University of Nebraska
P.O. Box 308
Aurora, NE 68818
Phone: 402-694-6174
Hamilton County Extension
4-H Newsletter
June 2015
www.hamilton.unl.edu
Office Hours
4-H CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
June 8, 2015
5:30 Jr Leader Meeting
June 8-12, 2015
2pm-4pm Beginning Weaving
June 9 & 10 2015
9 am Pollinator & Baking Workshop
June 9, 2015
9 am – 3 pm Can Care-A-Van
June 9, 2015
5:30 pm 4-H Youth Council
June 11, 2015
12:45-4:00 pm Food Safety by design
June 11, 2015
9 am – 3 pm Fish-A-Thon
June 15, 2015
Livestock Quality Assurance DUE
June 15 & 16, 2015
STEAM Pillowcase
June 17 & 18, 2015
STEAM Capri Workshop
June 16 or 17
Quilted Table Runner
June 17, 2015
Monarch Workshop
June 19, 2015
Clover Kids Recycle Workshop
June 22, 2015
9 am Felting
Workshop
4-H Age Divisions
– Hamilton
County
June 22-26, 2015
2pm-4pm Intermediate Weaving
June 23, 2015
FCS Day
June 24, 2015
9 am-11:30 am Magic of Electricity
June 25, 2015
9 am-noon 2nd Wildlife & Conservation
June 29-30, 2015
PASE/Life Challenge Event
July 7, 2015
Pre-Fair Entry Deadline
July 9, 2015
9 am – 3 pm Clover Kids Animal Camp
July 11, 2015
8:30 am Target Shoot BB Gun/Archery
July 12, 2015
4:30 pm Target Shoot .22 Rifle/Pistol
July 14, 2015
9:30 am Rabbit Showmanship Clinic
July 14 & 15, 2015
Rocket Building 101
July 16, 2015
Clover Kids Horsin’ Around
July 26, 2015
Hamilton County Horse Show
July 30-Aug 2
Hamilton County Fair
Aug. 3, 2015
1 pm Plant/Entomology Contests
Todd Whitney, Ag Extension Educator
Tammy Stuhr, 4-H Extension Educator
Kae Russell, 4-H Program Manager
Hillary Fuhrman, Office Manager
Mary Waltermeyer, Office & 4-H Assistant
4-H Council
Christi Aycock, President
Angie Wall, Vice President &
Extension Board Liaison
Taylor May, Secretary
Trevor Alber
Riley Griffith
Sydney May
Alice McDonald
Brian Schulze
Brock Ekhoff
Renee Ekhoff
Deana VanDeWalle
Sheri Wert
“If you don’t have time to do things right …
when will you find the time to do it over?”
- John Wooden
“In the midst of difficulty, lies opportunity.” – Albert
Einstein
5 – 7 years old - Clover Kids
8 – 10 years old - Junior
11 – 13 years old - Intermediate
14 – 18 years old - Senior
4-H age is the age of the youth on December 31st.
Page Index
Junior Leader Report:
Page 2
Nine Junior Leaders, one guest and two sponsors
attended the Spring Fun Night event playing Laser Tag
and having supper in Lincoln. Scores and pictures can
be seen on the Hamilton County 4-H Facebook
page! The next meeting is scheduled for Monday,
June 8th, at 5:30 pm at the Extension Office. Items to
discuss are fund raising, Gilbert, Empowering Youth
grants and the Snack Stand during fair.
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Junior Leader Meeting
Jr Leader Report
4-H Council Meeting
4-H Council Minutes
May Flower Workshop
Recycle Workshop
Monarch Workshop
2015 Public Speaking Results
NE AG Youth Institute
FCS Quiz
Culinary Challenge
Can Care-A Van
Weaving Workshops
4-H Design Workshop
Felting Workshop
STEAM Workshop
Sewing Lessons
Tour & Tea
Pollinator Workshop
FCS Day
Shooting Sports
Fish A Thon
Magic of Electricity
Rocket Building 101
Robotics
Pallet Challenge
Plant/Entomology Contests
PASE/Life Challenge
NE Youth Range Camp
Crop ID Contest
Camp Scholarship Info
Raising Nebraska
Tractor Safety
Online Affidavits
Livestock Quality Assurance
Horse Program
Rabbit Clinic
Dog Program
Fun Photos
Junior Leader Meeting
Monday June 8th at 5:30
At the Extension Office
4-H Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 pm
Extension Office
4-H Council Meeting Minutes
The May meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by
President Christi Aycock.
Minutes from previous meeting were reviewed, motion
to accept made by Brock, second by Riley. Motion
passed.
Financial Report given - Motion to accept all financials
pending annual audit made by Alice, second by
Sydney. Motion passed. There was a request for funds
to supply meal during Intro To Life Challenge meeting
Renee made a motion to allot $50 for food. Deana
seconded. Motion passed.
Ag Society Report: no changes
Extension Board: Going back to meetings every other
month.
Program Manager Report: Workshops/Field
Trips/Camps, etc. in Newsletter
Extension Office Report: Extension Educators,
Assistants & Board will be receiving info on program
coverage areas (maps).
