
Webster County 4-H Newsletter
March 2024 Edition
Happy March!
How are we already to March? It seems this year is already flying by! Lot's of fun events and deadlines coming up, so be sure to come back to this newsletter to check it all out!
-Webster 4-H Team
Important Dates & Events
- March 25th: Youth Council Meeting - Bladen
- March 28th: All About Art 4-H Workshop - Blue Hill
- March 28th: YQCA - Blue Hill
- April 1st: Let's Get to Gardening 4-H Workshop - Bladen
4-H Calendar of Events
Check out what is happening in Webster 4-H and more on this calendar! This will be updated weekly.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/4-h-calendar-of-events/
Webster County Events
4-H Dog Meeting
There will be an informative 4-H dog meeting at the Adams County Fairgrounds on March 11th starting at 7:00 pm for anyone who is interested. No dogs are to come to this meeting. Classes with the dogs will start on March 18th. Vaccination forms and a payment of $10 is required before attending. Please call or email Beth Janning for any more questions.
Webster 4-H 2024 Workshops
Webster County 4-H has an incredible line-up of workshops and camps happening for 2024! With that being said, check them out and get registered here before spots are filled! https://www.smore.com/n/sx52h
We are excited to send this out as families can visit about workshops during the holiday break. Please let us know if you have any questions. Spots are filling fast!
YQCA Dates
Please see the picture above of in-person dates of YQCA training. You must pre-register first online. Any youth 4-H ages 8-18 showing livestock such as poultry, rabbit, swine, sheep/goat, and beef are required to complete YQCA by June 15th. You may sign up for an in-person training (you must ask me for a code first) by going here: https://yqcaprogram.org/ If you are unable to attend an in-person training, you may complete online. There will not be any more in-person dates besides this list for Webster County.
4-H Horse Scholarship
The Legacy Leaders 4-H Scholarship is open to youth (high school juniors and seniors) enrolled in the Webster County 4-H equine program. Applications are due April 1st. Apply here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/Legacy%20Leaders%204-H%20Scholarship.pdf
Senior Spotlight
We are wanting to showcase the high school seniors who participate in Webster County 4-H! We would like to do a βsenior spotlightβ post on them on our Webster County Extension/4-H Facebook page and newsletters! If you would like to have us do a post, please send us the following:
Β· Name
Β· Senior Photo
Β· School they attend
Β· Projects they participate in 4-H
Β· Favorite part of being in 4-H
Β· What are their plans after graduation
Be sure to watch for our posts on our Facebook page and newsletters once it gets closer to graduation. We also hang these in the hallway at the courthouse and in the hallway in the 4-H building during county fair week.
Donβt forget to check out local 4-H scholarships available to the seniors here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/4-h-scholarships/
Thank you and congratulations to all seniors!
Enroll for the 2024 4-H Year!
4-H Online is now open for re-enrollment for the 2024 year! Nebraska has done some updates to the system and the enrollment process should be much simpler for families to enroll. Remember to select your projects you may do in the year. Start enrollment here: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
T-Shirt Sign Up
Every year, we ask 4-H members to fill out the t-shirt section on 4-H Online to select your size for county fair. New this year, we are having families fill out this separate survey for to help make our t-shirt order more efficient. If you enroll on 4-H Online and plan to exhibit at the Webster County Fair, please sign up for your t-shirts here. We will not be going off of 4-H Online. Enroll by April 15th for a free Webster County Fair 4-H t-shirt! Enrollments after April 15th will be $10/t-shirt. https://go.unl.edu/tshirtsforcountyfair
4-H Food Stand Superintendent
The Webster County Youth Council is in search of a 4-H Food Stand Superintendent for the Webster County Fair. This individual will work in conjunction with the Methodist Church Stand group. This is a paid position for the week. Responsibilities include:
- Working with the Methodist Church Stand Committee to order food for the week
- Oversee the food stand during each day
The Extension Office will be in charge of putting together the schedule for the week. For more information on this, please call the office. Thank you, Kaitlyn, for your years of service as our superintendent!
Let's Get to Gardening 4-H Workshop
Only 4 spots left! Register at https://go.unl.edu/gardening24 for a fun filled morning!
Premise ID
4-H Beef Families:
Now that our weigh-dates are complete, it is time to get your Premise ID numbers to the office. With the tags we use (840 EID), the animal that carries that type of tag requires the exhibitor to obtain a Premise ID. The Premise ID does not identify the animal, but instead the location of that animal. Some of you may have one already, and some families are new and wonβt have one. It is super easy to get a Premise ID! Once I have this number, I wonβt ask for it again, it is a onetime deal.
What is a premise ID? A premises identification number (PIN) is a unique code that is permanently assigned to a single physical location. A premise ID is administered by each state and allows animal health officials to quickly and precisely identify where animals are located in the event of an animal health or food safety emergency.
