Fed Steer Challenge applications due Dec. 1
The Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry. The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry and enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects. The Fed Steer Challenge provides an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement. Youth interested in participating in the 2022 Fed Steer Challenge must complete an online application process. Applications are due by December 1, 2021.
Livestock Achievement Program returns for year two
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program 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.
The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including:
- beef
- sheep
- meat goat
- swine
- dairy cattle
- dairy goat
- rabbit
- poultry
The program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence.
At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth must apply to participate in the program. Upon acceptance into the program, participants plan what to accomplish. At the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Additionally, participants must complete their annual 4-H Online enrollment process, YQCA requirements, and project record books in order to receive a Member of Excellence distinction.
Nebraska 4-H hits the road with volunteer professional development
This fall, Nebraska 4-H is hitting the road with an all-new volunteer professional development opportunity. Join us for an evening to discover new opportunities for yourself and your 4-H youth, network with other 4-H volunteers in your community, and build your skills as a 4-H volunteer! Be sure to register in advance to save your seat. Registration is $8 and includes a meal and all materials. Payment is due at the door.
McCook – November 8
- Location: Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building
- Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm CST
- Register by November 1.
Bridgeport – November 9
- Location: Prairie Winds Community Center
- Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm MST
- Register by November 1.
Columbus – November 15
- Location: Central Community College
- Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm CST
- Register by November 8.
Beatrice – November 18
- Location: Southeast Community College
- Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm CST
- Register by November 10.
Registration for the 2022 judge registration closes September 30th
Adults interested in judging county and state 4-H projects, including live animal shows, static exhibits, and contests are invited to complete the statewide Judge Registration. While not required, the registration process gets your name added to the statewide list of judges which is available to 4-H staff across the state who are looking to hire new judges for fairs, contests, and shows. Adults interested in being added to the 2022 judge list must complete the online registration process by September 30, 2021.
Entry for NEW State 4-H Rodeo closes on September 17th
Nebraska 4-H is proud to partner with the UNL Rodeo Team to offer a new opportunity for 4-H members enrolled in the horse project. The State 4-H Rodeo provides youth an opportunity to showcase their skills in working with their equine partners through speed and agility contests, including goat tying, barrel racing, pole bending, tie down roping, break-a-way roping, and dally team roping. This new event will be held on Saturday, October 9 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Entry for this event is open now through September 17th. No late entries will be accepted.
Launching Nebraska-nauts into the 4-C'able Future
Nebraska 4-H is proud to host Launching Nebraska-nauts, an in-flight educational downlink connecting students across Nebraska to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, educators and students across Nebraska will have the opportunity to interact with astronauts through a question-and-answer session. An in-person experience will be hosted at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, including learning opportunities, guest speakers, and exhibits for participants to interact with!
Students of all ages and classes of all grade levels are invited to participate. A limited number of people will be able to attend the live, in-person event at Raising Nebraska, and registration is now open for those interested. Satellite sites will also be selected across the state, where students and educators may also join in person.
Join us to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We're hosting virtual information sessions for educators. Sessions will also be recorded for those who are unable to join live.
- Mission Briefing #1: Tuesday, October 5 at 4:30 PM CT
- Mission Briefing #2: Thursday, October 7 at 4:30 PM CT
Nebraska 4-H is also looking for sponsors and exhibitors for the live event. Make a financial donation to support the Launching Nebraska-nauts program, or sign up for an interactive booth space during the live event at Raising Nebraska on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
Download the Nebraska 4-H App
Keep up-to-date with everything Nebraska 4-H has to offer at the 2021 Nebraska State Fair by downloading the Nebraska 4-H app. Get the earliest possible access to results, show programs, and contest schedules. You won't miss a minute of the fun with everything this app has to offer.
4-H'ers Invited to Submit to the 2021 4-H Project Showcase
Calling all 4-H members! You're invited to submit your favorite project to see it featured on the 4-H Video Wall at the 2021 Nebraska State Fair!
The 2021 4-H Project Showcase is a fun opportunity to showcase your favorite project, a project you're particularly proud of, or a project you've learned a lot from. Absolutely any 4-H project is eligible regardless of the awards it received through judging or the ability to have it judged at the county level. Be sure to submit your project by August 10 to see it featured at this year's State Fair! Though, projects may still be submitted after August 10th for a chance to be showcased by Nebraska 4-H on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Youth from across the state compete in 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo
Youth from across Nebraska converged in Grand Island on June 10-14th to compete in the 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo. The event is the pinnacle showing experience for members of the 4-H horse program, and many were excited for this year's face-to-face experience following a virtual show in 2020. The show included a multitude of classes for youth and their horses. Some classes, such as halter and showmanship, were open to all youth regardless of district-level competition. However, other classes required youth to qualify at one of five district-level shows. Districts were held in June in various locations across the state. Results from the 2021 Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo are now available in the 4-H Now mobile app or on the event website.
Congratulations to the 2021 Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship recipients
Congratulations to the 2021 Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship recipients! The Nebraska 4-H Foundation offers 4-H members the opportunity to apply for scholarships and awards up to $22,000 worth of scholarships each year to 4-H members from across the state.
- Fletcher Larsen, Cherry County
- Abby Scholz, Phelps County
- Allison Rippe, Red Willow County
- Madelyn Kreifels, Lancaster County
- Logan Hicks, Nemaha County
- Emily Loseke, Colfax County
- Galayna Erickson, Hitchcock County
- Jacob Wells, Howard County
- Cooper Koch, York County
- Kristen Herrick, Franklin County
- Sheridan Wilson, Arthur County
- Jessica Wilkinson, Scotts Bluff County
- Blake Bruns, Lincoln County
- Gracie Schneider, Dawson County
- Logan Cast, Seward County
- Kaleb Hasenkamp, Cuming County
- Gracie Philpot, Buffalo County
- Kacee Dvorak, Custer County
- Kaylee Davis, Grant County
- Sarah Treffer, Dawson County
- Wyatt Siwinski, Merrick County