Herdsmanship Committee: check out time will be 3:00
pm
Old Business:
Plastic liners for shelves for displays at Fair. Brock is
still working on getting a bid from John
Pursley. Looking at doing 4x8 sheets.
Make T-shirts available for purchase for 4-H families.
Riley presented designs. Tabled till June so Alice can
present her designs.
Cake sales- discussed keeping part of the money as
fundraising. Renee made a motion for the money to go
to the kids selling the cakes. Brock seconded. Motion
passed.
New Business:
Trophies- given to top Purple or top ribbon color?
Sydney made the motion for Trophies to go to top
purple in each age division for all projects. Riley
seconded. Motion passed.
Late enrollment- Angie made a motion that because of
the new enrollment processes this year the 4H council
will allow late enrollments until May 29th. Brock
seconded. Motion passed.
Meeting was adjourned by motion from Alice. Riley
seconded. Motion passed at 8:07 pm.
Next meeting June 9th @ 5:30 pm, at the Courthouse.
Taylor May, Council Secretary
Hamilton County 4-H on Facebook!
Keep current with things going on in 4-H by joining the
Hamilton County Facebook Page!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/UNL-Extension-inHamilton-County/422723257749837?ref=hl
2015 Hamilton County Fair
July 25th – Pre-Fair Clean-up
July 26th – Horse Show
July 27th – Clothing Judging
July 29th – Entry Night
July 30th – Aug. 2nd Fair
Aug. 2nd – Post Fair Clean-up
TIME: 9:30 – 11:30 OR 1:30 – 3:30
WHERE: Extension Office & Walking Trail
COST: $2.50
Instructor: Karla Ericksen & Dan Glomski
Clover Kids will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly,
make a poster to enter in the fair and hopefully find
butterfly eggs to take home in a habitat jar to be
released when they have developed through the final
stage of the life cycle! Parents are asked to attend as
youth will need to be transported to the Walking Trail
and back to Extension Office. Please contact the
Extension Office to register by June 1st at 402-6946174
Clover Kids “Recycle Workshop”
WHO: Youth 4-H age 5 – 7
WHAT: recycled desk set
WHEN: Friday, June 19th
WHERE: Extension Office
TIME: 9 – 11am or 1 – 3pm
COST: $3
Register By: Wednesday, June 8th
Instructor: Kae Russell
Clover Kids will learn to recognize the recycling symbol
and will take a field trip to Aurora’s recycling
center. Youth will make a recycled desk set for a
Father’s Day gift from tin cans. Youth are to bring 3
cans (tuna can, soup can, fruit can) that are clean and
have the labels and glue removed to the
workshop. Please wear old clothing as we will be
painting!
CLOVER KIDS ANIMAL CAMP
Go Big Give “Thank you”
The Hamilton County 4-H Council would like to express
their appreciation for all donations received from the
Go Big Give campaign. $257.50 was received this first
year of participation! “Thank you!”
Clover Kids
Majestic Monarchs
Clover Kids Workshop
WHO: Youth 4-H age 5 – 7
WHAT: Butterfly Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17
Date: Thursday, July 9
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: 4-H Building
Cost: $15.00, lunch is provided
Age: Clover Kids 5-8
Class Size: 20
Pre-registration Deadline: Friday, June 26
4-H Project(s) relates to: Clover Kids Project
Instructor: Tammy Stuhr & Kae Russell
Adults: No registration fee any adults who stay to
help. Adults will also have lunch with the Clover Kids
for free.
Youth will enjoy a fun-filled day learning about the
different types of animals from pets to farm animals to
wildlife. Clover Kids will make a puppy chow snack,
train an imaginary dog, participate in a simple judging
contest, make a wildlife planter/feeder, sing animal
songs, and play animal games during the day.
Available as paper or electronic copy from the Extension
Office, youth can take the quiz and receive an immediate
score from extension staff.
Regional 4-H Speech & PSA Results
Points
85-100
75-85
65 -75
Below 65
Six 4-H youth represented Hamilton County at the
Regional Speech & PSA Contest in Lincoln on May
21st.
PSA Results:
Noah Ziegler – Junior Level – Purple
Each 4-Her’s that completes the quiz can receive a ribbon.
The ribbon break down is shown below.
Ribbon
Purple
Blue
Red
White
Youth who complete the FCS Quiz will receive ribbon
earned. Submit your answers to the Extension Office via
email or written copy by August 15th.
Speech Results:
Grace Ziegler – Junior Level – Purple, Medal
Hannah Spiehs – Junior Level – Blue
Cassidy Aycock – Intermediate Level – Blue
Taylor Janda – Intermediate Level – Blue
Grace McDonald – Senior Level – Purple
Great job to all these speakers! Well done!
“Congratulations to Grace Ziegler who is eligible for
State Speech competition during the Nebraska
State Fair!”
Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute 2015
NAYI is a five-day conference for high school juniors and
seniors to learn about career opportunities within agriculture.
