Thurston County 4-H News

Sydney Williams, Extension Assistant, sydney.williams@unl.edu

Bobbie Hingst, Office Manager, bhingst2@unl.edu

Email: thurston-county@unl.edu
Website: thurston.unl.edu
Location: 415 Main Street, P.O. Box 665, Pender, NE 68787
Phone: 402-385-6041
Facebook: facebook.com/UNLExtensionThurston/
Twitter: @UNLThurstonCty

MAY

20 Thurston Extension Board Meeting

27 Office Closed – Memorial Day

29 Let's Get Cooking #1 Workshop, St. John's the Baptist's Church, Pender, NE

30 Let's Get Cooking #2 Workshop, St. John's the Baptist's Church, Pender, NE

31 Deadline to register for Adventure Day Camp

JUNE

4 Pillow Case Workshop, United Church of Pender, Pender, NE

7 Adventure Day Camp, Neligh Park West Point, NE

10 Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting (TBD)

11 Floral Design Workshop, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE

11 Floral Door Hangers Workshop, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE

12 YQCA In-person Training, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE (1:30 - 3:30 PM)

13 Bee Hotel Workshop - Virtual, Live via Zoom, (ask on this)

13 Clover Kid Olympics, St. John's the Baptist's Church, Pender, NE

15 4-H Enrollment ABSOLUTE DEADLINE

15 Drop/Add 4-H Projects DUE for county fair & state fair participation.

15 All Livestock Affidavits (including Horse County Only) DUE

15 State Fair Beef, Sheep, Swine, & Goat DNA & Nominations DUE

17 HWY 15 Salvage Workshop, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE

17-18 Premier Communication Event @ UNL

19 Office Closed - Juneteenth

20-21 PASE/Life Challenge @ UNL East Campus

20 Let's Paint Runaways Workshop, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE

25 Design & Restoration Workshop, Pender Fire Hall, Pender, NE

27 Outdoor Adventures Workshop, Pender Public Schools, Pender, NE

JULY

4 Office Closed – 4th of July.

8 Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting (TBD)

13-17 State 4-H Horse Expo @ Fonner Park, Grand Island

17 ALL Dakota-Thurston County Pre-Fair Entries (including YQCA) DUE

27 Pre-Fair Clean Up

31 - Aug 4 Dakota- Thurston County Fair

AUGUST

10 State Fair Animal and In Person Entries DUE

12 Thurston 4-H Council Meeting (TBD)

19 Thurston Extension Board Meeting

21 State Fair Exhibits; Grand Island, NE

23-Sept 2 NEBRASKA STATE FAIR

23-25 4-H Weekend @ State Fair

SEPTEMBER

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR – Aug 23 – Sept 2

FFA Weekend @ State Fair Sept 30 - Aug 2

2 Office Closed – Labor Day

9 Joint 4-H Council Meeting (TBD)

11 Farm Safety Day, Pender, NE

26-29 Aksarben Stock Show

OCTOBER

6-13 National 4-H Week

14 Office Closed – Columbus Day

14 Thurston County 4-H Council Meeting

For those who have not enrolled in 4-H for 2024 (or started an enrollment but not completed it), it's not too late! Visit https://v2.4honline.com/ to enroll. Our county has a $5 enrollment fee. Please contact us at 402-385-6041 with any questions.

Before Friday, June 15th please make sure you have all these things checked off...

EVERYONE:

• Enrolled at https://v2.4honline.com (all youth and leaders)
• Projects selected on 4honline

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS:

• Tags from office (Beef, Swine if State Fair)
• ID Sheets/Affidavits (Beef, Dairy, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits, Swine, Horses)
• Going to State Fair? DNA for ALL animals & Online nomination https://showstockmgr.com

Livestock ID/Affidavit sheets, livestock tags, EID tags, and DNA envelopes are available at the office. Contact us at: 402-385-6041 or stop by and pick them up! Reminder that tags are $3/each.

If you are a member of Rosalie Feeders or Thurston County Independent, please remember to pay your $5 dues to our office ASAP so we can complete your enrollment. Mail checks to: Thurston County Extension, PO Box 665, Pender, NE 68047. (Youth members 8-18+, Clover Kids do not have dues.)

