Scotts Bluff County 4-H

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong. Across the state, Scotts Bluff County 4-H invites community members to celebrate:

• 4-H Spirit Day on Thursday, February 6th
• 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day on Thursday, February 13th
• 4-H Supporters and Donors Appreciation Day on Thursday, February 20th
• Day of 4-H Service or Give Back to Your Community on Thursday, February 27
• Leap into 4-H – Get Enrolled on 4-HOnline on Friday, February 28

https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-promotion

Hello 4-H Families! As we embark on a new 4-H programming year, all 4-H families will enroll in clubs and projects through 4HOnline at v2.4honline.com.

If you are a returning member, go to v2.4honline.com and log in with your email address and password. Once logged in, you can update and add members and member information along with projects and clubs. Required fields are marked with red asterisk.

4Honline is a web-based enrollment system that will allow families to enroll in 4-H on your personal computer or mobile device. If you do not have internet access at home, feel free to stop by the Nebraska Extension office and use our computers. You'll be able to complete all of the information necessary to join 4-H online, including 4-H code of conduct forms and health forms. There will be no paper forms to submit for enrollment.

Members may enroll at any time during the year, but to be eligible for County Fair and State Contests enrollment must be complete before June 15.

Re-Enrollment - If you were enrolled in 4-H in 2024 or previous years, please enroll online and pay the $5 fee to the Extension Office by February 1. This will allow members to be covered by insurance when participating in 4-H activities.

4-H Online member re-enrollment instructions

New Enrollment - Youth who are joining 4-H for the first time are encouraged to enroll online and pay the $5 as soon as possible and no later than June 15 to be eligible for County Fair.

4-H Online new member enrollment instructions

Volunteers - Volunteers will enroll electronically. Returning leaders: If you have children in 4-H, log into your family account at v2.4honline.com and update your information. Volunteers without children in 4-H should go to v2.4honline.com, enter the email you have used in the past with 4-H and choose, "I forgot my password". A new password will be emailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, let the Extension office help you!

Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska and covers a few essential topics for volunteers. While the orientation is required for new volunteers and those going through the re-screening process, any interested individuals, including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the course.

Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.

Volunteers must re-enroll each year to retain status in years of service and for University of Nebraska-Lincoln insurance. Contact the Extension office for more info.

• Volunteer enrollment instructions

Beef

4-H & FFA Beef weigh-in will take place at the University of Nebraska (UNL) Panhandle Research Extension & Education Center Feedlot on February 22 and March 15, 2025 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The UNL Feedlot is located north of Scottsbluff off of Experiment Farm Road. Call 632-1480 if you need directions!

County tags are $1 each and we will have all the paperwork needed. If you are interested in showing market beef, breeding beef, and feeder calves at State Fair, you will need an EID tag ($3) and MUST submit a DNA kit for these animals. DNA Kits will be available at the weigh-in and are due to the Nebraska Extension Office before June 15. To finish your nomination for State Fair you must submit nomination information and fees online.

Contact the Extension Office if you have questions.

Sheep/Swine/Goat

4-H & FFA Sheep/Swine/Goat weigh-in/tagging will take place at the fairgrounds in MItchell on May 19 and May 22 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

The 2025 What’s the Buzz? season of the Nebraska State 4-H Camp will share the importance of pollinators in Nebraska- why they’re important, how they impact agriculture, and what youth can do in their own communities to support the various native pollinators we have in Nebraska. From bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and bats- it’s going to be a week full of learning and fun!

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is returning to Chadron and Burwell for summer camp 2025! Youth new to camping can attend a shorter camp session designed to let them experience all the best parts of summer camp in a 3 day/2 night session. Choose from one of two 5 day/4 night sessions for youth 10-14 years old and returning this year is the Leaders in Training camp for high school youth 15-17 years old! Campers will focus on developing leadership skills with an opportunity to put those skills into practice by volunteering at one of our other camp sessions!

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

The scholarship application is also live and families can apply at go.unl.edu/campscholarship. Scholarships must be awarded prior to registration.

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Program is designed to complement the tradition of recognizing outstanding volunteers and provides a standard and consistent approach to volunteer recognition across Nebraska. The purpose is to provide a base for Extension staff to sustain volunteers, build leadership potential, and offer recognition and praise for the great work of volunteers.

Timeline:

• Nomination Form Opens - February 8
• Nomination Form Closes - March 15
• Award Winners Announcement - Week of the Volunteer
• Awards Presentation - Nebraska State Fair

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, 4-H camp volunteer. etc.

More information is available at https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.

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.

We are excited to announce the fifth 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.

The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.

The program consists of three levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Junior 8-10 submits pictures, a poster, a presentation, or other learning activities to receive the distinction of Junior Member of Excellence, no point value required. Intermediates, ages 11-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.

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 2025 Special Garden Project will focus on the Goldie Husk Cherry. This old-fashioned fruit from the tomato family has sweet berries inside golden husks. The fruits have many uses and can be eaten raw, dried, frozen, canned, or made into tasty treats like pies, desserts, or preserves. (I assure you the husk cherry is different than a groundcherry, which is a weed in Nebraska, that looks very similar, but isn’t edible)

The special gardening project offers 4-H members an opportunity to grow fun and unusual projects in their gardens. Each year, a new plant is selected as the focus for all members enrolled in the project. Youth receive seeds that they plant and cultivate using project resources provided throughout the experience. 4-H’ers then have the opportunity to exhibit harvested vegetables or cut flowers or present their experiences through a poster or report at their county fair. Youth interested in participating are encouraged to enroll in the special gardening project through 4-H Online. Learn more at 4https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/special-garden-project/.