When: July 6-10, 2015
Where: UNL East Campus
Applications are due April 15 at this link.
http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/index.html
2015 FCS Quiz
Hamilton County 4-H
Culinary Challenge Contest
This contest is for teams of youth that are 4-H age 10
and older. Similar to the Favorite Foods Contest for
individuals, the county Culinary Challenge Contest is
for teams of 2, contains a challenge ingredient and
determines eligibility for the state contest held during
the Nebraska State Fair. The county contest will be
held on Tuesday, July 28th, 9:00 am at the
Fairgrounds. Register your team by Monday, July 13th,
by contacting the Extension Office. Information sheet
is available.
2015 Nebraska State Fair
4-H Culinary Challenge Contest
The 2015 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest will be held during
the Nebraska State Fair. The contest requires teams of 2
youth to demonstrate healthy decision making through
nutrition, food preparation, menu planning, and food safety,
utilizing foods and nutrition curriculum. See the 2015
Fairbook available on the 4-H web page.
Who can enter?
The 2015 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Quiz is ready
to use. This quiz, based on FCS subject matter, is designed
for 8-12 year olds (Older 4-H'ers are welcome to participate;
however, the questions are designed for 8-12 year
olds). The intent of this contest is to engage young people
interested in family and consumer sciences in a challenging
educational experience. Youth can study for the quiz by
reading and reviewing FCS related Nebraska 4-H curriculum
and National 4-H curriculum.
 4-H youth, 10 – 18 years
 Enrolled in a Foods & Nutrition project
 Teams of 2
What do I have to do?
 Choose a theme and design a table setting
 Create a menu
 Include CHALLENGE INGREDIENT: 2015 APPLES
 Prepare & incorporate the challenge ingredient into
one food item and bring it to the contest
 Live interview with judge
 Use of technology during interview
What about the interview?
 Talk about your table (theme, nutrition, menu, cost,
food safety)
 Be knowledgeable on the challenge ingredient
 Intermediate (10-13 years) 8 – 10 minute interview
 Senior (14 & up) 12 – 15 minute interview
 Present using technology: iPad or laptop, PowerPoint,
picture story, video, be creative!
When: June 9, 2015
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Aurora Food Pantry
1118 N Street
Weaving Workshops
Beginning Weaving
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHEN: June 8 – 12
WHERE: 1005 9th St., Aurora
TIME: 2 – 4 pm
COST: $5 or free with attending parent
Instructor: Jim Cyr
How can I learn more?
Polk County Company’s Coming Contest –
http://polk.unl.edu/county4h
Lancaster County Table Setting Contest –
http://go.unl.edu/rzw
State Fairbook – http://4h.unl.edu/nebraskastatefairbook
Handout for the 4-H Culinary Challenge are available
at the Extension Office.
What is the Can Care-a-Van?
Youth will learn basic weaving techniques and design
an item to use and enter in the fair. Contact the
Extension Office to register by May 22nd. Class size is
limited.
Intermediate Weaving
WHO: Youth with weaving experience
WHEN: June 22 – 26
TIME: 2 – 4 pm
COST: $5 or free with attending parent
Instructor: Jim Cyr
The 10/11 Can Care-a-Van is an annual food drive
which takes place in communities across Nebraska
and northern Kansas each year. It began in 1988,
when Nebraska Food Pantry Network Coordinator
Joanne Komenda and former KOLN/KGIN General
Manager Frank Jonas worked together for Farm Aid.
The partnership worked so well, it became an annual
event. Since then, the Can Care-a-Van has collected
over 3,000,000 lbs. of food for families in need.
Youth will create a personalized weaving project for
their use and to enter in the fair. Contact the Extension
Office to register by June 8th. Class size is limited.
How can I help?
Collect canned food, non-perishables, and monetary
donations and take them to your local Food Pantry.
WHO: Youth 4-H age 11 & up
WHAT: Textile Workshop
WHEN: Monday, June 22
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
COST: $12.00
Instructor: Angie Wall
How can my company/church/school/club help?
We love group participation! Nothing is better for teambuilding than volunteering to help neighbors in need.
Start a penny war, organize a fundraiser, or offer to
pick up donations for elderly donors. Get creative!
Where does my donation go?
All of the food collected in your community STAYS in
your community.
Advanced Weaving
Youth interested in continuing their weaving experience
may contact Jim Cyr and schedule instruction
time. Parent must attend the sessions.
Fun With Felting Workshop
Design and begin to create a candle rug, coaster or
pillow top using the felting technique from Sketchbook
Crossroads. Youth attending should already know how
to do basic embroidery including the blanket
stitch. Call the Extension Office at 402-694-6174 to
register by June 1st. Supplies will be provided and will
be taken home by the youth. Class size is limited.