To get a Premise ID Number:
- Complete the Premises ID Registration Form: https://nda.nebraska.gov/adt/PremisesID-Form.pdf
- Email the completed form to agr.cvi.ne@nebraska.gov
- Or mail to Nebraska Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Protection 301 Centennial Mall South P.O. Box 94787 Lincoln, NE 68509-4787
- If you have any questions, contact Britney Hagood, Animal Disease Traceability Program Manager, at 402-471-6865
Please email Alexa once you have sent the form, so we know the process has started. Please send her your Premise ID number once you receive it so we can add it to the file. Please have this completed by April 15th. Let us know if you have any questions.
4-H Open House
Join us on April 15th for a fun afternoon to get enrolled in 4-H, enjoy some treats, and an activity to take to the fair! More details to come.
STATE WIDE EVENTS
Let's represent Webster County 4-H with volunteer nominations!
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as and multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the stateβs 10 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner will be named in the each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.
The nomination period runs through March 15, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer (such as robotics or shooting sports), afterschool club volunteer or 4-H camp volunteer. More information, along with the nomination form, is available online at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.
Winners will be announced virtually in April 2024. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2024 Nebraska State Fair.
Red Letter Days
In addition to Husker Weekday and Saturday visits, Nebraska is excited to offer Red Letter Days and Junior Jumpstart visit experiences in March and April.
Red Letter Days
- Monday, March 4
- Friday, March 8
- Friday, March 29
- Friday, April 12
- Friday, April 26
Register at go.unl.edu/visit
Junior Jumpstart Visit Days
In addition to Husker Weekday and Saturday visits, Nebraska is excited to offer Red Letter Days and Junior Jumpstart visit experiences in March and April.
Junior Jumpstart Visit Days
- Monday, April 8
- Monday, April 22
- Monday, April 29
Register at go.unl.edu/visit
Horse Stampede
Save the Date for Saturday, March 23rd to participate at Horse Stampede in Lincoln on UNLβs East Campus. Contests include Public Speaking, Demonstrations, Art, Photography, and Horse Bowl. Visit - https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede - to learn more. Grab your friends, enroll in 4-H, and let Alexa know by February 28th of your event. All registrations are due online by Monday, March 4th.
Project Spotlight
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 arenβt 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
Corn Yield Challenge for 4-H and FFA Members
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.
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 Yield 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.
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.
4-H Horse Judging
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
Livestock Achievement Program
Through the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement program, youth can receive recognition as Members of Excellence for engaging in various project-related activities. NEW in 2024: Members as young as eight will be able to participate. Applications are due June 15, but why wait? Visit
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being π 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.
4-H Summer Camp Looking for Leaders
Make a difference this summer! 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
UNL Extension in Webster County March Newsletter
Happy Birthday to those Celebrating in March!πππ₯³
Meet Our Team!
Alexa Pedersen
Office Manager
Alexa Pedersen is the Office Manager for the Webster County Extension Office. Alexa provides help in assisting clientele with questions that can be forwarded to a specific educator. She assists educators in programs that are put on in Webster County, such as pesticide training, and beef programs. She also provides knowledge in the 4-H world by helping families with any 4-H questions that come in. She is skillful in 4-H Online, ShoWorks, and helps prepare for 4-H programming, county fair, and state fair. Alexa is also a part of the 4-H Data Dream Team for Nebraska 4-H as well as the State Fair 4-H Beef Team.
Email: alexa.pedersen@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/
Location: 621 North Cedar Street, Red Cloud, NE, USA
Phone: 402-746-3417
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WebsterCoExtNE
Katie Bolte
4-H Programming Assistant
Katie Bolte is the 4-H Programming Assistant for the Webster County Extension Office. Katie is at the extension office on Mondays and Tuesdays. Katie provides programming in school enrichment, after-school programs, and 4-H workshops. She is knowledgeable when answering any 4-H questions that comes in and helps prepare for programs, county fair, and state fair.
Email: katie.bolte@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/
Location: 621 North Cedar Street, Red Cloud, NE, USA
Phone: 402-746-3417
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WebsterCoExtNE
Beth Janning
Beth Janning is a 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator. She provides programming in school enrichment, after-school, and traditional 4-H Programs. Her topic areas include but not limited to animal science, science, engineering and volunteer development.
Photo and Bio from UNL Extension
Email: elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/
Location: 2975 South Baltimore Avenue, Hastings, NE, USA
Phone: 402-461-7209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WebsterCoExtNE
Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead
Beef Systems Educator, DVM
Lindsay Waechter-Mead is the Beef Systems Educator in Webster County and serves surrounding counties in this region. She is excited to bring her interests surrounding cow/calf health and preventative medicine to the Beef Team. Her current work involves looking at environmental effects on neonatal calf immunity and colostral transfer. She is also passionate about rural agriculture and what the veterinary profession can do to positively influence rural communities to ensure that generations can continue to enjoy the life that she loves.
Email: lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/
Location: 621 North Cedar Street, Red Cloud, NE, USA
Phone: 402-746-3417
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCBeefExtensionUNL