Webster County 4-H Newsletter
February 2024 Edition
Happy February!
Happy 4-H Month! Be sure to check out the days below to help us celebrate!
-Webster 4-H Team
Important Dates & Events
- February 1st: 4-H Spirit Day
- February 8th: 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day
- February 11th: Webster Beef Weigh-In- Red Cloud
- February 12th: All About Art Workshop - Bladen
- February 12th: YQCA- Bladen
- February 15th: 4-H Supporter Appreciation Day
- February 15th: Webster County 4-H Scholarships Due
- February 19th: Office Closed in Observance of President's Day
- February 22nd: Give Back Day
- February 29th: Leap Into 4-H - Get Enrolled in 4-H
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
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/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!
All About Art 4-H Workshop
Register for the Bladen location by February 5th at noon! We must have at least 5 participants, otherwise it will be canceled.
YQCA Winter Dates Announced
Please see the picture above of the first round 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.
4-H Scholarships
Highschool seniors- check out the available scholarships to you here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/4-h-scholarships-3/ Most are due February 15th!
Senior Spotlight
We are wanting to showcase the high school seniors who participate in Webster County 4-H! We would like to do a “senior spotlight” 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:
· Name
· Senior Photo
· School they attend
· Projects they participate in 4-H
· Favorite part of being in 4-H
· 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.
Don’t 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
Youth Council Meeting Highlights
- Round Robin Update: Horses will be added to the lineup of animals to be shown during the Round Robin competition.
- Market Broiler Contest: With low participation in the last few years, it has been decided to remove the market broiler contest from the fair.
- Home Bred & Raised Heifer: Home Bred & Raised will not be in ShoWorks from now on. Youth wanting to participate in the HBR show will need to mark it on the newly updated breeding heifer ID sheet. It must be marked on the ID sheet by June 15th to be eligible for the show. https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/Breeding%20Beef%20Affidavit.pdf
- Best Dressed Goat: With low participation numbers on the Best Dressed Goat class, it will now be open to goats AND sheep.
- Horse High-Point: English classes will now be counted towards high-point.
- Ewe Lambs and Rams: Ewes lambs and ram ages will now be matched with state fair ages.
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. For more information on this, please call the office. Thank you, Kaitlyn, for your years of service as our superintendent!
STATE WIDE EVENTS
Photo Contest
Photo entries will be weekly opportunities for 4-H members to showcase their photography skills based on different categories. Entries will be uploaded to the Nebraska 4-H Website link (4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase) by midnight on Sundays starting on February 11th. Watch the Nebraska 4-H Facebook and Instagram pages for the weekly theme categories. Winners will be announced later in the week with their photo on social media. There will be 4-H Swag prizes given to all category winners.
Nebraska 4-H Dog Judges Training
The 2024 Nebraska 4-H Dog Judges Training will be held in Lincoln in the Animal Science Complex on East Campus on Saturday, February 24th, 2024. New judges are always needed. If you are a parent or someone who wants to help our 4H youth with the dog project, please consider taking the training. This is also a good opportunity for local dog project leaders and older 4-H members (16+) to observe the training and better understand how they will be judged at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Dog Show and local county fairs. Participants will be trained in showmanship and obedience. Participants must be 19 years old and up to be listed as a 4-H Dog Judge who is trained in showmanship and obedience. The training will include hands-on and classroom sessions.
Estimated Time Frame: 9 am-3:30 pm (Lunch is included)
REGISTRATION LINK: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vn9N5fWu452bMW
Fees:
Registration (register by 2/20 to get a lunch provided): $35
All checks should be made out to UNL and mailed to:
Lisa Karr 3940 Fair Street- A214
Lincoln, NE 68583-0908
*No Refunds will be given. Checks with insufficient funds will be charged a $25 fee.
*Registration is not finalized until checks are received.
All registered participants will be notified via email. Of any changes.
For further questions please contact Lisa Karr at lisa.karr@unl.edu
Horse Stampede
Save the Date for Saturday, March 23rd to participate at Horse Stampede in Lincoln on UNL’s 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.
Upcoming Nebraska BQA Workshop, YQCA Training, and Meet-n-greet w/ John Cook
Join us for this free, educational workshop on February 24 features a Certified Angus Beef ® brand lunch, giveaways and Optional YQCA training for kids exhibiting livestock in Nebraska.
