Dakota County 4-H News
February 2023
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
Follow us On Facebook and Instagram!
Instagram: NE Extension Dakota County
Dates & Deadlines
FEBRUARY
NEBRASKA 4-H MONTH
11- 4-H Saturday - Dakota City (yarn art)
11/12 - Weekend of 4-H Service
14 - 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day
15 - 4-H and Volunteer enrollments due
18 - State Firsts Lego League - Grand Island
20 - Office Closed Presidents Day
21 - 4-H Supporter Appreciation Day
25 - Beef weigh-in 10-11:30 AM - Pender Sale Barn
28 - 4-H Professionals Appreciation Day
MARCH
4 - Snow Date Beef Weigh-in 10-11:30 AM
6 - Extension Board meeting
11 - 4-H Saturday (quilts)
25 - Rocket Launch (Haskell Ag Lab )
30 - Dakota County 4-H Senior Scholarship due
31 - Siouxland Garden Show, Marriot Hotel Center, South Sioux City, NE
MEMBER INFORMATION
Achievement Night Kudos
Congratulations to our youth and leaders recognized during our recent 4-H Achievement Night.
The event was held on January 22nd at the Norm Waitt YMCA in South Sioux City. 4-H'ers and their families enjoyed pizza and snacks, swimming and visiting with one another. Attendees watched a slide slide show of the award winners. If you would like to see the slide show visit our Youtube channel: Nebraska Extension in Dakota County.
Cloverkids: Wyatt Nielsen, Ben Albrecht
Junior Awards
Jenna Raymer – Beef
Drayden Nielsen – Dog
Ben Bousquet – Goats
Payton Hermelbracht – horse
Payton Hermelbracht – Public Speaking
Payton Hermelbracht – Home Environment
Rylie Hermelbracht – Poultry
Brooke Raymer – Rabbit
Lucas Bousquet – Swine
Isaac Albrecht – STEM Aerospace
Senior Awards
Brianna Bousquet – Citizenship
Brianna Bousquet – Leadership
Leaders years of service
10 Years
Scott Albrecht
Ray Hermelbracht
15 years
Justin Hogan
Nathan Hogan
Samantha Mitchell
45 Years
Rita Thrailkill
Member Years in 4-H
2 years
Albrecht, Benjamin
Barclay, Claire
Bousquet, Leah
Busker, Aiden
Bussen, Landyn
Duncan, Karlee
Estochen, Kinleigh
Krause, Clara
Krause, Sawyer
Lyons, Mia
Nelsen, Kynlee
Oban, Jaxson
Overfelt, Payton
Roeber, Collin
Thomsen, Finn
Torres, Aaliyah
Torres, Mario
5 years
Bousquet, Lillian
Bousquet, Lucas
Cavenee, Audric
Nielsen, Drayden
8 years
Dunn, Trent
Jessen, Alexis
Nelsen, Caedan
Thomsen, Gauge
10 years
Bousquet, Rachael
Heikes, Hunter
Overfelt, Avery
11 years
Fogarty, Donovan
12 years
Bousquet, Brianna
13 years
Utech, Katie Jo
4-H Online 2.0 is Now Open for Enrollment
It's time to get enrolled in 4-H for the 2023 4-H year! Nebraska has transitioned to their new 4-H Online v2 platform. 4-H Online 2.0 is more user friendly and is compatible on cell phones. You will notice a new look! 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
Beef Weigh-in
We are hosting the Dakota-Thurston County Beef Weigh-in on Saturday, February 25, from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at the Pender Sale Barn. As families are requesting its return, we encourage all families to participate. However, it is not required unless you plan to participate in the Market Beef Rate of Gain Class and Return Bucket Calf Rate of Gain.
Attend the weigh-in to get your county only tags, EID tags, and DNA envelopes. Remember tags cost $3 each, so don't forget to bring along some type of payment. (cash or check)
Our snow day is Saturday, March 4th from 10:00-11:30 AM.
Please RSVP to 402-987-2140 so we know you are coming with your beef animals!