YQCA is available as an online or face-to-face program for youth everywhere in the United States. Any 4-H or FFA member planning to show livestock must be certified (beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheet, and/or swine projects.)

Requirements:

Online at– https://yqcaprogram.org/ 3 modules @ $12 total (to receive full certification you must complete 3).

OR Face-2-Face training @ $3 total Scheduled for June 12th 1:30-3:30 PM @ the Pender Fire Hall (register at https://yqcaprogram.org/ . You will need to take a pre & post test before their certification is complete & a certificate is issued).

OR Test Out for Intermediate @ $36 or Senior @ $48.

Dakota-Thurston county 4-Hers YQCA deadline is Wednesday, July 17th!! Contact our office for coupon codes for in-person or web-based YQCA training!

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Through our partnership with NIFA, we are able to offer the Governor’s Agricultural Excellence award grants again in 2024. NIFA has committed funding to support up to 25 grants state-wide.

Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. This grant is intended to provide funding for 4-H Clubs to complete projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Projects aim to be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community.

Successful applicants will be awarded a $500 grant issued to the club’s treasury to be used as described in the award application.

At the conclusion of the project, clubs will submit a report detailing the outcomes of the intended project.

For additional information and full application instructions, please see the Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s website. https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/governers-ag-excellence-award/

Please share this opportunity with your local clubs and encourage them to apply. Applications are due in the Nebraska 4-H Foundation office by May 31.

We hope to be able to award clubs by June 15 with checks arriving shortly after that.

Our 2024 Fairbook is posted online and ready to view!

Visit https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/dakota-thurston-county-fair-0/ to either view a PDF copy or to find the links to the areas you're interested in!

Click on this link to view:

If you are a high school or middle school student eager to explore the fascinating world of food science you will not want to miss attending our camps this summer!

Our camps, which are hosted by the Food Science and Technology Department at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, were designed with you in mind. You can choose from a range of camps: one-day, three-day, or week-long experiences. Each camp offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse aspects of a specific food or food group, from pizza to cookies and dairy products! You will not want to miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge while exploring the world of food science.

Secure your spot now by registering at https://foodscience.unl.edu/food-science-summer-camp

**Application deadlines vary depending on the camp. Questions: Contact Andreia Bianchini at abianchini2@unl.edu.

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. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle! Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting our extension office for seeds at 402-385-6041 or thurston-county@unl.edu.

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

The Special Garden Project is open to all youth of 4-H age and it will give them the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting this unique flower. This project lets 4-H members try their hand at growing unusual vegetables and flowers. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun, new, and different while letting those new to gardening get their feet wet in this project area.

**New for 2024** With the changes to 4-H Online, youth are encouraged to enroll for Horticulture/Plant Science through 4-H Online. The 2024 Special Garden Project will focus on Princess of India Nasturtium. This Victorian-era heirloom flower can be grown in a variety of ways including in containers. It provides a splash of color from its scarlet flowers and much of the plant can be eaten. More information available at: https://4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project Please contact the Extension Office for the seeds to get started on the Special Garden Project at (402) 385-6041 or email us at thurston-county@unl.edu.

Registration is open for the Power of Being Green 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.

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

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.

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! The last camp is Sunday, June 9 through Friday, June4 14, 2024.

Mark Thursday, June 13, 2024 on your calendar to spend the day in Hastings, NE exploring Heavy Equipment. This opportunity is open to students entering 8th – 12th grade in fall of 2024. Cost is $30 per individual. The registration link will open May 1, 2024 and close Friday, May 31st by 5 pm CT. You will find the registration link at https://go.unl.edu/heavyequipment.

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.

Summary of Changes for Livestock Fairbook for 2024

• Age of Eligibility
• The age of eligibility in 2024 is now 8 years of age before January 1 (of the current year) for all in-person events (livestock, contests, fashion shows)
• Showmanship Age Divisions
• Junior Showmanship (ages 8 to 10 before January 1 of the current year)
• Intermediate Showmanship (ages 11 to 13 before January 1 of the current year)
• Senior Showmanship (ages 14 to 18 before January 1 of the current year)
• Awards
• Exhibitors will receive awards for the Division Champions, Reserve Division Champions, Grand Champion Overall, Reserve Grand Champion Overall, and 3rd Overall. Only entries receiving a purple ribbon are eligible to receive champion and reserve awards.
• Entry Limits
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 5 beef.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 sheep.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 4 goats.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 hogs.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 rabbits.
• A 4-H member may exhibit up to 6 live birds.

