Feature stories/news
Local Experts
Nebraska Extension in Adams County provides the Adams County community with research-based information and educational programs from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Our county office can connect you with regional Nebraska Extension educators who can help answer your questions about gardening and trees, 4-H programs, crops, pesticide application, nutrition, early childhood and more. We offer a wide variety of classes, workshops and trainings throughout the year for youth, families, farmers, ranchers and businesses within the community.
Nebraska Extension is able to provide locally focused educational programs and expertise in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, healthcare and technology with offices serving 93 counties across the state.
Updates/Local Events
Join Adams County 4-H
4-H is open to ALL YOUTH, of ALL ABILITIES ages 5 to 18. Youth can join 4-H at any time of the year.
Enrollment for 2025/2026 4-H is now and the 4-H Online site is open.
We strongly recommend youth enroll by April 15th to have the best participation in the Adams County 4-H Program and be informed of any additional requirements needed to show at Adams County Fair or State Fair. Some projects require an earlier 4-H enrollment, such as Shooting Sports, Horse and Dog.
Nebraska State 4-H enrollment deadline is June 15th to participate in 4-H areas at a County Fair or at the Nebraska State Fair.
The enrollment process is done online and needs to be done every year for both, Youth and Volunteers. Please see the links below to help guide your way. If you have any questions, please call the Adams County Extension Office at 402-461-7209.
Adams County 4-H Fair books
Are Here! and available at the Adams County Extension Office
Nebraska and Agriculture Industry
Learn more about the story of agriculture in Nebraska and the agricultural industry and farmers and ranchers in your area.
To learn more visit the NE Department of Agriculture website.
Wild Fire Recovery Resources
Following historic wildfires that have burned nearly one million acres of Nebraska grazing lands this spring, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has launched a new online hub that integrates science, mapping and field-based documentation in one place.
Through the platform, users can:
- Explore where and when wildfires have occurred across Nebraska since 1985;
- View wildfire perimeters and details such as year, size and fire name;
- Analyze how vegetation responds before and after wildfire using time-based graphs;
- Compare current conditions to past wildfire patterns;
- Identify similar past wildfire events to inform recovery decisions.
University research has also shown an increase in large wildfires across Nebraska and the Great Plains, underscoring the need for long-term recovery planning and improved decision-support systems. Plus many more resources available.
Visit the new wildfire website
Hi Nebraska 4-H!
Explore the world of artificial intelligence with the new Google x CLOVER by 4-H AI Activities, now available for FREE to educators, families, and youth nationwide, no account set-up needed. These hands-on experiences introduce young people to how AI is shaping agriculture🌾, technology🖥, and everyday life👩💻. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the activities help learners understand how AI works and why it matters. From building innovative farm tools to solving real-world problems, youth can turn ideas into action. Start exploring FREE AI learning today on CLOVER by 4-H, supported by Google.
🍀Access FREE Google x CLOVER AI Activities now
WHO: Activities are designed for youth in grades 5-12.
WHAT: 6 interactive activities (approx. 15 minutes each).
WHERE: Available anytime, anywhere on CLOVER by 4-H.
HOW: Free access using the link below, no account set-up needed.
Please share these open-access resources with the schools, families, and youth you work with!
Any questions please contact William Wilton M.A at 402-710-2639
2026 Large Equipment Career Exploration
Event set for Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Registration Deadline is Monday, June 29th.
Limited spots available
Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute
Are you a current High School Junior or Senior wanting to learn more about agriculture and discover career opportunities in the industry, “NAYI is a great way for the next generation of ag leaders to connect with today’s ag industry. It’s a remarkable experience.”
NAYI will be held on July 6-10, 2026 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus
Students who are currently high school juniors and seniors interested in attending must apply online thru the NAYI Website - Application Deadline is April 15, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Adams County 4-H Council is accepting sponsorships for trophies, banners, medals and monetary awards for Adams County 4-H Fair, July 15-19, 2026
Sponsorship Levels
- Platinum - $250 and up
- Gold - $150 and up
- Silver - $100 and up
- Bronze - $50 and up
- Clover - $25 and up
Each sponsor will get their name on the Trophy, banner, medal of the sponsored award. Also listed on the day's program as a sponsor of that event.
Please contact the Adams County Extension Office for more details. Email us at adams-county@unl.edu or Phone us at 402-461-7209.
CROPS
Conducting On-Farm Research provides farmers with information that improves their return on investment by testing products and techniques in an unbiased, repeatable format.
2026 Nebraska Custom Rates Report
The 2026 Nebraska Custom Rates Report is now available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website.
The page has a link to a new article and podcast by Glennis McClure on understanding the rates and market forces factoring in to setting rates.
Information in this year’s report is based on survey data collected from 108 Nebraska respondents with rates included for 123 different custom operations and services.
For questions or more information, contact:
Glennis McClure
Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
gmcclure3@unl.edu | (402) 472-0661
Safeguarding Your Operation Through Succession, Agreements & Smart Financials
Event Details: Wednesday, 5/13/2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Farm and ranch families work hard to build a legacy. But without intentional planning; even the strongest operations can face conflict, fragmentation, or financial strain when life changes.
This spring’s webinar will dig into why succession planning, financial planning and agreements matter in agriculture, and what can happen when families avoid these topics.
Join NGLC as we host Jane F. Langan Mach with Rembolt Ludtke Law as she discusses pre-marital agreements and the laws around them.
In addition Miles Garwood with Waddell & Reed, LPL Financial will discuss how to be intentional with planning financially for the next generation.
There will be time for Q&A after the webinar so be sure to have some questions ready!