Nebraska 4-H Month
Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate 4-H Month this February! Wear your favorite 4-H shirt on Tuesday, February 7. Put your hands to larger service on Saturday, February 11, or Sunday, February 12. Show our 4-H volunteers some love on Tuesday, February 14. Thank our donors or sponsors on Tuesday, February 21. And don’t forget to show our local 4-H professionals some appreciation on February 28.
NEWS & INFORMATION
Show Stock Manager Is Now Open
Families can now begin entering in their 2023 Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA livestock nominations.
Show Stock Manager Information (NOW Open for 2023!)
The 2023 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions can be found on the public page: https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-id.
4-H Horse News
We’ve learned over the past few years how important developing programming to meet your needs in an ever-changing environment is to our mission of providing 4-H Horse Program youth with learning opportunities. With the changing needs and desires for the program, we are updating our events to better meet the current interests of youth. One of the things we consistently hear is the need for more hands-on learning, especially through workshops and clinics.
To meet that need, we are excited to offer a series of clinics during the summer of 2023 that will be led by Carla Wennberg, Western Collegiate Equestrian Team Coach from St. Andrews University. Carla brings a wealth of experience leading clinics and is a certified horse show judge for several associations across the country. Details on sites and dates will be forthcoming!
Additionally, we have spent time reviewing the intent and outcomes of District 4-H Horse Shows. The intent of these shows was for youth to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show. Throughout the years, the number of exhibitors who qualify has increased dramatically to a point where 80-90% of exhibitors qualify. These percentages, along with declining numbers indicate these District Shows are no longer serving the intent and instead causing an extra burden for families of exhibitors who want to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Hence, beginning in 2023, participation in a District 4-H Horse Show will not be required to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. This is also similar to the process used by other state livestock events (i.e., State Fair, AKSARBEN, etc.) and will allow more youth the opportunity to experience the State 4-H Horse Show. As safety is always our most important concern, being able to provide more opportunities for learning through workshops and clinics will allow youth to increase their skills and further develop with their project horse(s) in preparation for the State 4-H Horse Show.
Please let us know if there are any questions and thanks to the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee for their input into the process. Be on the lookout for equine related clinics across the state with nationally known Carla Wennberg from St. Andrews University in June 2023!
Lena Luck, Equine Extension Specialist
Grace Kim, Extension Horse Assistant
Premier Communication Event
The Nebraska State 4-H Presentations Contest will partner with the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest to create a combined state-level communications event – this event will be called the Premier Communication Event and will be held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus on Friday, June 23, 2023.
The Premier Communication Event will be structured similarly to the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). The event will include contest classes, including the areas of prepared speech, radio public service announcements (PSA’s), illustrated presentations, impromptu speech, and video communication.
Eligibility for Premier Communication Event
• Youth must be currently enrolled in 4-H to participate in the Premier Communication Event.
• Eligibility requirements for the following contest classes include:
• Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), and Illustrated Presentation:
• Youth must receive a purple ribbon at their County Contest and be selected to participate in the Premier Communication Event in these classes.
• Counties may select up to five (5) contestants in each age division.
• Impromptu Speech and Video Communication:
• Open to all youth enrolled in 4-H.
• If eligible, youth may participate in all contest classes.
• Pre-registration is required for all participants and is completed by County Extension Offices. There is a $10 fee per entry for Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), and Illustrated Presentation participants; no entry fee is required for Impromptu Speech and Video Communication for 2023.
Age Divisions
• Intermediate: ages 10-13 as of January 1 of the current year
• Senior: ages 14-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Team Entries
• While most contest classes are only for individuals, team entries are allowed in the Illustrated Presentation contest class. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age division of the oldest team member.
State Fair Eligibility Update
With each new State Fair season, brings new possibilities and opportunities for 4-H families in Nebraska. The opportunity for 4-H to continue having its own weekend allows more flexibility for new events, entry limits, schedules and space. We want to continue to take advantage of that!
As part of that process, we continue to explore age eligibility requirements for State Fair participation. After garnering user input, researching data from other events/shows/states, and looking that overall impact on youth development, the decision has been made to change the age of eligibility in 2023 to be 9 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows).
