Boone County 4-H Bulletin Board, November 2024
NATIONAL 4-H HORTICULTURE CONTEST
Nebraska youth participated in the 90th National Junior Horticulture Association’s (NJHA) convention in Lincoln. The 4-H Horticulture Judging team from Nebraska placed 4th at the National 4-H Horticulture contest on October 12. Members of the team from Boone County were Rebekah Ketelsen, placing 15th individually, and Jayden Benson, placing 12th individually.
Paige Wood of Fullerton represented Nebraska as president of the NJHA Youth Council in 2023-24. The NJHA Officer Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, and communicating information about the annual convention.
Congratulations to all for a job well done!
4-H ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!
Each year, 4-H members and leaders must re-enroll in the 4-H program. Access the enrollment form at https://v2.4honline.com. If you are a returning member, enter your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, click “Reset Password” to receive an email with a link to set a new password. Do not create a new profile if you have registered before!
For NEW members! We can’t wait for you to join us! Please visit https://v2.4honline.com. If you have never enrolled in 4-H using 4-H Online, select “Don’t have an account?” Select your state, “Nebraska 4-H Youth Development”, and your county. Each household will have a profile, and individual members will be added under one profile. Choose a club or clubs. If taking a shooting sports project, be sure to select the 4-H Shooting Sports Club as one of your clubs, and then select your project areas.
Projects should be selected if families would like to receive additional information regarding project-specific reminders, such as upcoming deadlines. If you forget to choose a project, no worries, you can still take exhibits from any project area to the fair.
If enrolling in Horse and Shooting Sports, you are required to select these projects due to the consent forms that are required. The goal is to enroll as a 4-H member now. Then when you turn in your fair entries in June, you can add all the exhibits you want.
If your 4-Her plans to attend 4-H camp or participate in any state or national events, you must complete the health section. All other 4-Hers may skip over the health information. Then complete the consent section.
Additional instructions for enrollment can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/boone-nance/4-h-enrollment-information/. Feel free to come to the office if you need assistance! If you need help enrolling, please contact the office and we can help you.
ACHIEVEMEMT PARTY
Randy Pelster, Friend of 4-H award
Deloris McMillan, 30 year 4-H Leader
Janet Groeteke and Wes Stokes, outgoing 4-H Council Members
Melany Preister and Kate Maricle, outgoing 4-H Council Youth Members
Kate Maricle, 10 year Member
Aidan Choat, 11 year Member
Cassidy Maricle, 13 year Member
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Boone County 4-H families enjoyed an ice cream social, compliments of the Boone County 4-H Council at the Annual 4-H Achievement Party held on Sunday, October 20th at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Albion.
Awards presented included: Beef Herdsmanship – Grass Family, Groeteke Family; Sheep Herdsmanship – Maricle Family; Swine Herdsmanship – Gulbrandson Family; Goat Herdsmanship – Addison Family, Cody Rasmussen Family; Horse Herdsmanship – King Family; Poultry Herdsmanship – Nick Krohn Family; Rabbit Herdsmanship – Malander Family.
Camp Scholarships were presented to Grant Bittner, Jase Bittner, Jaida Bittner, Stella Smith, Pearl Smith, Luke Smith, Kade Knott, Kamryn Knott, Keegan Knott, Bella Moeller, Lucas Moeller, Micah Ketelsen, Clara Ketelsen, Morgan Cumming, and Sawyer Sauser.
Aksarben Stock Show Quiz Bowl, 1st Place Senior Team: Kahnen Pelster, Ryan Cumming, Nicholas Groeteke, Aidan Choat, and Cassidy Maricle.
State 4-H Weed & Grass ID contest: Kendall Fleer - 6th Place Junior.
Premier Communication Event: Allison Molt, Junior Video Communication.
State Fair Fashion Show: Laramie King.
State 4-H Insect ID Contest: Aidan Choat - 9th Place Senior.
First Lego League Tournament: Lucas Moeller, Luke Smith, and Pearl Smith.
State 4-H Horticulture ID contest 1st Place Senior Team: Jayden Benson, Aidan Choat, Lydia Ketelsen, Rebekah Ketelsen; 2nd Place Intermediate Team: Mackenzie Fleer, Mallorie Fleer, Isaiah Ketelsen, Ali Werts.
National 4-H Horticulture Contest: 4th Place team members: Jayden Benson and Rebekah Ketelsen.
