APRIL 2024

2024 DEADLINES AND EVENTS - Downloadable sheet

• 2023 4-H RECAP
• ENROLL IN 4-H
• SUCCULENT WORKSHOP
• PICK - YOUR - PROJECT
• 2024 4-H COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST
• 2024 WORKSHOP TEASER
• 4-H T-SHIRT SIGN UP
• SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
• SIGN UP FOR SPORTSYOU
• SHEEP/GOAT WEIGH DAY.
• YQCA
• SAVE THE DATE - County 4-H Horse Show
• 2024 COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT THEME
• APRIL BIRTHDAYS

STATE SCOOP

• SAVE THE DATE - 4-H Regional Camp
• STATE FAIR CHANGE - age of eligibility
• STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK INFORMATION
• 4-H STATE HAPPENINGS

Download the 2024 Deadlines and Events sheet today! This information is provided to help our 4-H families stay on task and not miss out on any of the important 4-H happenings.

The goal of 4-H is to provide a positive youth development experience so that young people may eventually achieve success in their chosen profession or vocation, contribute to their communities, and experience happiness and well-being.

Take two minutes and watch this video that highlights just some of the great experiences our 4-H members had this past year. JOIN NOW! TELL A FRIEND TO JOIN NOW! Enrollment details below.

It is time to enroll for the 23-24 4-H year! Log onto your account and 4HOnline 2.0 guides you through the enrollment process.

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL

No sure what projects to enroll in for county fair? Pick Your Project is an online database and selection guide for finding 4-H projects and their resources. users can search for projects by keywords or browse by curriculum area, knowledge level, and geographic level. CHECK IT OUT!

FOLLOW STEPS BELOW FOR YOUR 4-H T-SHIRT

• ENROLL THROUGH 4-H ONLINE before ordering your t-shirt(see above enrollment details)
• Click the image to the left to fill out the google form.
• A FORM NEEDS TO BE FILLED OUT FOR EACH 4-H MEMBER.
• All other t-shirt orders (parents) we will be sending out more information as soon as we secure the source for the shirts.
• ORDERS ARE DUE JUNE 1ST so DO NOT WAIT to get your t-shirt ordered

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

NEW - Polk County 4-H will be using the SPORTSYOU app (in addition to email & social media) to communicate important 4-H news, events & deadlines to 4-H families. Get information for Polk County 4-H right on your phone through the app! We are able to share a 4-H Calendar with you along with short helpful videos and any schedule changes or updates quickly. It is optional, but we hope you will find out the benefits of using this app!

Options to sign up for SportYou:

• Download the SportsYou app through your app store if you do not already have it.
• Once downloaded it, then to sign up select the "join group" at the top right-hand side.
  
• The access code is: M5MMBAR6

YQCA is an important part of any livestock project. Learning more about safe and effective ways of caring for your livestock is the aim of YQCA.

IMPORTANT!! Each participant that completes either in-person or online YQCA MUST complete a pre-test and post-test. The system will not mark your session complete or generate your certificate without both tests.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HELPFUL, SHORT VIDEO TO HELP LOGIN AND COMPLETE YOUR YQCA.

WANT TO GET A HEAD START ON YQCA? USE THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE BELOW TO BE A YQCA EARLY BIRD!

To allow our members to participate in the State Hose Show, the County Horse Show will again take place on the Saturday before county fair.

Each year, Polk County Extension creates a themed photography project exclusive to our county 4-H members. This year's selection is ABANDONED BUILDINGS.

All three levels of photography have the option to enter a photo based on that year's theme. The winner from each photography level will have their photo displayed in the Polk County Extension Office for a year immediately following the Polk County Fair.

Get your cameras out and keep your eyes peeled for abandoned buildings such as barns, houses, and deserted commercial buildings. Capture the beauty in things left behind. We can't wait to see what you will shoot!

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to submit a DNA nomination. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Aksarben Stock Show. DNA nominations will be $7.00 per animal. All animals will automatically be eligible for both breeding and market–no additional fees or double payments will be required. DNA nominations for the Nebraska State Fair are due on June 15, 2024.

Any 4-H member planning to exhibit livestock at the Nebraska State Fair must complete the appropriate livestock identification requirements for each potential animal. This process nominates the animals for the 4-H livestock shows at the Nebraska State Fair and provides evidence that the animals are part of the youth's livestock projects. The process makes an individual animal eligible for entry at the Nebraska State Fair.

Please note that completing the state identification requirements does not automatically enter the animal or exhibitor for the Nebraska State Fair. The exhibitor must still complete the separate online State Fair entry process. Animals that are not identified and nominated using the appropriate state requirements by the deadlines below will not be eligible to be entered or shown at the Nebraska State Fair.

County offices may still accept paper ID sheets/affidavits for their own record keeping but these will not be accepted as a form of identification for the State Fair.

FOR REQUIREMENTS & DEADLINES - CLICK HERE

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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

LINCOLN – 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.”

Are you ready to take the next step towards a successful future? 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. We believe that every young person has the potential to achieve greatness. Our comprehensive program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in postsecondary education and beyond. Whether you're exploring potential career paths, preparing for college admissions, or seeking guidance on how to navigate the professional world, our camp provides the tools and resources you need to succeed. 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!

Email: polk-county@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/polk/
Location: 400 Hawkeye Street, Osceola, NE, USA
Phone: 402-910-1640
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PolkCountyNebraska4H