State Fair Livestock DNA Update
All livestock in contention to exhibit at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair and/or the Aksarben Stock Show will be required to submit a DNA nomination. All 4-H/FFA BREEDING livestock, market livestock and FEEDER CALVES will now be required to submit a DNA sample/envelope to be eligible to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. DNA nominations for the Nebraska State Fair are due on June 15, 2023.
Requiring DNA on breeding stock will allow for flexibility of substitutions, allow exhibitors to have a better record of the animals they are nominating, sustain the integrity of exhibitors and ensure ownership of the livestock. As for the administrative side, this will help streamline the record keeping and validation process to assist our families as they are nominating their animal projects.
Any DNA nomination submitted through Show Stock Manager will also be eligible for exhibition at the Aksarben Stock Show. DNA nominations will remain at $7.00 per animal. With this update, animals will automatically be eligible for both breeding and market. Families who often paid to be eligible for both had been paying $9.00 ($7.00-Market and $2.00-Breeding) would no longer need to do that. All would pay $7.00.
Age Eligibilty Change
The age of eligibility at Nebraska State Fair is now 9 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows).
Age Divisions are:
Intermediate (9-13)
Senior (14-18)
Entry Limits for Nebraska State Fair:
Poultry and Rabbit -- 5
Sheep and Goat -- 4
Swine -- 5
Beef -- 5
4-H will be awarding an Overall Registered Steer division during the Market Beef Show:
Champion and reserve champion from each breed (including AOB) will be in the drive for Overall Registered Steer.
4-H will be awarding an Overall Purebred Swine during the Market Swine Show:
Champion and reserve champion from each breed (including AOB) will be in the drive for Overall Purebred Swine.
Registration Papers for Breeding Livestock (NEW)
Registration papers must show the exhibitor's name or a co-owner who is an immediate member of the exhibitor's family and is listed with the online nomination in Stock Show Manager.
2023 Special Garden Project
The 2023 Special Garden Project will focus on Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil. This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or used as a cut flower in arrangements to add scent and interest.
Youth should enroll for the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online. Once enrolled through 4-H Online, youth are then to call their local office to let them know they enrolled for the project. By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation.
The flyer and a letter including alternative ways to exhibit in this project are available on the website at https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project.
2023 Special Agronomy 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, 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.
The focus of the 2023 Special Agronomy Project is Tepary Beans. Tepary beans can be used like dry edible beans, forage, or hay. To participate in the Special Agronomy Project, enroll in the project through 4-H Online or call your local extension office to reserve seed by February 15.
There are three ways to complete this at the county or state fair. First, an educational exhibit that can be in a poster format can include what you learned. Secondly, let your creativity go wild and create a video-type presentation explaining what you have learned, showing the growing process, etc. Finally, you can enter the crop itself. To do this, cut 6 stalks at the ground level and bound-together with supporting information about the project. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
EVENTS
Experience the Power of Red
All high school students and their families are invited to attend the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) Experience the Power of Red Visit Day on Thursday, February 23rd. This is a free event that enables students to learn more about careers and opportunities in our College as well as meet current UNL students, faculty and staff. The day will begin at 9 am in the East Campus Union and wrap up with lunch and a scholarship drawing by 12:30 pm. Students can learn more and register at casnr.unl.edu/visitday.
Ag Innovators
Nebraska 4-H is still accepting applications for teens interested in facilitating the Ag Innovators Experience in their local communities. The 2023 Ag Innovators Experience, Aerial Ag Challenge, engages participants in modeling a sprayer drone’s flight path based on drone-collected images and environmental conditions, using line-following bot technology. Teen facilitator applications are due Wednesday, March 1, and a facilitator training will be held on Saturday, March 11, in Grand Island. Learn more and apply at 4h.unl.edu/aie.
Come Learn with Carla Clinics
Carla has been an AQHA & NSBA judge for 36 years and NRHA judge for 28 years. She has held many great titles such as teaching and coaching at St. Andrews University in NC, has coached 2 National Champion IHSA teams, and is currently a committee member for AQHA and NSBA judges and an IHSA board member. She is excited to come back to Nebraska and teach across our great state!