Serving as Boone County 4-H Ambassadors during 2024 were Addy Donelson, Cassidy Maricle, and Aidan Choat.
Clover Kids receiving 1st year pins were: Samuel Frey, Lainah Neidhardt, Addison Pelster, and Dawson Pelster.
Receiving 1st year pins (youth member) were: Kalli Carlson, Lane Carlson, Rhett Jarecki, and Hudson Pelster.
3rd year pins awarded (youth members): Taryn King, Maggie Krohn, Oaklee Nolan, and Brynlee Schriver.
6th year pins awarded: Bella Hamling, Tristin Hooker, Lauren Kettelson, Annie Krohn, Julianne Malander, Vienna Neidhardt, and Kahnen Pelster.
9th year pin awarded: Clarisa Grass, Tinsley Neidhardt, and Joslyn Schrad.
10th year pin awarded: Virgil Brengelman, Kate Maricle, Ashlynn Naber, and Natalie Schrad
11th year pin awarded: Aidan Choat
12th year pin awarded: Brooke Brengelman
13th year pin awarded: Cassidy Maricle
Leaders recognized were: 1st year – Roy Cumming, John Moeller, Katie Schriver, Matt Schriver, Rob Smith. 5th year – April Johnson. 10th year –Kris Schrad. 20th Year – Vanessa Cumming. 30th Year – Deloris McMillan.
Randy Pelster received the Friend of 4-H Award.
Jessica Kurpgeweit, Cornhusker Public Power District, presented photographs to 4-H members who received a purple ribbon during the county fair.
AKRS Equipment Solutions donated an award to each 4-H fair exhibitor.
4-H AMBASSADOR APPLICATIONS
Applications are being accepted through January 15, 2025, for Boone County 4-H Ambassadors. Ambassadors represent the community, Boone County 4-H, and the Nebraska 4-H Program, and are role models to all 4-H youth. This is a time commitment and leadership role.
Objective:
The 4-H Council may select up to three individuals who best represent the Boone County 4-H Program. The ambassadors should be well spoken and carry themselves with poise, a sense of self-worth, and respect. They should be a leader who shows initiative and a sense of pride and commitment to promote and represent the Boone County 4-H Program.
To Apply:
Must be age 14 - 18 (4-H age) and have completed a minimum of two years in 4-H, (not including current year), and currently enrolled.
Must complete application and turn into the Extension 4-H Office by January 15, 2025.
Applicants will be interviewed on their 4-H experience by a panel of judges after applications have been reviewed. Applicants should be available for an interview at this time.
Applicants must supply two references with contact information (non-family member).
Expectations of Ambassadors:
Must be willing to represent 4-H throughout the year including participation in local community events and 4-H county activities (some activities outside your comfort zone).
Follow the 4-H Code of Conduct at all times (available at the Extension Office).
Follow the dress code:
Ambassador Polo with jeans or slacks (leggings prohibited). Two shirts will be provided.
Shorts/Skirts: Shorts/Skirts should be no less than two inches above the knee. No underwear should show below or above the garment, even when bending over.
Tightness: No garment should be so tight as to reveal the outline of under garments or body parts.
Shoes: Wear appropriate shoes for the occasion.
Applicant must get dress information for the event they are attending.
Ambassadors will be expected to carry out their duties as per contract with the 4-H Council.
4-H Ambassadors will promote 4-H to potential members and volunteers, demonstrate the impact 4-H has on the lives of young people and the community, and promote 4-H to potential donors and give them opportunities to support the program. Ambassadors will be a resource to county and state 4-H staff.
The rewards are:
$500 Scholarship to college of choice
Recognition at County Fair Livestock Premium Sale and Achievement Night
Two 4-H polo shirts to wear at events
Resume/Scholarship building experiences
If you are planning on going to college in the future, will you be available to fulfill your responsibilities, as listed here to represent and promote 4-H in Boone County? This will include attendance and participation in agreed upon activities. If, for some reason you are unable to fulfill an obligation, you should contact the ambassador coordinator. Application can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/boone-nance/4-h-clubs-materials/, or stop in at the Extension Office and pick one up!
BOONE COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL ELECTION
Results: Elected for a three-year term are Mike Werner, Crystal Werts, Susan Staub, and Scott Brengelman. Newly elected youth members for a one-year term are Abby Addison and Bethany Preister.
