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4-H began in the early 1900's as Corn Clubs for boys and Canning Clubs for girls. Although the program has changed a lot through the years, it has always been a program designed to help children become productive members of their communities.
4-H is a national organization delivered by Cooperative Extension–a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country.
Nebraska 4-H prepares young people for successful futures. Educational programs place a strong emphasis on life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, communication, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership.
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Elizabeth Janning at least two weeks prior to a program. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
Contact Information:
Phone Number - 402-461-7209
Email - elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
Or you can email our office at adams-county@unl.edu Please put "Accommodation Request" in the Subject Line
Welcome to Adams County 4-H
This resource will answer many questions that you may have about Adams County 4-H. It explains some of the terminology used in 4-H and much, much more.
Our staff is always happy and available to answer questions and assist you in having a great 4-H experience.
4-H Newsletters
Check out the most current news, upcoming events, deadlines,
Adams County 4-H Fair
Check out what is needed, when it is, and how to enter your 4-H exhibits
Adams County 4-H Awards
Youth are encouraged to be recognized for their accomplishments in the current 4-H year by applying for County Area Medals - the application is judged. Completing a Diamond Clover Level - if completed will get a level pin. Turning in Project Record sheet of project completion or exhibits in that area (receive a Project Completion certificate).
2026 Adams County 4-H Summer Workshops
We will be offering some workshops for youth who will learn and create while having fun. Then they can exhibit them at the Adams County 4-H Fair,
More Information Coming soon
Adams County 4-H Connect
4-H Facebook
Follow our Adams County 4-H Facebook Page that allows us to focus on the 4-H content for our 4-H families. You may
review it at https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H
Keep current with statewide opportunities posted on Nebraska 4-H Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nebraska4H
Remind App
Adams County 4-H would like to improve our communication and outreach with our 4-H families, volunteers, and partners. We invite you to join Adams County 4-H in the Remind App.
https://www.remind.com/join/adamsco4h
Already have the Remind App? Look up for the Class Code: @adamsco4h
Upcoming Events
April 24th - Extension Office Closed - Arbor Day observed
April 25th-26th - Horse Stampede Contest - Lincoln
April 29th - Flower Barrel Workshop and Pick-up 6:00 PM
May 1st - Sheep / Goat Weigh Day 5:30 PM - Adams County Fairgrounds
May 15th - Beef Progress Show Early Bird Entry deadline
May 25th - Extension Office Closed
May 27-29th PASE - Lincoln
May 30th - Adams County Beef Progress Show - Adams County Fairgrounds
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.
Special Projects and Events
4-H Special Gardening Project 2026
The focus of the 2026 project is the Alumia Vanilla Cream marigold. This marigold produces creamy, yellow flowers on compact plants. This variety not only has a unique color, but it also has a very long bloom time. To participate contact your local Extension Office to order your family’s seeds. Youth will receive a newsletter and project information with their seed packets.
To participate in Adams County - seeds must be ordered by Monday, March 2, 2026 before 5:00 PM by calling 402-461-7209
For more information go to UNL website Special Garden Project
4-H Special Agronomy Project
Youth participate by receiving seeds and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. Only families that ordered the seeds through your Local Extension Office are eligible to participate in 2026’s 4-H Special Agronomy Project. Youth will receive a newsletter and project information with their seed packets.
To participate in Adams County seeds must be ordered by Monday, March 2, 2026 before 5:00 PM by calling 402-461-7209
For more information go to UNL Cropwatch website Special Agronomy Project
2026 Online Horticulture Contest
Do you know what it takes to pick the best fruit and vegetables out at the grocery store? Or do you know what judges are looking for when they judge your plants at the county fair? Have you ever wondered, what plant is that!?!
Horticulture judging contest consists of three parts: 1. Identification of plant material. 2. Knowledge portion and 3. Judging or placings.
We are excited to offer the opportunity to learn these and other important horticulture skills through the Online Horticulture Contest.
To practice and learn more go to the UNL Online Horticulture website for Information and Study Materials
Online Horticulture Contest Will be available June 9-23, 2026 starting at 8:00 AM.
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 )
Additional Club Information
Here are some additional resources to help your club and officers to do a great Job
Clover By 4-H
Clover by 4-H is an online learning platform with engaging and impactful resources for children ages 5 to 18. CLOVER has a wide range of interactive activities and courses created by universities from across the country.
Learner accounts let youth ages 13-18 explore their interests and learn on their own.
Parent accounts let families with children five or older access hundreds of activities and courses with adult supervision.
Educator accounts let teachers, educators and 4-H volunteers manage multiple learners using Clover by 4-H.
It is easy to set up a free account.
1. Go to Clover by 4-H and sign up.
2. Enter your personal information and set a password.
3. Then search for interactive activities in more than 20 topic areas.
To participate please visit