BOONE & NANCE COUNTY HAPPENINGS
We are delighted to announce the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.
This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices. Registration deadline is April 1st.
Go to https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge for detailed guidelines and participation information, or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.
2025 Youth Preparedness Council
Youth in Grades 8-11 who are interested in making a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply to join the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council!
The Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) brings teens together from across the country who are passionate about emergency preparedness and making a difference in their communities. Council members are selected based on involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and interest in preparedness and emergency management.
Students in Grades 8-11 are eligible to apply.
YPC members share ideas and feedback with FEMA, collaborate to develop preparedness project proposals, and build their leadership and emergency management skills. Youth leaders who are interested in applying to the YPC must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation.
The application is open January 7 – March 3, 2025.
Learn more and apply today at https://ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council.
More details at: https://ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council
Pesticide Safety Education Program
The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in concert with Extension Specialists, Extension Educators, and other collaborators, provides educational and training programs that address human health, the environment, economic wellbeing, and pesticide safety.
The new website is found at https://pested.unl.edu.
Training dates for statewide in-person Private Applicator, Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator, and Chemigation, as well as online training can be found there.
- February 14th (Friday) – Butler – Fairgrounds in David City – 1:00pm. Register at https://pears.io/events/unl/36 or call 402-352-3821.
- February 25th (Tuesday) – Platte – Columbus Innovation Center – 9:00am. Register at https://pears.io/events/unl/38 or call 402-563-4901.
Special Garden and Agronomy Projects
These projects are open to all youth of 4-H ages 5-18 and it will give them the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting something different.
The focus for the 2025 Special Garden Project will be the Goldie Husk Cherry. This old-fashioned fruit from the tomato family has sweet berries inside golden husks.
The Special Agronomy Project will be Sunflowers.
If you are interested in trying either project, please call the Extension Office as soon as possible to reserve seeds. Quantities are limited.
UNL Chick Days
The 2025 UNL Chick Days is an educational event for small back-yard poultry producers and youth. It will be held March 22 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, at the Student Commons.
Along with featured speakers, there will be a photography contest, an egg art contest, and Quiz Bowl contest. Registration is due March 15. Click for more information and the registration form.
Loup Valley 4-H Horse Conference
Connect with Us
Cash Rent Workshop in Norfolk
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a series of workshops across the state for farm and ranch landowners, landlords, and tenants who want to learn more about current trends in farm or ranch real estate, and best practices for managing or leasing land.
“Big Questions and Innovative Solutions in Land Management” will cover topics related to Nebraska's land industry for farms and ranches. Those include evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, lease provisions and legal considerations, proper communication strategies and considerations for successful land transitions. Workshop participants will also be able to find answers to common farmland leasing and land ownership questions.
The program is free to attend. Registration is required for each location.
More information about upcoming locations and dates is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/land25.
Cornhusker Economics
Check out the market value of ag land in Nebraska, and the cash rental rates. Download the "Nebraska Farmland Values and Cash Rental Rates in 2024" (updated March 2024) at Cornhusker Economics.
To view other articles, go to https://agecon.unl.edu/cornhusker-economics
Camps
The Regional Junior 4-H Camp will be held June 4-6 at Whispering Cedars Camp at Genoa. Camp Counselors are needed at this point. Counselors must be 16 to 18 years of age before January 1. You will be required to complete the Permission and Health form in 4-H Online and the background screening before coming to camp. Please register by April 30 at https://forms.gle/HfA2USB5KTknnhqm9
Junior 4-H Camp is open to ALL youth, ages 8-11 before January 1st of this year. 12-year-olds can be put on a waiting list if registered and paid. If there is room after the May 8th deadline, they will be notified that they can attend. Campers can register at https://forms.gle/R6rFo5k6MHc612pq7
Nance County campers make checks out to Nance County 4-H Council and send to Nance County Extension, PO Box 130, Fullerton, NE, 68638. Boone County campers make checks out to Boone County 4-H Council and send to Boone County Extension, 2624 Fairgrounds Rd, Albion, NE, 68620.
More information about Camp below:
Nebraska State 4-H Camps
