Nebraska youth test their agronomy knowledge at Crop Scouting Competition
Youth from across Nebraska put their agronomy knowledge to the test at the annual Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. The contest, held on August 3, 2022, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, allowed youth to work as teams and gain hands-on experience scouting actual plots.
Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Kornhusker Kids team coached by Chris Schiller. Team members were James Rolf, Logan Consbruck, Isaac Wooldrik, Levi Schiller and Ian Schiller. Second place went to Colfax Co. 4-H Team #1 coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Josh Eisennman, Mic Sayers, Rylan Nelson, & Hayden Bailey and they received $250. Third place with a $100 cash award was Colfax County 4-H #2 team also coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Callen Jedlicka, Cody Jedlicka, Daphne Jedlicka and Justin Eisennman.
Also participating were two teams from Johnson County 4-H coached by Jon Schmid. Team members from Johnson County #1 included Wesley Schmid, Sophia Schmid, Bo McCoy, and Elliot Werner. Johnson Co. #2 team consisted of Levi Othmer and Cameron Werner. Arlington FFA also competed with Kali Agler as the coach and Aaron Fuchs, Braden Monke and Ethan Hilgenkamp competing.
An in-person regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Missouri teams at the Beck Agricultural Center near West Lafayette, Indiana on September 15 hosted by Purdue Extension. Participants from Kornhusker Kids 4-H and Colfax County #1 are able to compete representing the state of Nebraska.
For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/youth.
Fifty-two youth receive Member of Excellence distinctions
Nebraska 4-H awarded fifty-two youth with the Members of Excellence distinction at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair. 4-H members earned the award for engaging in livestock-related learning experiences throughout the year in addition to caring for and exhibiting their 4-H livestock projects. Nebraska 4-H recognized Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas.
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the beef project area included:
- Kaisha Alber, Webster County
- Cooper Elsen, Buffalo County
- Troy Linquist, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Ava Myers, Hamilton County
- Brayden Griess, Clay County
- AJ Pospichal, Holt County
- Mattie Brown, Scotts Bluff County
- Nathan Griess, Clay County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Bryn Boitnott, Otoe County
- Ava Stewart, Cedar County
- Logan Schmidt, Thayer County
- Bo Pospichal, Holt County
- Maysa Jones, Custer County
- Tatum Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Tristian Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Mahaya Jones, Custer County
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
- Trapper Wilcox, Antelope County
Members of Excellence in the dairy project areas include:
- Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
Youth who received the Member of Excellence distinction in the meat goat project area included:
- Randy Koke, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County
- Autumn Hoppe, Holt County
- Maysa Jones, Custer County
- JayLynn Hoppe, Holt County
- Brooke Carey, Holt County
- Miya Carey, Holt County
- Tatum Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Tristian Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Mahaya Jones, Custer County
Youth recognized as Members of Excellence in the poultry project area included: /p>
- Franklin Polacek, Madison County
- Charles Cawley, Cass County
- Marcus Schultz, Madison County
- Katelyn Turek, Hall County
- Aiden Powers, Saunders
- Anne Nygren, Saunders County
- Mallory Beethe, Douglas/Sarpy County
Members of Excellence in the rabbit project area included:
- Grand Meister, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Tenley Bauman, Lancaster County
- Elisa Oberg, Frontier County
- Andrew Frain, Lancaster County
4-H members who received the Members of Excellence award in the sheep project area included:
- Grand Musil, Douglas/Sarpy County
- Addy Stanwick, Dixon County
- Cora Roth, Boyd County
- Lauren Brehm, Otoe County
- Katelyn Dorsey, Valley County
- Abigail Engelhardt, Webster County
- Trapper Wilcox, Antelope County
- Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the swine project area included:
- Dierck White, Pierce County
- Kirsten Knake, Otoe County
- Kaden Knake, Otoe County
- Justus Kreifels, Otoe County
- Jolie Kreifels, Otoe County
- Hunter Creech, Scotts Bluff County
- Diego Velazco, Otoe County
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
- Mollie Lambert, Cass County
Youth received the Member of Excellence distinction through the Livestock Achievement Program, which launched in 2021. Youth applied to participate in the program at the beginning of the year. Accepted participants set goals for their 4-H project experience and reported on their accomplishments. Participants were also required to complete quality assurance requirements and project record books. To learn more about the Livestock Achievement Program, visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement.
Twenty-two youth set to compete at 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships
Twenty-two 4-H members will represent Nebraska at the 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships held at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska from June 26 to July 1. The event will bring together 4-H members from across the nation. Approximately 685 competitors from 39 states will convene in Grand Island to compete. The event features competitions across nine shooting sports disciplines including compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting skills.