4-H Beginning Sewing STEAM
Workshops
FOOD SAFETY BY DESIGN
“TOUR & TEA”
WHAT: Pillowcase Workshop
WHEN: June 15 & 16
TIME: 8:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $6.00
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHAT: Food, Facts & Fun field trip
WHEN: Thursday, June 11th
TIME: 12:45 – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Start & End @ Extension Office
COST: $5.00
WHAT: Capri Workshop
WHEN: June 17 & 18
TIME: 8:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $6.00
WHAT: Quilted Table Runner Workshop
WHEN: June 16 or 17
TIME: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Cost: $6.00
Youth interested in learning beginning sewing can
choose from the workshops listed above. Please
contact the Extension Office to register and for a
supply list. Class size is limited. Each youth must be
accompanied by an adult.
4-H SEWING LESSONS/TUTORING
AVAILABLE
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 & up
WHAT: Sewing Lessons/Tutoring for clothing projects
WHEN: Today - July 13, Week-ends Only
TIME: 10am - 4pm: by appointment only
WHERE: Ashley's house, 1603 N T Rd, Aurora
COST: Free
TUTOR: Ashley Scherff
CONTACT INFO: (402)694-4858
This tutoring opportunity is for level 1 & 2 sewing
projects. For example: if the 4-H member has already
done the pillow, pillowcase and capri pants and wants
to try another beginning sewing project such as a
pullover top or shirt or an elastic waist skirt. Sewing
machine will be provided or member may bring their
own machine. If the 4-Her and parent need assistance
regarding any of the supplies (pattern, fabric, notions),
please contact Ashley before you go shopping at 402694-4858. For advanced sewing projects (dress, 2-pc
outfit, etc.), contact Ashley to discuss project.
Youth will tour the commercial kitchen at the Middle
School and learn about food safety issues. They will
also attend a tour and tea at Nitta’s Bed &
Breakfast. Youth are asked to dress nicely for this
event. No jeans, jean shorts or jean capri’s and follow
school rules for proper length for shorts. We will then
return to the Extension Office, review the food safety
information and work on their ideas for the Favorite
Foods contest. Some parents will be needed to help
transport youth. Please RSVP by Monday, June
1st. Class size is limited.
POLLINATOR AND BAKING
WORKSHOP
Date: June 9 & 10 (Youth attend both days)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Central City United Methodist Church
Cost: $25.00, lunch is provided both days
Age: 10-14
Class Size: 15
Pre-registration Deadline: June 5 by Noon by
calling 308-946-3843.
4-H Project(s) relates to: Fast Foods, Tasty
Tidbits, Insectigator, Gardening
Instructor: Tammy Stuhr, Merrick County
Extension Educator
Youth will enjoy two fun-filled days in the kitchen,
the garden, and in service. Youth will learn meal
preparation each day by making lunch, baking
techniques, and freezing baked items which they
can keep for a fair exhibit. They will also be going
outside to do a pollinator count, and plant a
pollinator habitat. Youth will also be visiting and
giving away some of the projects they make to the
care center residents. Youth should have a basic
understanding of kitchen safety before attending,
and some beginning baking experience
(measuring and kitchen tools).
Hamilton County 4-H FCS Day &
Presentations Contest
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHEN: Tuesday, June 23rd
WHERE: 4-H Building
TIME: Listed below for each event
Enroll in: any foods project & presentations by May
29th
Register for event by: June 15th
9:00 am - 4-H Favorite Foods Contest
Present menu and food item to judge on theme table.
Informational sheet available from the Extension Office
9:00 – 11:00 am - County Life Challenge/FCS Quiz
This will happen at the event & requires no supplies.
11:30 am - 4-H Presentations Contest
Can be an individual or team presentation.
Youth must receive a purple and be 4-H age 10+ to be
eligible for State Fair competition. We use the same
criteria as the State Fair so youth are prepared for
State level competition if they earn a purple ribbon at
the county contest.
All 4-H Presentation topics should be related to how
the 4-H youth is learning about 4-H science,
agricultural literacy, career development, community
engagement or healthy living through their 4-H
projects.
Examples available from the Extension Office.
Junior – age 8 & 9 Individual 3 – 5 min., Team 5 – 7
min.
Intermediate – age 10 – 13 Individual 6 – 8 min., Team
8 – 10 min.
Senior – age 14 – 18 Individual 6 – 8 min., Team 8 –
10 min.
(Teaching Presentation – Individual 30 min., Team 45
min.
Please contact the Extension Office to register for each
contest by Monday, June 15th at 402-694-6174.
4-H Shooting Sports Program
BB/Archery
These will be actual shoots please plan to bring your
safety glasses, all shooter are required to supply their
own, and equipment if you have it. Please plan to
arrive 15 mins early so you may check in
equipment. Shoots will begin on time. These shoots
will be outside.
Summer Shooting Schedule
BB/Archery
Sunday, June 7th ~ 8-10 year olds 4-5:15 11-18 year
olds 5:15-6:30
Sunday, June 14th ~8-10 year olds 4-5:15 11-18 year
olds 5:15-6:30
Tuesday, June 16th ~ 8-10 Year olds 6-7:15 11-18
year olds 7:15-8:30
Tuesday, June 30 ~ 8-10 Year olds 6-7:15 11-18 year
olds 7:15-8:30
Sunday, July 5th ~8-10 year olds 4-5:15 11-18 year
olds 5:15-6:30
Tuesday, July 7th ~ 8-10 Year olds 6-7:15 11-18 year
olds 7:15-8:30
.22/Pistol/Shotgun
Will plan to begin shooting up at the Central City
Range in March. If you have not completed your
Central City Range membership application, please do
so. If you need an application, please contact Angie or
stop by the Extension Office. This is only a
requirement for those shooting .22/Pistol.