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, and research traits of the crop that determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live in. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we will be exploring a crop that can be marketed different ways depending on the variety.

In the fifth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sunflowers! There are two types of sunflower production in Nebraska. There are those grown for oil production, and those 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.

Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.

Enroll for the 2025 Special Agronomy Project through 4-Honline by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting the Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. The seed order will be placed prior to March 1st.

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

4-H Horse Stampede - March 29-30 https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede/

• March 29 & 30, 2025: 4-H Horse Stampede held at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, NE

  • Entries due Friday, February 28, 2025
  • Contests include:
  • Public Speaking (may compete virtually through zoom)
  • Demonstrations (may compete virtually through zoom)
  • Horse Bowl
  • Art
  • Photography
  • Horse Judging – new for 2025
  • Hippology – new for 2025

Fonner Park 4-H State Horse Show- July 12-16, 2025: Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo at Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE

• Entries due June 1, 2025
• Advancement levels and Horse IDs need to be completed by June 1

Age Divisions 2025:

Elementary: 8-9 years (level 1 & 2 only)

Elementary: 10-11 years (any leel)

Junior: 12-14 years (any level)

Senior: 15+ years (any level)

https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horse-expo/horse-show/

Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship

The Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship is for $300 and will be awarded to an outstanding student who has been in 4-H within the last four years and who is interested in continuing their education. Payments will be made directly to the school of the recipient’s choice.

Application Deadline is April 20, 2025.

Contact the Extension Office for the application.

Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center will again offer the “Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship.” Two scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded.

The application period will be open from March 1 to April 15, 2025.

To apply for the scholarship visit https://preec.unl.edu/annual-preec-scholarship/. Along with filling out the online form a letter of recommendation must also be submitted and emailed to dmccarthy2@unl.edu. The email subject line should be “2025 Scholarship Recommendation Letter (Insert Name of Student).” The application will be considered incomplete without the letter.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have attended high school in the Panhandle of Nebraska in one of the following counties:
• Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, and Thomas
• Be attending any of the Nebraska University Campuses, including Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
• Majoring in Agronomy, Ag Economics, Animal Science, Vet Science, Agriculture Technology, or a related degree emphasizing agriculture.
• Be a graduating high school senior or in the first or second year of study.

Awards will be chosen by May 1, and applicants will be notified via email if selected.

For more information or questions, contact Deidra McCarthy at dmccarthy2@unl.edu or 308-632-1230.

Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholarship

The Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding college junior, senior, or graduate-level student. Eligible students must be residents of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a breed industry-related degree. The scholarship will be awarded based on student needs, Nebraska beef industry involvement (past achievements and future plans), and academics. The application period for 2025 is now open through March 15.

Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Youth Scholarships

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) offers scholarships to qualified youth in Nebraska who have an interest in the beef industry. These scholarships are provided through contributions received by NCF. The application period for 2025 is now open through March 15.

Find both applications on the website https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/research-and-education-foundation.

Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE)

For over 30 years, the NILE (Northern International Livestock Exposition) has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students who have been leaders in their respective programs, excelled in the classroom, participated in NILE events and are actively involved in their communities.

Scholarship applications will close on March 1, 2025 and will be awarded and announced in April 2025. Similar to previous years, the NILE Scholarship Committee will be awarding five levels of scholarships:

• High School One Time Scholarship – Awarded to high school seniors that meet the qualifications listed in the guidelines.
• Rolling Scholarship – The rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.
• Secondary One Time Scholarship – A one-time grant, for students already enrolled in College or a Vo-Tech school meeting the qualifications.
• Shining Star: All qualified applicants are eligible. This scholarship is for an applicant that stands out in the crowd.
• NILE Legacy Award – Offered to students that have been very active in various NILE events from the time they were young!
• Hugh F. Miller Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of long time NILE Member Hugh Miller. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded in his memory.
• Needle In The Haystack – This scholarship will be randomly drawn for during the NILE Foundation’s Stetson and Stilettos in the Spring 2025. All scholarship applicants will be eligible – must be present to win.

More information is available at https://thenile.org/events/youth/scholarships/.

YQCA Scholarship

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is excited to announce the 2025 Scholarship Program available to high school seniors and students enrolled in a 2-4 year university or certification program. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior up to 21 year of age and In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must

• Be a high school senior or a high school graduate up to 21 years of age
• Have an active YQCA certification at the time of application (2025).
• Have had active YQCA certification the previous two years (2023, 2024)

Applications open January 1, 2025 and close February 17, 2025.

More information is available at https://yqcaprogram.org/local/scholarship-program.php

Animal Science at UNL

The Department of Animal Science offers scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as students at the sophomore, junior and senior level within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Program. The criteria, qualifications and application process varies according to the scholarship.

In addition to the departmental scholarships listed, there are also scholarship opportunities through CASNR, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, commodity groups at both the state and national level, and even in your local area.

https://animalscience.unl.edu/academic-programs/scholarships-and-financial-aid/

Jarvis Memorial Scholarship

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.

Qualifications:

• Female born high school graduate (or soon to be) OR a UNL student who has not resided at Love Memorial Hall OR an undergraduate transfer student from another university or colege pursing any major for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Must have applied (minimum) or been accepted (preferred) to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
• Must have requested residency in Love Memorial Hall.

If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net. The applicaton is available at the Extension Office.

Application deadline: postmarked or email a PDF file no later than March 15, 2025.

Email: abrown132@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/scottsbluff/
Location: 4502 Ave I Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone: 308-632-1480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffco4h/

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.