The Nebraska 4-H shotgun team, coached by John Lilly, includes:
- Syras Boston, York County
- Sheyenne Morgan, Rock County
- Andrew Koehlmoos, Holt County
- Michael Day, Sarpy County
Members of the Nebraska 4-H air rifle team, coached by Darin Gruenke, include:
- Keiziah Connell, Dixon County
- Rachael Thomas, Stanton County
- Dylan Glendy, Custer County
Youth on .22 rifle team, coached by Todd Knutson, include:
- Kurissa Mizner, Holt county
- Risken Dawson, Holt County
- Kyle Rote, Garden County
- Maya Knutson, Cedar County
The compound archery team, coached by Matt Carmin, consists of:
- Taylor Rath, Douglas County
- Lilly Hanley, Lancaster County
- Bo Behlen, Platte County
- Sam Bissell, Buffalo County
The recurve archery team, coached by Jeff Goble, includes:
- Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
- Dylan Naslund, Cherry County
- Isaac Olsen, Banner County
Members of the muzzleloading team, coached by Mike Erickson, include:
- Matt Koehlmoos, Holt County
- Kelsey Howard, Holt County
- Kylee Howard, Holt County
- Justin Warembourg, Hayes County
The 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are hosted by Nebraska 4-H and the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports/national.
Fifteen youth selected as delegates for National 4-H Congress
Fifteen delegates and five alternates have been selected to represent Nebraska at the 2022 National 4-H Congress. The delegates, who are receiving partial scholarships to attend National 4-H Congress, include:
- Jacie Wolfinger, Dawson County
- Matthew Bruns, Lincoln County
- Jaelin Wolfinger, Dawson County
- Carter Behnken, Washington County
- Lexi Johnson, Dawson County
- Paige Bunn, Dodge County
- Alexia Dick, Thayer County
- Ashley Abrahams, Dodge County
- Kylie Hansen, Lancaster County
- Madison Enstrom, Burt County
- Addison Luther, Dawson County
- Chelsea Potts, Cedar County
- Elizabeth Blume, Red Willow County
- Clare Bauman, Lancaster County
The alternates, who may attend National 4-H Congress at their own expense, include:
- Madison Hirshman, Howard County
- Adriana Hernandez, Washington County
- Aubree Siffring, Butler County
- Casey Wahlgren, Dawson County
- Jaden Russell, Adams County
National 4-H Congress is the premier leadership event for 4-H members ages 15 to 19. The event brings together youth from across the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences. The goal is to inspire youth to take on leadership roles and make meaningful impacts within their communities. The event is held each fall in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about National 4-H Congress, please visit 4h.unl.edu/congress.
4-H volunteers receive state-level awards
Twenty-two adult volunteers, one 4-H member, and a family of volunteers are being recognized with Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards.
The Kristy and Dave Hattan Family from Lancaster County is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. Additional family members include:
- Jill Hattan
- Tyler Hattan
- Tammy Wollen
- Brandy Brock
This award recognizes a family with at least three generations of active 4-H volunteers.
Marlie Mundt, 4-H member in Lancaster County is receiving the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. This award recognizes a 4-H member, ages 14-18, who has made a meaningful impact on their local 4-H community.
Eleven individuals are receiving Emerging Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served less than three years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
- Wendy Scheenan, Sheridan County
- Krista Thoene, Garfield County
- Matt Weideman, Lincoln County
- Mary Ann Whitebear, Phelps County
- Mercedes Barg, Madison County
- Joy Harris, Nance County
- Cathy Hill-Klein, Platte County
- Hunter Purcell, Dodge County
- Sadie Hammond, Lancaster County
- Lisa Paul, Jefferson County
- Natasha Vavra, Cass County
Eleven individuals are receiving Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served more than four years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
- Bill Riggs, Dawes County
- Jolene Dunbar, Loup County
- Dean Batie, Buffalo County
- Jo Teter, Red Willow County
- Doug McKibbon, Madison County
- Kathy Gorecki, Howard County
- Brigen Kinnison, Platte County
- Kim Jackson, Burt County
- Kath Conroy, Lancaster County
- Michael Scholz, Saline County
- Kim Cawley, Cass County
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards honor individuals who are making meaningful and lasting contributions to their local 4-H communities.
"All across the state, Nebraska 4-H volunteers do incredible work to provide opportunities for our youth," says Jill Goedeken, 4-H Professional Development and Volunteer Extension Educator. "These volunteers generously give their time, energy, and creativity to help develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions."
Recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair.
For more information about Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards, please visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.
Walbrecht earns Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for providing a sense of belonging in the show ring
Allison Walbrecht, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for giving youth with disabilities the opportunity to show livestock at the county fair.
“Allison’s willingness to ensure that all youth have this opportunity showcases her willingness to give back to youth, the 4-H Program, and the future of Nebraska,” said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator. “Allison truly is an amazing role model.”
Having grown up on a beef cattle operation, Allison observed a gap between agriculture and people with disabilities. She started the Unified Showing program to bridge this gap. The program provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to show a lamb at the county fair. Showmen are paired with a "buddy" who helps them practice and prepare for the showing throughout the summer.
"Having Claire be part of something again was unbelievable. She loved everything about it!" shared Annie Bruns, parent of a Unified Showing youth member.
“Allison is making a positive difference,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator. “She is giving young people with disabilities and their buddy a sense of belonging as they learn about and show livestock as members of her Unified Showing 4-H Club.”