Summer Shooting Schedule
Shoots will be either Saturday of Sunday depending on
the weather. We will let you know that week what day
we plan to shoot. All shoots will be in Central City from
4-6 pm
June 13th
June 27th or 28th
Fair Shoot Schedule –
BB/Archery ~ Saturday, July 11 check in to begin at 8
am and shooting to begin at 8:30 am at the
fairgrounds.
.22/Pistol ~ Sunday, July 12 check in will begin at 4pm
and shooting to begins at 4:30pm in Central City
We understand that schedules are busy and
sometimes the time we set for certain ages groups do
not work into your schedule. Youth are welcome to
come and shoot when it works for their schedules but
we do request that you let Angie know at least 24
hours prior to the shoot.
Minimum requirements for youth to participate in
the Fair Shoot will be:
8 shoots for BB/Archery
their hand at bow fishing and learn the difference in
fishing a lake versus a river. We will work on fish
harvesting displays for fair exhibits (and will have a
follow up afternoon on July 15 for those who need
more time or to gather more information).
MAGIC OF ELECTRICITY WORKSHOP
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHAT: Level I Electricity Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24th
TIME: 9 – 11:30 am
WHERE: Extension Office
COST: $10
Instructor: Dennis Andrews
Register By: June 19th
We also send “congratulations” to the following
volunteers that where certified as instructors in
March. Leland Stump - Shotgun certification and Eric
Breuer - Rifle certification. If you or anyone you know
would like to become a certified instructor please
contact the Extension Office or Angie Stump.
Youth will learn about circuits, magnetism, how a
compass reacts and participate in an electrical
scavenger hunt. Youth will create a circuit board to
enter in the county fair. Supplies will be
provided. Youth must pick up their 12 x 12 display
board from the Extension Office and have it painted
(both sides) before the workshop. Class size is
limited. Please contact the Extension Office to register
and pay for workshop by June 19th.
FISH-A-THON
ROCKET BUILDING 101
Date: June 11
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Bader Memorial Park
Cost: $15.00, lunch is provided
Age: Beginners Track for ages 8-11, Advanced
Track for 12-18 (or dependent on fishing experience)
Class Size: 20
Date: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 14 & 15 (attend
both days)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
Place: 4-H Building, Merrick County
Cost: $15.00
Age: 8+
Class Size: 20
4 Shoot for .22/Pistol
Pre-registration Deadline: June 5 by Noon by calling
308-946-3843
4-H Project(s) relates to: Fishing, Wildlife and
Conservation
Instructor: Tammy Stuhr, Merrick County Extension
Educator
Youth will learn about the different types of fishing
from the basic rod to fly-fishing, including the
knots. The advanced track will learn how to make set
lines and where you can put them. Everyone will try
Pre-registration Deadline: July 1
4-H Project(s) relates to: Rocketry Project
Learn about the science of flight and build your rocket
over two days. If the weather cooperates we will
launch them and have them ready for the county fair.
Robot Design and Advanced
Programming
Grades 3rd - 8th
August 3rd - 7th, 4 – 8 pm
Instructors: TechKnow Difficulties FTC Robotics Team
& Edgerton Staff
Sponsored by: Edward Jones
Working with UNL and 4-H learn how to take your robot
designs and programming to the next level. Learn how
to use sensors to make programs more reliable. See
math in action - ever wonder how you will use math
outside of the classroom - come and see! Call the
Edgerton Center to register at 402-694-4032.
Members: $75
Non-members: $100
4-H Pallet Challenge
Being environmentally conscious (‘green’) is important
for the future health of our world so we would like to
present all youth 4-H age 8 and older with a recycling
challenge. Re-design a 4’x6’ or 4’x8’ wooden pallet
into a functional and/or decorative item. The pallet can
be changed into anything that can be entered in a
Design Decisions exhibit class. Depending on how
many are entered, it may need to be displayed outside
during fair. We are looking forward to seeing the
creative items you can make from a pallet!
Online Horticulture Judging Contest
The 2015 Nebraska 4-H Online Horticulture Judging contest
is just around the corner. This year the contest will be
available from June 12th at 8:00 a.m. until June 22rd at 8:00
a.m. It is composed of three parts; general knowledge
questions, plant part and seed identification, as well as a
judging portion. It is open to all 4-H youth, as well as adults,
and even Extension individuals. The password is ‘Nebraska’
and the two links listed below will take you directly to the
contest.
http://go.unl.edu/mfh2
http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=2010nebraska-horticulture-judging-contest
Please have the youth fill in all of their information
completely. The online contest should only be taken once
by each participant, if it is taken multiple times the first score
entered will be the one used. No study materials are to be
used while taking the test. The contest will allow an
opportunity for the participant to review the answers prior to
submitting. Once submitted, the participants will see their
score, but they will not be able to see which questions they
missed. After the contest has ended, the participants can
request to see their scores and their answers.