DIAMOND CLOVER PROGRAM
The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills and abilities that will prepare them for success in the future. The program is designed to reach and recognize all youth engaged in 4-H, from club members and campers to school enrichment, after school, and special interest program participants.
The program consists of six levels that require a young person to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. For each level, the Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H youth choose their goals. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each level.
At the beginning of the 4-H year, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Successful completion of a level’s Plan & Report form results in a 4-H youth earning that level of the Diamond Clover program.
For more information about the requirements for each level, see https://4h.unl.edu/diamond-clover
2025 YOUTH BEEKEEPING SCHOLARSHIP
The goal of the Nebraska Beekeepers Association Youth Scholarship is to support and encourage young Nebraskans who have a passion for beekeeping. By providing financial assistance through educational tuition and equipment, the scholarship aims to help young beekeepers expand their knowledge and learn new skills and experiences in beekeeping.
The application form and candidate essay must be submitted to the Nebraska Beekeepers Association no later than December 1. More information about candidate requirements and the application process can be found at https://www.nebraskabeekeepers.org/scholarship
4-H YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAM
Teens aged 14-19 are encouraged to apply to the 4-H Youth in Action Program for the chance to tell their 4-H impact story and win a $5k educational scholarship. 4-H’ers interested in applying are encouraged to attend the information session on February 21 from 6:00-7:00pm to learn about the benefits of the program and how to become a competitive applicant. To register for the information session or to apply for the program, go to https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program
Four Award Winners will receive:
A $5,000 scholarship for higher education, to be paid directly to the institution, including two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools or other advanced learning opportunities.
A year of personal professional and media development, training, and networking opportunities and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and key thought leader in your program area.
All-expenses paid trips for each award winner & a chaperone to travel as the national youth spokesperson.
An official reference letter from a National 4-H Council leader for educational or career purposes.
All Youth in Action Program applicants will receive:
Media, interview, and storytelling training from National 4-H professionals.
Admission into our national 4-H story database; providing potential national multi-media and spokesperson opportunities.
NEBRASKA SHEEP & GOAT PRODUCERS
The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Association Annual Meeting and Education Program will be held November 9 at the Meat Animal Research Center, located at 120 West Fairfield St, Clay Center, Nebraska. Registration starts at 8:00 am. The program will start with a tour of the facilities at 9:00 am, followed by educational seminars and speakers.
For more information or to register, go to https://nebraskasheepandgoat.org/education/ or call Melissa Nicholson at 308-386-8378.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 9 - Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association Annual Meeting & Education Program, 8:00 am.
November 11 - Extension Office closed for Veteran’s Day.
November 16-17 - Nebraska State Poultry Association Show, Sandhills Event Center, Lincoln.
November 23 - State Make It With Wool Contest, Lexington Middle School.
November 28 - 29 - Extension Office closed for Thanksgiving.
December 24 to January 1 - Extension Office closed for UNL Holiday Close-down.
January 25, 2025 - Nebraska State 4-H Indoor Archery Championships, Aurora Cooperative Pavilion, Fonner Park.
March 22, 2025 - Data Driven: a Data Science and Statistics Field Day and Competition, Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, UNL East Campus. More information available soon!
4-H VOLUNTEER ROAD SHOW
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Road Show offers a professional development opportunity for 4-H volunteers across the state. 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!
Registration is $15 and includes a meal and all materials. Events are hosted across the state through the fall, or you can attend the virtual session.
Locations: November 17 - Virtual, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
November 12 - Hastings, 5:30-8:00 pm November 18 - Lincoln, 5:30-8:00 pm
November 14 - Scottsbluff, 5:30 - 8:00 pm MDT November 19 - Norfolk, 5:30-8:00 pm
Topics:
The North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Impact Study
Discover the impacts of volunteering for 4-H youth development and how you have made a difference by sharing your sparks.
County Fair Superintendent Training
County fair superintendents have a very important role in the 4-H experience for youth and families. Learn how to excel in this role and ensure a great experience for all!
Club Service Activities
Take your club service activities to the next level by creating a county fair exhibit out of the experience.
Animal and Livestock Volunteers
Take a deeper look into opportunities for youth who have found their spark through animal and livestock projects!
For more information or to register, go to https://go.unl.edu/4hvrs
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The 4-H Youth Development Program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.