Mailing Address: PO Box 148 - Thedford, NE 69166

Email: s.albertus@unl.edu

Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/centralsandhills/
Location: 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE, USA
Phone: (308)645-2267
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centralsandhillsarea/

In this edition:

• Important Summer Dates and DEADLINES
• Fair Dates
• Cloverkid Colleges
• Foods Workshops
• Grab and Go Workshop Bags
• Fairbook
  
• State Programming
  

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Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills

Don't forget to visit our Extension website at:

Nebraska Extension in the Sandhills

PLEASE SHARE WITH US YOUR NEWS so it can be included in our newsletters! Forward any 4-H news, events, or activities to s.albertus@unl.edu.

• July 1- Fair Entries Due (Livestock and Horse IDs)
• July 8- Cloverkid College-

  9:00 am – 11:00 am in Dunning

  1:00 – 3:00 pm in Thedford

• July 9- Cloverkid College

  8:00 am -10:00 am MT in Mullen

  12:00 pm – 2:00 pm MT in Hyannis

• July 17- Morning- Muffin Mania Workshop : Brenda Aufdenkamp
  

• July 17- Afternoon- Lets Get Veggie Workshop: Brenda Aufdenkamp
• August 1- Horse Advancement Levels due to the office. If your show is before August 1st, they are due the day of the show.

• July 22nd - Small Animal Show 8:00 AM
• July 22nd - Style Revue Judging 12:00 PM
• July 23rd - Horse Show @ 9:00 AM
• July 24th- Livestock Show @ 9:00 AM
• July 25th- Static Entries @ 9:00 AM

• July 23rd - Horse Show w/TC
• July 30th- Static Entries and Style Revue Judging
• August 1st - Livestock Show
• August 1st - Small Animal Show

• July 29th- Small Animal @ 8:00 AM
• July 29th- Style Revue Judging @ 1:00 PM
• July 30th- Horse Show @ 8:00 AM
• August 1st- Static Entries @ 8:00 AM
• August 3rd - Livestock Show @ 8:00 AM

• July 31st- Style Revue Judging @ 2:30 PM
• August 7th- Horse Show @ 8:30 AM
• August 8th- Small Animal @ 9:00 AM
• August 9th- Static Entries @ 9:00 AM
• August 10th- Livestock Show @ 8:30 AM

July 8

• 9:00 am – 11:00 am in Dunning
• 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Thedford

July 9

• 8:00 am -10:00 am MT in Mullen
• 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm MT in Hyannis

Call the office to sign up!

Grab and Go Summer Workshop Bags can be ordered via this form. https://forms.office.com/r/Xbcxt4S5wj

Please contact Shaniya for any questions. Bags are $15 and include materials and instructions for four workshops. One bag has materials for one 4-Her. Check MUST be made out to UNL and mailed to PO Box 148 Thedford, NE 69166. We also accept cash. Shaniya will deliver orders to one location per county to be picked up. Locations will be decided after orders are confirmed. If you can not access the form, please call the office and we can get you on the list.

Due to short staffing and impending maternity leave, workshops offered this summer will be more concise than Shaniya has offered previously. Workshops offered are those that Shaniya can handle alone or that volunteers in each county have asked to host themselves. This grab bag is an effort to allow for more opportunities for our youth with less commitment needed from families and volunteers. All projects can be shown at fair.

The 2024 Fairbook is posted on our website at the link below. PLEASE NOTE: The fair entry forms look different this year in an effort to streamline the process and make it easier for horse, livestock, and small animal entries.

There is a study available on evaluating the Nebraska Equine 4-H Advancement Level Program towards positive youth development. Youth are invited to take part in this research study through the completion of the Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Survey. The goal of horse programs is to develop important life skills in the youth who participate. In order to determine if there is an association between Positive Youth Development scores and the Advancement Level program, we are asking that you allow your child to complete online survey.

Your child/legal ward will be asked to complete 1 survey using an internet-based Qualtrics survey. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete, and they may complete them from a home computer or on a computer at the Extension office. If you allow your youth to participate, please continue by clicking on the link below.

Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Program

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

launchssp.qualtrics.com

State Horse Show

Ages of youth for the State Horse Show has changed so here is the update!

Elementary Division: 8-9 yrs old with Level 1 & 2 only

Elementary Division: 10-11 yrs old with Levels 1, 2, & 3

Junior Division: Ages 12-14 yrs old

Senior Division: Ages 15 & Up

Innovative Youth Corn 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 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.

More details at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge

• 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.