Study Materials for the Online Horticulture Judging Contest
and the State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest held during
State Fair are the same and they can be found at:
http://njha.org/contests-projects-activities/horticultureidentification-judging-contest/
https://unl.app.box.com/s/zendgiw69xzihhz0ln6bcuysdnhzyj9
j
Hamilton County 4-H Plant &
Entomology Judging Contests – Aug. 3
(fairgrounds)
The 2015 Hamilton County Fair 4-H “Horticulture”,
“Tree Identification” , “Entomology” and
“Weeds & Grass Identification” Contests will be on
Monday, Aug. 3, 2015
at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds from 1:00 pm –
4:30 pm.
Each afternoon event will be a shortened version of the
individual state contests. Using a fun game format,
these training events will be used to form our 3-4
member teams for the state contests during the first
Saturday (weekend) of the Nebraska State Fair.
Study guides are available on our Nebraska Extension
4-H website or our local Extension office. Preregistration is required by our July 7th Pre-Fair Entry
deadline. For more information, please contact Todd
Whitney, Beth Andrews or our Extension office.
Youth Crop Scouting Competition
On August 4th, at the ARDC near Mead, youth will learn
how to scout soybeans and corn, obtain knowledge
helpful for potential careers and network with University
and industry professionals. Deadline to enter
contest: July 15th. Download entry forms at
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. For more information,
contact 402-759-3712 or
brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu. Sponsored by the
Nebraska Soybean Board and DuPont Pioneer in
collaboration with Nebraska Extension.
Nebraska Youth Range Camp
I’d like to ask you for your help in encouraging students to
attend the 52nd annual Nebraska Youth Range Camp which
will be held June 8 – 12, 2015 at the Nebraska State 4-H
Camp in Halsey. Eligible students need to be between the
ages of 14 – 18 that are interested in learning more about
natural resource management.
You can find the informational brochure here:
http://www.nesrm.org/2015RangeCampBrochure.pdf .
29th.
The application can be found here and is due May
http://www.nesrm.org/2015RangeCampApplication.pdf .
The Nebraska Youth Range Camp consists of a four-and-ahalf day dynamic curriculum that appeals to students with a
wide array of interests including, but not limited to, rangeland
management, conservation, ecology, animal science, and
wildlife. With nearly 50 years to perfect and evolve this
curriculum, every student, no matter what prior experience
they have, will learn substantial information that will help
them become more aware of Nebraska’s most prevalent
landuse, rangelands.
The students that attend this camp will be actively involved
with field activities, lectures, hand-on experience, and
recreational leadership and team-building activities that are
all led by up to 20 of Nebraska’s most respected and
dedicated leaders, teachers, and professionals from various
agencies, colleges, and universities. Each student will be
sent home with a binder that is filled with educational
materials.
Financial sponsorship is available! Every student that
attended last year received a substantial level of
sponsorship from local Natural Resource Districts or the
Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition. Interested individuals
can find more information by visiting the Nebraska Society
for Range Management website at www.nesrm.org and then
clicking on the Nebraska Youth Range Camp link on the left
of the page. Applications are due May 29th. Please direct
questions to Shelly Kelly (Range Camp Director) at
shelly@sandhillstaskforce.org or 308-214-0065.
PASE/Life Challenge Event
WHO: Youth 4-H age 12 and older
WHAT: Quiz Bowl, Skill-A-Thon, Judging, Problem
Solving
WHEN: June 29 – 30, 2015
WHERE: UNL, East Campus
COST: Info available @ Extension Office
Register By: May 18, 2015
Organizational Meeting: June 8th, 10 am @ Extension
Office
Meet the more than 500 youth from across the state
and spend time on East Campus at the University of
Nebraska, Lincoln. Youth will spend the night in Burr
Hall, eat pizza, visit, play sand volleyball and
more. Youth registration is for lodging and meals and
is approximately $20-$25. The 4-H Council will pay the
contest registration fees. T-shirts are usually available
and must be ordered and paid for separately. Contact
the Extension Office to register or for more information,
go to http://4h.unl.edu/pase_life. All youth registered
with the Extension Office will be contacted when
practice for both events begins.
PASE: The Premier Animal Science Event is held in
the Animal Science Building. This event consists of
several sessions including livestock, meats and
poultry judging, livestock skill-a-thon and livestock quiz
bowl. For more information regarding PASE, visit the
UNL website at: http://pase.unl.edu OR
contact our Hamilton County Extension office if you
would like to participate in summer practice sessions
and pre-qualify for a county competition team at this
event. Once interested 4-H’ers are identified, training
sessions will be set based on participants schedules.
Life Challenge: Youth must have taken 2 years of an
FCS project to qualify. There are some exciting
changes coming to the contest this year and we are
waiting to receive our information packet from the state
office. When it arrives, youth who have signed up on
the contact list will be notified and we’ll work out a
practice schedule.