• Individual Species
• Sheep: New Breed Class-All Hair Breeds
• Goat: Market goats will show in separate classes; Market Wethers and Market Does (until final selection)
• Swine: New Breed Classes-Tamworth and Landrace
• Rabbit: New Breed Classes-Blue Holicer and Czech Frosty

Dog Skillathon Contest: Added a Junior Skillathon Division and rotated breed ID picture topics

• • June 1, 2024 Phelps County Small Animal Progress Show, Phelps/Gosper County Fair Grounds, (Holdrege, NE)
  • June 5-7, 2024 - UNL Livestock Judging Camp, Animal Science Building, (Lincoln, NE)
  • June 6-8, 2024 - 4-H 50th Horse Camp, Nebraska Extension Dawes County (Ft. Robinson, NE)
  • June 9, 2024 - Hustler Progress Show, Cuming County Fairgrounds (West Point, NE)
  • June 9, 2024 Boots N' Spurs 4-H Club Open Horse Show, Steven's Arena at Dawson Co. Fairgrounds (Lexington, NE)
  • June 14-15, 2024 - Fitting Workshop and 25th Annual Cream of the Crop Dairy Show, Cuming County Fairgrounds (West Point, NE)
  • June 15, 2024 - Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program, (Lincoln, NE)
  • June 15, 2024 - 4-H Beef Progress Show, Keith County Fairgrounds (Ogallala, NE)
  • June 15, 2024 - Dawes Co. 4-H Progress Show, Dawes County Fairgrounds (Chadron, NE)
  • June 22, 2024 - Horsemanship with Rebekah Irish, Stevens Indoor Arena, (Lexington, NE)
  • June 22, 2024 - 38th Annual Papio Valley Livestock Show, Sarpy County Fairgrounds, (Springfield, NE)
  • June 22, 2024 - Adams County Progress Show, Adams County Fairgrounds (Hastings, NE)
  • June 22, 2024 - Platte County Showmanship Clinic, Ag Park Arena and Green Barn (Columbus, NE)
  • June 23, 2024 - Horsemanship with Rebekah Irish, Sandhills Global Event Center, (Lincoln, NE)
  • June 27-30, 2024 - Wisner Junior Livestock Show (Wisner, NE) - Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Rabbit, and Dog Shows
  • June 23, 2024 - Sheridan County Goat, Beef, Sheep, and Swine 4-H Progress Show, Sheridan County Fairgrounds (Gordon, NE)
  • June 29, 2024 - Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Show, Chase County Fairgrounds, (Imperial, NE)
  • June 29, 2024 - Platte Valley 4 Paws Dog Show, D&N Event Center, (North Platte, NE)

  
  

  More information about these shows can be found at the Thurston County Extension website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/thurston/area-livestock-shows-events/
  
  

We are excited to announce the fourth 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.

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 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. Learn more at https://4h.unl.edu/livestock-info-series

Just wanted to take a moment to recognize our 2024 Thurston County 4-H Seniors! We are so proud of all your accomplishments so far and wish you the best of luck on your future adventures!

• Caleb Kelly - Pender Public School
• Codi Olsen - Emerson-Hubbard Public School
• Gracie Slaughter - Bancroft-Rosalie Public School
• Mason Bodlak - Pender Public School

If interested please contact Thurston County Extension for an application or call (402) 385-6041 for more information.

The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others.

Each year, program participants receive an exciting year of media training and national opportunities to share their 4‑H story and leadership.

All Youth in Action Program applicants will receive:

• Media, interview, and storytelling training from National 4‑H professionals.
• Admission into our national 4‑H story database; providing potential national multi-media and spokesperson opportunities.

Four Award Winners will receive:

• A $5,000 scholarship for higher education, to be paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools or other advanced learning opportunities.
• A year of personal professional and media development, training, and networking opportunities and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and key thought leader in your program area.
• All-expenses paid trips for each award winner & a chaperone to travel as the national youth spokesperson.
• An official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.

Applications should be submitted no later than March 27th!

Learn more and apply at 4-H.org/parents/4-h-youth-in-action-awards.