4-H is an organization designed to help youth become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.
Thank you for your interest in Buffalo County 4-H!
Our program is open to ALL YOUTH, of ALL ABILITIES ages 5 to 18. Annual enrollment is NOW OPEN for the 2025-2026 4-H year! If youth wish to exhibit at the 2026 Buffalo County Fair, they must be enrolled by the June 15 deadline! Youth and Volunteers need to enroll each year. To enroll in Buffalo County 4-H, visit 4-H Online and log in with your previous year's credentials, or if you are new, create an account. The cost of enrollment is $10 per Traditional 4-H youth ages 8-18 (as of January 1 of the current year) and $5 per Clover Kid youth ages 5-7 (as of January 1 of the current year). To use a debit or credit card, payment must be made in 4-H Online as part of the initial enrollment. Beginning March, 1, 2026, there will be a 4% charge for all credit card transactions in 4-H Online. You can also pay at the Extension office by cash or check only.
Clubs
The purpose of a 4-H club is to provide positive youth development opportunities to meet the needs of young people to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity! While joining a club has many benefits, youth can also join 4-H as an Independent member and work at their own pace. For more on clubs and how to start your own, visit https://4h.unl.edu/programs-clubs. If you would like to know more about Buffalo County 4-H Clubs, contact the Buffalo County Extension office at 308-236-1235.
Projects
Projects provide the basis of the 4-H program by offering various educational experiences. Carrying out a project will help the member "learn by doing" as well as learn "why" things happen the way they do. For more on projects, visit https://4h.unl.edu/projects.
Find resources for the Buffalo County Fair at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/4-h/buffalo-county-fair/.
2026 4-H Projects
2026 Special Garden Project
Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold is 2026 4-H Special Garden Project
The Special Garden Project is a way to offer Nebraska youth the chance to grow unusual and fun projects in their gardens. The 2026 Special Garden Project will focus on 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. Youth are encouraged to enroll for Horticulture/Plant Science through 4-H Online. Youth will then have to reach out to the Buffalo County Extension Office by calling 308-236-1235 to sign up and order the seeds by February 27. Seed packets will be around 50 cents each. Youth will be provided with educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation (included at the end of the growing newsletter).
2026 Special Agronomy Project
Popcorn is the 2026 special agronomy project
The Special Agronomy Project is a way for 4-H members to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska by growing it, researching traits of that crop and determine viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The 2026 crop is popcorn. In the sixth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore TWO varieties of popcorn! The first is an heirloom variety that was discovered and developed by a farmer in eastern Nebraska, called Nebraska Red. The second is a commercial variety, Robust 997. Be sure not to plant sweet corn in your garden with these to prevent cross pollination. Resource materials will be available for youth on growing the crop. 4-H member will be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the county and/or state fair in the agronomy project area. Please call the Buffalo County Extension at 308-236-1235 to sign up for the project and order seeds by February 27. Seed packets will be around $1.00.
2026 4-H Project List
Animal Science
- Beef
- Cat
- Dairy Cattle
- Dog
- Goat
- Horse
- Poultry
- Rabbit
- Sheep
- Swine
- Veterinary Science
- Other Pet or Small Animal
Communication & Expressive Arts
- Communications
- Photography
- Visual Arts
Consumer & Family Science
- Consumer Education
- Heritage
- Home Design & Restoration
- Human Development
- Textile, Quilts & Apparel
Environmental Education & Earth Science
- Conservation & Wildlife
- Entomology
- Forestry
- Shooting Sports
* 22 Pistol
* 22 Rifle
* Air Pistol
* Air Rifle
* Archery
* BB Gun
* Hunting Skills
* Muzzleloader
* Shotgun
* Smallbore Rifle
* Smallbore Pistol
Health & Wellness
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Safety
Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development
- Citizenship
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
Plant Science
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
- Range
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
- Aerospace (Rockets/Drones)
- Computers
- Electricity
- Energy
- Geo spatial
- Physics/Power of Wind
- Robotics
- Welding
- Woodworking
Clover Kids
- Making Foods for Me
- Family Celebrations - Around the World
- Just Outside My Door
- Theater Arts
- Animal Science
- Aerospace
- Bicycle Adventures
- A Space for Me
- Decorate Your Duds
- First Aid
- Fire Safety
- Model Building
- Show and Tell
- Animal Projects
* Dog
* Bucket Calf
* Sheep
* Goat
Help Youth Find Their Spark with Free AI Activities
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. Activities are designed for youth in grades 5-12.
Access FREE Google x CLOVER AI Activities now at https://4-h.org/clover/activities/google-ai/.
Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps
Overnight and day camps available
The purpose of Nebraska 4‑H Camps is to provide unique educational opportunities that empower youth to be active in the pursuit of self-improvement in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment. The Nebraska 4‑H Camps offer all youth a place to discover, learn and grow while developing valuable leadership and citizenship skills. Nebraska 4‑H Youth Development offers a variety of day and overnight camps, which provide unique experiences that focus on life skills, including:
- science exploration
- leadership and citizenship skills
- future career opportunities
- healthy decision-making
- natural resources education
4-H Pledge
I pledge my HEAD
to clearer thinking
I pledge my HEART
to greater loyalty
I pledge my HANDS
to larger service
I pledge my HEALTH
to better living
for my club,
my community,
my country,
and my world.