All Nebraska cattle producers and their families are invited to Certified Angus Beef’s Nebraska BQA Workshop on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Round the Bend Steakhouse’s “The Ball Room” in Ashland.
Even if producers are already BQA certified, they may still attend and choose to recertify or keep their current certification.
An optional Youth Quality Care for Animals (YQCA) training will kick off at 10:00 a.m. YQCA is a requirement for all youth exhibiting beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits or poultry in Nebraska 4H and FFA. Kids are encouraged to stay for the following BQA workshop.
A Certified Angus Beef ® brand lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m., with the BQA sessions starting at 12:00 p.m. This event won’t be the “typical” BQA event. The event will conclude at 3:15 p.m. with guest speaker John Cook, University of Nebraska (UNL) volleyball head coach. Participating in the BQA workshops is required to hear Cook speak and participate in the meet-and-greet with him and UNL volleyball players.
For more information and to register for this event, producers can visit https://go.unl.edu/cabbqa or call 308.632.1230.
The event is made possible through the latest Certified Angus Beef (CAB) and Sysco partnership. In 2023, CAB and Sysco launched a cattle care partnership and a new campaign, Raised with Respect™. This campaign leans into the decades old practices of cattle care to tell a stronger ranch story to Sysco's customers in a way that builds confidence and trust in high-quality beef.
“Certified Angus Beef supports BQA because it’s a credible and effective way for producers to communicate animal welfare to people on the opposite end of the beef supply chain,” says Bruce Cobb, CAB executive vice president of production. “By building trust with this segment and consumers, we can help secure the strong beef demand we’ve been experiencing into the future.”
More information on Raised with Respect™ can be found at www.cabcattle.com/RaisedWithRespect.
Special Garden Project
As you begin making plans for 2024, be sure to check out the Special Garden Project. It offers a unique introduction to plant science. Members are given seeds and guided through planting, growing, and harvesting seasons. Members can exhibit a cut flower or harvested vegetable at the fair if all goes well. Otherwise, youth can share their experience through a poster, story, or video exhibit. Next year, members will work with the PRINCESS INDIA NASTURTIUM. Visit
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 aren’t 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.
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 in. 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!
In the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets! Sugar beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. Be eligible to enter an exhibit at the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area. Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project
through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members. Please have your order 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.
Virtual Horse Judging Camp
This is an online horse judging camp for anyone thinking about giving horse judging a try! The camp includes at-home assignments, reasons critique, 4 interactive virtual meetings, quizzes, and certificate of completion!
Participants have the opportunity to submit videos of oral reasons for feedback. Recorded sessions, class videos and supplemental materials will be available for 6 months.
Experts from 3 universities will be online each session to discuss classes and interact with you. Topics/classes covered include:
- Feb 8- Performance Halter- Dr. Steven Cooper, Oklahoma State University
- Feb 15- Oral reasons - Dr. Casie Bass, Purdue University
- Feb 22 Reining- Dr. Alyssa Logan- Middle Tennessee State University
- Feb 29 Western Riding- Dr. Kathy Anderson- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Dates: February 8, 15, 22 and 29
- Time: 7-8:30 pm Eastern time, 6-7:30pm Central time
Cost is $50
To register go to: https://catalog.extension.org/?category=6&keyword=horse%20judging%20camp&cond=advand&search=Search&fbclid=IwAR1w8SQzl_XS3ErtfVMw9xdsiaqpmlrg3aEadTOzZq4BY7_jBHmt3ZyhrXc
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
PASE
Save the dates for June 20th and 21st for Premier Animal Science Events held in Lincoln on UNL’s East Campus. This event is open to enrolled 4-H youth ages 8 to 18. Events include quiz bowl, skill-a-thon, meats judging, poultry judging and livestock judging. If interested in participating in one or multiple events, please let Beth know. First educational session is set for Sunday, February 25th at 4:30 pm at the Adams County Extension Office. All interested are welcome to attend. Volunteers to lead specific contest area are welcome! Visit with Beth about how you can lead a contest team.
Registration for the Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp program is now open!
The summer 2024 theme is The Power of Being 🍀 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
Congratulations to one of our own 4-Her's, Libby Macklin! 🍀
UNL Extension in Webster County Februar Newsletter
Happy Birthday to those Celebrating in February!🎉🎂🥳
Our office will be closed February 19th in observance of President's Day. 🇺🇲
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