Nebraska Extension - Dakota County
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
Dakota County 4-H
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
OUR WEBSITE IS CHANGING!
The University of Nebraska is making a major change to all websites that are associated with the University.
Our Dakota County website is included in those updates. The site will look totally different. As our office is working to move content from one site to another, please be patient.
Not all links or information may be available immediately. If there is information you need contact Tammy.
The new site is expected to be live mid December. The web address will be the same.
4-H ONLINE ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 4-H year is now open. Please enroll early. This helps your 4-H Extension staff prepare for the upcoming year. We need to update our mailing list and make sure we are sending information to you that pertains to projects you will be working on.
To enroll: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
NOTE: VOLUNTEER ENROLLMENT IS NOT YET OPEN. If you are a volunteer that works directly with our youth you will need to submit an enrollment in 4-H online and complete the new volunteer screening process. We will send notice to our volunteers when it is available.
DAKOTA COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL
Did you know that there is a Dakota County 4-H Council?
Does your club have a representative on the Council? There should be 1 adult and 1 youth from each club.
We only meet a few times a year to discuss our local 4-H programming, finances, fundraising and how we can best serve the 4-H program.
We did not have quorum for our November meeting so will be scheduling sometime in December or January.
All 4-H club members and an adult representative are welcome attend.
Please check with your club leader and make sure your club is represented
DIAMOND CLOVER AWARDS
The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills and abilities that will prepare them for success in the future. The program is designed to reach and recognize all youth engaged in 4-H, from club members and campers to school enrichment, afterschool, and special interest program participants.
The program consists of six levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the 4-H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Diamond Clover program.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Orientation serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska. As part of the screening process, the orientation covers a variety of foundational and essential topics. Any interested individuals including current or prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the orientation. However, all new volunteers serving in direct roles, such as club leader, project leader, or workshop presenter, are required to complete the orientation. Volunteers are also required to complete the orientation as part of the re-screening process.
Contents
The orientation covers:
- Welcome & Introduction
- What We Do in 4-H
- Volunteer Roles & Training
- 4-H Operations
- Risk Management for 4-H Volunteers
- Resources & Support for 4-H Volunteers
Each topic includes a 4-10 minute video followed by several knowledge check questions. The entire orientation should take approximately 45 minutes to complete and may be completed over multiple sessions.
Confirmation of Completion
Upon successful completion, you will receive a confirmation email. Your county Extension office will also be notified of your successful completion.
Re-Orientation
Volunteer screening and orientation is repeated every five years based on geographic location regardless of when the original screening and orientation was completed. When it is time for re-screening and re-orientiation, volunteers will be prompted with instructions for completing the online processes. See Volunteer Re-Screening Schedule.
COMMUNITY SERVICE SHOWCASE
We know communities across Nebraska need true leaders now more than ever. We also know Nebraska 4-H Clubs and Members are rising to the challenge. Let us know what you're doing to serve your community. Submit your 4-H community service project for a chance to be showcased. Selected community service projects will be showcased on the Nebraska 4-H social media channels, including on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
UNL MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?
An informational meeting will be held November 14 at 6PM in the Dodge County Extension Office you can attend in-person or via zoom.
The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture related volunteer training program based in many counties throughout the state. It has been part of UNL Extension since 1976. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by UNL Extension faculty and staff. They contribute time as volunteers working through their local Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their community. More specifically, they provide education about sustainable horticultural practices. Participants are required to complete 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer service during the initial year of their involvement in the program. Master Gardener volunteers retain their certification through annual training and volunteering.
Master Gardener training sessions are held at county offices throughout the state. Classes begin in February or March, depending on the location. A minimum of 40 hours of educational training is provided. Most locations conduct training during daytime hours, but some offer evening classes.
Please contact Ian Peterson at ipeterson4@unl.edu for more information.
NEBRASKA FED STEER CHALLENGE
Nebraska Fed Steer Challenge applications now open! The 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is a unique opportunity for members looking to take their 4-H beef project to the next level.
Applications are open and due December 1, 2024 for the 2025 program year. For more information regarding the Fed Steer Challenge, or to apply to participate in 2025, visit https://4h.unl.edu/fed-steer-challenge
DOG ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
The program consists of 4 levels that require youth to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Dog Achievement program provides a list of recommended accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. At each level, youth must choose a specific number of recommended accomplishments they plan to achieve. Each level also has a certain number of required accomplishments that youth must complete in order to pass the level. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level. At the beginning of the level, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level's Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Dog Achievement program.