Following success in Lancaster County, a new Unified Showing 4-H Club has already been established in Otoe County. Allison hopes to one day expand the program to the Nebraska State Fair.
"Unified Showing's future is very bright," said Allison. "I am excited to continue Unified Showing in the upcoming years."
The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service-learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.
“Nebraska 4-H Gives Back is an awesome opportunity to celebrate the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience. We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” shared Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.
For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.
Nebraska 4-H'ers attend 89th National 4-H Conference
Five 4-H members from across the state represented Nebraska at the 89th National 4-H Conference, held March 19-24 in the Washington, D.C. area. Nebraska delegates included:
- Helen Keiser, Dawson County
- Abigail Owens, Dawson County
- Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
- Spencer Walahoski, Dawson County
- Paige Wood, Nance County
Held annually, the National 4-H Conference serves to develop the next generation of leaders. The conference provides an opportunity to engage 4-H youth in personal development experiences that will increase knowledge, resources, and skills. The program aims to empower and mobilize 4-H youth to create positive social change in their communities in a meaningful and genuine way. National 4-H Conference provides the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world.
Alongside youth delegates from across the nation, Nebraska delegates attended training workshops, became acquainted with the government, and met with state leaders. Highlights from the conference included meeting the Director of USDA's National Institute of Food & Agriculture, Dr. Carrie Castillo and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.
Delegates were accompanied by Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator, and Brett Kreifels, Douglas-Sarpy County 4-H Extension Educator.
National 4-H Conference is the premier civic engagement event for 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19. Nebraska delegates are selected each year through state-level Senior Achievement Applications and a thorough interview process. Delegates also receive funding for trip expenses through the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. For more information about National 4-H Conference, please visit 4h.unl.edu/conference.
Sump earns Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for lake clean-up project
John Sump, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for coordinating clean-up efforts at eight local NRD lakes.
"John not only gave of his personal time and resources but also helped others see the importance of being a good steward of the land," said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator.
During the pandemic, John noticed an increased use of local NRD lakes. He also observed a corresponding increase in trash and litter around the recreation areas. With support from representatives at the Lower Platte South NRD and Nebraska Game and Parks SE District Fisheries, John coordinated trash pickups at all eight NRD lakes in Lancaster County. He recruited help from Catfish Crazy Nebraska, Nebraska Kayak Club, Boy Scouts Troop 22, family, and friends.
"I learned how to lead a big event, which involved the organization of several volunteers and the collection of donations," said John.
While coordinating the lake clean-ups, John discovered that most local NRD lakes did not have fishing line recycling receptacles. After securing donations from local sponsors, John made and installed sixteen fishing line recycling tubes, two at each location. Follow-up visits revealed that the recycling tubes were being used at almost every location.
“Through his homemade recycling tubes and lake clean-up at all lakes, he is helping provide a better space for all,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator.
The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.
“We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” says Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.
For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.
+YD Intern Spotlight - Alyssa Neff
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Textile Science
Expected Graduation: 2025
Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?
As a third generation, Pennsylvania 4-H'er I had the opportunity to do many projects such as Poultry, Rabbits, fiber arts projects, sewing, gardening, woodworking, exchange club, and many other projects. I also had the priveledge of serving as a Pennsylvania 4-H State officer as well. 4-H blessed me with ten amazing years that planted me as a leader and prepared me for my future. I wanted to give back and help out with this program in any way I can, so naturally I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to apply and be a YD intern.
What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?
I love being able to work on projects and work with my fellow interns. Collaborating and creating even better ideas that 4-H'ers are going to love is fun to see.
What are your plans post-graduation?
My plan after graduation is to hopefully work for a company creating and testing fabrics. Even more specifically, I would love to work developing more sustainable fabrics. I could also see myself potentially starting my own fabric line as well.
What's life like outside work and school?
Outside of work and school, I am probably back in Pennsylvania working in the garden, four wheeling, helping with the animals volunteering, volunteering with my County's fair or 4-H program, hiking, weaving, or hanging with friends and family. I especially love being outside with my two sisters and hunting with my dad. My sisters and I have grown in 4-H together which has made us especially close.
The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.
+YD Intern Spotlight - William Wilton
Hometown: Gresham, Nebraska
Major: Secondary Family and Consumer Sciences Education-Minors in Leadership and Communication, International Studies, Textiles, Merchandizing, and Fashion Design (TMFD)
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?
I have been an active 4-H member since my clover kid days and I have had a lot of opportunities to work with youth in different counties across the state through internships in counties. I enjoy seeing students grow and thrive through different programming and opportunities that they get through 4-H.
What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?
My favorite thing about my +YD is getting to be involved with different experiences where I can meet and directly engage with youth, whether in virtual STEM Mentoring or at events like FIRST Lego Robotics Competitions.
What are your plans post-graduation?
My plans after graduation are to get into the classroom and teach students the life skills that they need through my FCS classroom.
What's life like outside work and school?
I'm trying to make the most of my college experience so most of my time outside of work and school, I spend hanging out around campus or exploring the city of Lincoln!
The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.