The workshop is free to attend but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Private Applicator Training and More
A licensed applicator who uses any restricted-use pesticide (RUP) for the purpose of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him/her or his/her employer. Also includes any person applying restricted-use pesticides on the property of another person without compensation (other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities). Private pesticide license recertification offered at a variety of locations across Nebraska or can be taken online.
Nebraska Tree Care and Planting 101 Videos
So much of a tree's future depends on how it was planted! The Nebraska Forest Service is compiling recordings of its monthly webinar series so that all homeowners can gain expert guidance on how to plant and care for their trees.
Early Childhood
CHIME
Cultivating Healthy, Intentional, Mindful Educators- CHIME, is an 8-week series that offers research and best practices for providing responsive care by engaging in reflective practices. Mindfulness as it applies to the early childhood setting and social-emotional development is presented along with ways to be more responsive and less reactive towards children and work challenges. Strategies are shared for incorporating mindfulness practices into daily activities as a way to facilitate and enhance educator’s abilities in maintaining a healthy sense of well-being and nurturing children’s development.
For more information on the next CHIME on-line program go to our website.
CHIME Website
“Co-parenting for Successful Kids” is a research-based education class designed to help separating and divorcing parents cope with divorce and custody. Strengthens communication skills that can improve interactions between children and parents.
Resources
Want to learn more of ways in improving young children’s lives? Here is information and resources about early child development.
Adams County 4-H
4-H is open to ALL YOUTH, of ALL ABILITIES ages 5 to 18. Youth can join 4-H at any time of the year. We strongly recommend youth enroll by April 15th to have the best participation in the Adams County 4-H Program. Some projects require an earlier enrollment, such as shooting sports.
We appreciate and value our ADULT volunteers, who help and guide our youth.
The enrollment process is done online and needs to be done every year for both, Youth and Volunteers.
2025 Adams County Awards and Project Records
The 4-H Council has adapted the award process to try to fit the needs of our county. Adams County Awards entries for our youth (4-H ages 8 years - 18 years old) are due in the Extension Office the First Monday in October by 5:00 PM. This deadline is for the Award Application, Golden Clover, and Diamond Clover applications.
The current Adams County Award applications may be completed and submitted and in the Adams County Extension Office either brought in here in person or a PDF can be emailed to Beth Janning at elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
Adams County Award Applications and more
Adams County 4-H Members also have the opportunity to participate in county and state awards and opportunities. A 4-H’er will need to complete each application that fits the awards that they would like to be considered. Application deadlines vary.
YQCA Training 2026
YQCA – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals
Adams County Youth (4-H Age 8 - 18) taking a Livestock Project/Exhibit (Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry, Rabbit) are required to complete YQCA training yearly.
Steps to complete this requirement:
- Register online for the Training
- May complete YQCA in-person or web based.
- Required to Complete the Pre-Test & Post-Test
- All Certificates due to Extension Office by June 15th (copies can be emailed to gwen.rodocker@unl.edu )
4-H Camps and More
Adams County has 2 camps offered must register by deadline to participate.
- Clover Kids Day Camp (4-H Age 5-7) TBD
Adams/Clay/Webster County Day Camp (ages 8 - 18), June TBD
For more information please call the Adams County Extension Office at 402-461-7209
Adams County 4-H
Horticulture, Landscape
Adams County Horticulture Helpline
Have a plant problem? or a question about your trees, lawn, garden, flowers, or houseplant? We can help! And at little or no cost.
For more information or assistance contact Rita Brhel at 402-261-7209, via email rbrhel3@unl.edu .
Event will be held in the Abbott Room at the Hastings Museum
Master Gardener FAQ
Master Gardeners contribute so much to our community..
Do you want to learn more?
Some common questions and the answers Master Gardener FAQs
Rita Brhel, Adams County Extension Horticulture Aide, on Saturday, May 16, at 2:00 pm at the Hastings Public Library! She will share Nebraska Extension secrets to beautiful, easy-to-grow container flower gardens that fit any space—with a special emphasis on pollinator pots and plantings that absolutely thrive in summer heat. Hands-on activities will give you practice on composing attractive container garden designs tailored to common, though sometimes-challenging, growing conditions found in local yards.
Gro Big Red
This webinar series, sponsored by Nebraska Extension and delivered via Zoom, is a great opportunity to join experts from Nebraska Extension to learn and ask questions!
All programs are on the second Wednesday of the month from Noon-1 pm CT.
Register for session or view past zooms at GroBigRed website
Experiences of a Master Gardener Volunteer during his first year in the program
The Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Adams County are a group of volunteers, trained by the Nebraska Extension, who share information with the public through a variety of community gardening projects and educational programming for adults, youth, and children.
“I like being able to talk with other Master Gardeners to get ideas for my garden,” said Mike Brhel, of Fairfield, who trained to become a Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in spring 2025.
“I like to learn new things and then pass that information on to others,” he added.
Full Story
Tractor Safety & Equipment Training
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification. Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.
2026 Classes will be offered between May 26 and July. Must register to attend on the UNMC College of Public Health website.
Part 107 Drone Test Prep Course
Nebraska Extension will be offering one-day (eight hour) courses across the state to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications.
Location Information and registration is available online. Pre-registration is required with a $275 registration fee. Study materials, and light breakfast and lunch will be provided. An educational discount is available to students and educators through an application process available on the registration link.
Please contact Dr. Dirk Charlson for more information on this course at Email: dirk.charlson@unl.edu or Cell: 402-460-0742 (Text or Call)
We would appreciate it if you Pre-Register for a class