More information can be found at: https://4h.unl.edu/dog-achievement-program
For any questions, contact Grace Kim at Grace.kim@unl.edu
It is recommended on the program page that Plan & Report Forms should be to county offices at least 1 month prior to the county awards night for youth to be recognized.
LANDLORD/TENANT CASH RENT WORKSHOP
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a workshop in Dakota City for farm and ranch landowners, landlords and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate, and best practices for managing or leasing land.
“Big Questions and Innovative Solutions in Land Management” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 17, at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dakota County, 1505 W. Broadway.
The workshop will cover topics related to Nebraska's land industry for farms and ranches. Those include evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, lease provisions and legal considerations, proper communication strategies and considerations for successful land transitions. Workshop participants will also be able to find answers to common farmland leasing and land ownership questions.
Refreshments will be provided by Farmers National Company.
The program is free to attend. Registration is required by Dec. 16, by calling Nebraska Extension in Dakota County at 402-987-2140.
More information is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/land25.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.
2024 NEBRASKA 4-H VOLUNTEER ROAD SHOW
Calling all 4-H volunteers, local fair superintendents, parents and caregivers and any adult who wants to find THEIR spark through volunteering with 4-H! You're invited to join us for one of our upcoming Volunteer Road Show events: Hastings – November 12 Scottsbluff – November 14 Virtual – November 17 Lincoln – November 18 Norfolk – November 19 You'll discover new opportunities for your members, network with other volunteers, and build your skills working with youth. Session topics include: North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Impact Study County Fair Superintendent Training Club Service Activities = Fair Exhibits Animal and Livestock projects opportunities Beyond Ready A $15 registration fee covers a meal and all supplies. https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-road-show
2025 YOUTH BEEKEEPING SCHOLARSHIP
The goal of the Nebraska Beekeepers Association Youth Scholarship is to support and encourage young Nebraskans who have a passion for beekeeping. By providing financial assistance through educational tuition and equipment, the scholarship aims to help young beekeepers expand their knowledge and learn new skills and experiences in beekeeping.
The application form and candidate essay must be submitted to the Nebraska Beekeepers Association no later than December 1. More information about candidate requirements and the application process can be found at https://www.nebraskabeekeepers.org/scholarship.
More details at: https://www.nebraskabeekeepers.org/scholarship
2024 4-H STEM CHALLENGE
Looking for a unique way to engage and inspire young people in your club or classroom? Check out this year’s 4-H STEM Challenge. The 2024 STEM Challenge was developed by 4-H educators from LSU AgCenter, North Dakota State University, Penn State Extension, and University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This year's kit will provide fundamental knowledge on food security, how people are impacted locally and globally, and how youth can co-create more food secure communities. Learn more at 4-H.org/programs/stem-challenge/
RED LETTER DAYS
Explore the "Power of Red" at the 4-H Campus Visit Day! 🌟 Join us on Saturday, November 9th, for a half-day college visit experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dive into academic interests, enjoy a campus tour, and get all your questions answered about admissions, financial aid, and more. Complimentary lunch included! Register now at go.unl.edu/casnrvisitday24. #PowerOfRed
RACE NEBRASKA & HORSEMEN'S HEALTH UPDATE
Join us at UNL’s Animal Science Complex (3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE) on November 16 for the fall 2024 Race Nebraska/Horsemen’s update. The fall seminar will focus on gastric ulcers with live endoscope demonstrations, Genetic diversity of Thoroughbreds, and several presentations related to breeding mares.
“Race Nebraska and Horsemen’s Update” will be held on November 16, 2024 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Animal Science Complex on University of Nebraska’s East Campus. The event is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, Boehringer Ingelheim, and the Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic.
Topics covered at the event include gastric ulcers, genetic diversity of thoroughbreds, preparing mares for the breeding season, breeding methods used today, body condition scoring, and the latest news in Nebraska Horse Racing.
Speakers include University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and extension horse specialist Dr. Kathy Anderson, Nebraska professor Dr. Jessica Petersen, Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic veterinarians Dr. Mike Black, Dr. Amy Cook, and Dr. Hayden Vosburg, Dave Anderson of Nebraska HPBA, and Clara Cross of Boehringer Ingelheim.
Those interested can register at go.unl.edu/u7p8. Preregistration cost is $20, and $10 for UNL or DVM students by November 8 at midnight. Cost at the door is $25, and $15 for UNL and DVM students. Both cash and checks will be accepted at the door. Lunch is included with your registration.