Our clinic dates will be held:
- June 2nd - Central City, NE - Merrick County Fairgrounds
- June 3rd - Lincoln, NE - Lancaster Event Center
- June 4th - Albion, NE - Boone County Fairgrounds
Clinic Pricing
- 4-H Enrolled Youth (8-18 years old) - $40
- Non-4-H youth (8-18 years old) - $80
- Adult (19+) - $80
Please note you must complete a separate registration for each participant.
Deadline for all registrations will be May 5th
- A copy of your registration will be emailed to you after submission. You MUST mail printed registration along with a check to complete your registration.
- All registrations and fees must be postmarked by MAY 5th
- Registration will be on a first come first serve basis.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://go.unl.edu/carlaclinics
For further questions please contact Grace Kim at grace.kim@unl.edu
Hippology Academy
Hippology Academy is back for 2023!! One of our most popular online course offerings will start on February 6. This course offers six topics, taught by Extension Horse Experts from all over the country. If you select the Silver option, you have access to a forum to have conversations, ask your questions of the Professor of the Week. Topics this time around: Colors and Markings, Digestive Anatomy, Respiratory and Cardiac Anatomy, Evaluating Pastures, Hoof Anatomy, and Pasture Related Diseases. Experts are from Universities of Florida, Purdue, Rutgers, Texas A&M. and Penn State University. Hoping you can join us.
https://catalog.extension.org/product?catalog=HippologyBronze
https://catalog.extension.org/product?catalog=HippologySilver
SOARS (Showmanship-Obedience-Agility-Rally Series)
SOARS - (Showmanship-Obedience-Agility-Rally Series) - We are excited to present our SOAR workshop series again in conjunction with Platte Valley Kennel Club! Learn from experienced clinicians provided by Platte Valley Kennel Club!
This workshop will be for ADVANCED youth and dogs. The workshop will be focused on agility in regard to weaves, A-frame, table, teeter & dog walk, plus courses including Speedway for the handling and directions. Will also include directed jumps as used in obedience and rally.
Prerequisites required for the workshop:
- Heeling on loose lead
- Sit
- Come
- Stay
- Some experience on agility equipment
Event: February 18th, 2023
Event Address: Companion Dog Club of Omaha and Council Bluffs - 10803 N 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68122
Estimated Time Frame: 1:00-4:00pm
Fees: Early Registration fee (by February 13th) : $20
- NO Day of Registration will be available BUT auditing is free (without dogs)!
- Please make checks payable to: UNL
- Vaccination forms are REQUIRED.
- Please provide a working email for further information regarding the workshop.
Link to register: https://go.unl.edu/soar2-2023
For further questions about registration contact Grace Kim at: (402)472-6085 or grace.kim@unl.edu or workshop details, Gisele Olney at gcolney@aol.com
4-H 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. The 4-H Horse Stampede is held annually at the UNL Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, Nebraska. This year's event will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023.
There is a $10 entry fee per participant and $10 office fee per exhibitor. Event shirts are also available for pre-order. All orders, fees, and entry forms must be submitted online by March 6, 2023.
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 are permitted.
Adventure Together 4-H Summer Camp
Registration is open for the Adventure Together 4-H Summer Camp series! A limited number of spots are available, and we recommend registering as early as possible to reserve yours. You can explore all the sessions and register at 4h.unl.edu/camps-summer.
Livestock Information Series
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.
38th Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference
We are thrilled to invite you to the 38th Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference. The WIA Conference will be held February 23-24, 2023 in Kearney, NE at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. New this year, we will offer a Pre-Conference on February 22 with QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor Mary Faber.
Please register for the conference at the following link: Event Description - 2023 Women in Agriculture Conference (cvent.com) so that you can select your sessions. Please NOTE: Early bird registration ends THIS Wednesday, February 8th. Register now to take advantage of a discount before the price increases on February 9th!
For more information about the event and workshop offerings please see the press release at: https://ianrnews.unl.edu/nebraska-women-agriculture-conference-registration-opens-january-3
We would be thrilled to see you at the 2023 Women in Agriculture Conference. Please reach out to us with any further questions you have.
Agronomy Youth Field Day
Annual Agronomy Youth Field Day, June 27, 2023 in Curtis, NE at the NCTA campus.
Open statewide to ALL youth ages 9-18 and adults. More details to follow after the first of the year.