402) 472-9274, https://engler.unl.edu