Contact the Extension Office at 402-694-6174 to
register by June 8th and join a team to compete at
PASE or Life Challenge!
Crop Identification Teams Recruitment
Please mark your calendars : Monday, Aug. 3, 2015 –
Hamilton County “Crops and Weeds
ID Contest” at the fairgrounds beginning at 1:00 pm in
cooperation with the Hamilton County
“Horticulture Judging & ID Contest.”
The 2015 Nebraska State Fair “Grass, Forb, Crop &
Weed Identification Contest” is scheduled
for Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Grand
Island. Therefore, please contact our Hamilton County
Extension office if you would like to attend summer
practice sessions preparing for the upcoming
State Fair competition. Once interested 4-H’ers are
identified, training sessions will be set based
on participants schedules.
For this contest, all grass and weed plants on the
official list (UNL EC05-170) of 135 possible
plants are described in either the Weeds of the Great
Plains published by UNL or in Common
Grasses of Nebraska, EC170, also published by UNL.
Raising Nebraska
2015 Big Red Camps
Raising Nebraska is full of opportunities, regardless of
age or location, to learn more about “Your food and the
families who grow it”. Throughout the 25,000 square
foot space, you can flip, turn, push, and more to
discover how livestock animals and Nebraska crops
affect you and your family. Here is an overview and
opportunities available to experience Raising
Nebraska.
The 2015 Big Red Summer Academic Camps, to be
held June 7-12, 2015, are just around the corner! New
camps for 2015 include Digital Arts, and Weather and
Climate Science. Also offered are the focus areas of
Crop Science, Culinary Arts and Food Science,
Education, Engineering, Filmmaking, Outdoor
Nebraska, Unicameral Youth Legislature, and
Veterinary Science.
More information regarding Big Red Camps is also
available online
at http://bigredcamps.unl.edu. Brochures are available
at the Extension Office.
4-H Camp Scholarships = Participation
Scholarships
The 4-H Council has reviewed scholarship use and set some
new boundaries. The camp scholarships, which will now be
called “Participation Scholarships”, can be used to pay for
participation in any 4-H activity (camp, workshop, trip, etc.)
or college. All that is needed upon signing up for the activity
is to request the office staff to review your scholarship
balance and then use available monies to pay for your
activity. We have also set time frames for the usage of the
scholarships.
The Council discussed the time frame for the scholarships to
be used and determined the scholarships must be used
within 4 years. Since we are just starting this process, all
scholarships issued in the past must be used by 2018. If not
used, the scholarship monies will be returned to the 4-H
Council. All future scholarships will have the 4 year rule
applied. So, if you are awarded a scholarship in 2016, it
must be used by 2020.
Youth must remain enrolled in 4-H to use these
funds. Failure to enroll forfeits the scholarship and the
balance is returned to the 4-H Council.
Also, and this will be coming out in another email to
everyone, participation scholarships will now be by
application rather than the 4-H leader nominating the 4-H
member. The application forms will be available at the
Extension office closer to August and will be submitted for
consideration at the same time as your 4-H record book.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this
change.
4-H Council
Travel Across Nebraska!
Visitors at Raising Nebraska can travel all 93 counties
in 90 seconds while walking across the Nebraska
map. Check out the difference in elevation from the
east to the west!
Find out Where Your Food Comes From!
In the Ag House, choose your meal and see where each
menu item is grown. While you’re there, see how
Nebraska products are in so many different places in
our homes (paint, sofa cushions, etc.).
Take a Picture with a Bigger than Life Ear of Corn or
Soybean Plant!
There are so many different activities and the choice is
yours how to enhance your experience!
Raising Nebraska visiting opportunities include:
1. Educational Programs: School classes, grades
3rd-12th, have the opportunity to engage in a two
hour program.
2. Youth Organizations: Youth organizations (4-H
Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, FFA, etc.) are
invited to tour Raising Nebraska and enjoy a
program designed especially for them.
3. Private Tours: Adult groups, businesses, or
organizations are invited to schedule a tour, to
learn about the educational components within
Raising Nebraska.
4. Special Events, Meetings, Conferences: Looking
for a fun and unique venue to host your special
event? Choose Raising Nebraska.
5. Open Hours: Raising Nebraska is open
Tuesdays 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays 2:00
– 4:00 pm or by appointment.
6. Science Saturday: Reserve the second Saturday
of every month to engage in Science Saturday
from 10:00 a.m. to noon p.m. where a new and
different topic will be covered (Starting April
11, 2015).
For more information or to schedule your visit, contact
Beth Janning at 308.385.3967 or email
raisingnebraska@unl.edu today! For More
Information: visit www.raisingnebraska.net
(include bucket calf, breeding beef,
market swine, market lamb & rabbit) by
June 15th by midnight.
Process

2015 Tractor Safety Course
The 2015 Tractor Safety Trainings will be held in seven
locations across the state during May and June. Any
youth 14 or 15 years of age who works on a farm or
ranch other than his/her parents’ is required to be
certified through a tractor safety course. Extension
Educators and field specialists will teach the 2-day
courses. The training are listed in a schedule below
including dates and location.
Classes consist of two days of instruction plus
homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m. - 5
p.m. each day. Dates and locations include:
-- June 5-6, Event Center, Lincoln
-- June 8-9, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering
-- June 11-12, West Central Research and
Extension Center, North Platte
-- June 15-16, Fairgrounds, Wayne
-- June 17-18, College Park, Grand Island


Animal ID information will be entered into an
online form via this web link:
http://livestockaffidavit.unl.edu
Up to 4 exhibitors can be listed on 1 form. If
more than 4 exhibitors are in the same
family a second form will need to be filled
out.
Once your form(s) are submitted you will
receive a confirmation email. This is your
official proof of your entries.
Livestock Quality Assurance
The Livestock Quality Assurance online course is up
and running…and ready for your youth to start their
Livestock Quality Assurance modules. The course
must be completed by Monday June 15. The course
is located at http://campus.extension.org . The annual
fee for participation is $5 per youth. An email has been
sent to all members with information handout attached
as well as a link to an informative video. If you have
questions, feel free to contact the LQA help desk at
lqa@unl.edu .
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one
week before a location's start date to the Extension
Office at the course site. Cost is $60, which includes
educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and
breaks. For more information, contact your local
Nebraska Extension Office or Sharry Nielsen at (308)
832-0645, snielsen1@unl.edu.
Quality Assurance Resources and Reminders
Animal Science
FAQ on QA and troubleshooting:
http://4h.unl.edu/documents/466759/4439836/2015+Quality+
Assurance+Information+Sheet/11282adf-7ef2-4051-835960d346d4dece
Online Livestock Affidavits

Designed to collect same information as
paper ID forms.
 Benefits: Information is stored in a sortable
database, reduces number of times paper
forms changed hands and exhibitors get
immediate confirmation of their entries (via
email).
2015 Guidelines
 Completion of the online livestock affidavit
form is required for all animals being
identified for the Nebraska State Fair & AkSar-Ben. It is also required for Hamilton
County exhibitors. Market Beef is due
April 15th by midnight and all others
Source: Lindsay Chichester, Deb Weitzenkamp, Karna Dam,
Alyssa Rojas
Online QA resources:
Website: http://4h.unl.edu/qualityassurance
Step-by-step video on how to pay for the course and get
registered:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gkYI3EOMzs&feature=y
outu.be
** Note the instructional sheet and the video are found on
the website, in the last section Manuals and Resources
As a reminder, the online QA covers the following species
only: beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats,
swine, rabbits, and poultry – animals that we consume or
animals that produce a consumable product for us. It does
NOT cover cats, dogs, horses, llamas, guinea pigs,
hamsters, or other small companion type animals – in the
US we generally do not consume these animals.
Livestock Quality Assurance
Online Course
The Livestock Quality Assurance Online Course is
once again going through a transition. In order to keep
the quality at the highest level and streamline the
services we offer, we will be implementing a $5 annual
fee for all participants. This fee will be used to support
additional course module development, provide clerical
support for the course, and support internal and
external costs associated with the course.
Molly Brandt and Steve Geis will host a 4-H Rabbit &
Poultry Showmanship workshop on Tuesday, July 14th
from 9:30-11:30am at the Hamilton County
Fairgrounds. Participants will learn how to care for,
handle, and show their animals. Brandt will walk
exhibitors through the showmanship routine and help
them write their own speeches. The focus will be on
rabbits, but poultry and small animal exhibitors are
encouraged to attend as well. Youth should bring their
showmanship animal to the workshop. Brandt is a
graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
and a former Hamilton County Intern
4-H Dog Program
The course will annually be unavailable from
November 1st through January 1st of each year. During
this downtime, the team will load and update course
materials. Coming in 2015 are new animal
identification videos for cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits,
and poultry. We feel these will be a great addition to
the existing course.
4-H Horse Program
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHAT: Horse practices
WHEN: Tuesday & Thursday evenings
Beginning Tuesday, April 7th
TIME: 6:00 pm
WHERE: Bish Arena, Giltner
Instructor: Coleen Bish, 308-258-1647
If in doubt about the weather or condition of arena,
always call before you haul!
Hamilton County 4-H Horse Show
Sunday, July 26th, 2015 @ 7:00 pm
Registration: 6:30 pm
Bish Arena, Giltner
4-H Rabbit & Poultry Showmanship
Clinic
WHO: 4-H age 5 and up
WHAT: Showmanship clinic
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14
WHERE: Fairgrounds
COST: $5
Instructor: Molly Brandt & Steve Geis
Register By: July 6
WHO: Youth 4-H age 8 and up
WHAT: Obedience, Showmanship & Agility
WHEN: June 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 6:00 pm
WHERE: 170 Limerick Rd, Aurora
Come learn how to be a responsible dog owner and
how to manage your dog on a leash. This program is a
lot of fun, some hard work and helps youth and their
dogs become better citizens. Call the Extension Office
today at 402-694-6174 to sign up for the 4-H dog
program.