Welcome to the Buffalo County 4-H Program!
This 4-H Family Handbook will provide you with details about the Buffalo County 4-H policies, deadlines, projects and activities. We hope you refer to this handbook frequently.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Buffalo County
Contact Us:
Call us: 308-236-1235
Fax: 308-234-6319
Email: buffalo-county@unl.edu
Address: 1400 East 34th St., Kearney, NE 68847
Website: buffalo.unl.edu
State 4-H Website: 4h.unl.edu
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Closed on Observed Holidays
THE 4-H VISION
4-H ... A world leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and catalysts for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society.
THE 4-H VALUE SET
We believe in these values:
Youth Development is the focus of everything we do and 4-H allows individuals to unlock their potential through:
- active involvement in self-determination of learning activities,
- quality experiences that stimulate skills for living and lifelong learning,
- relationships that empower people to voluntarily help themselves and each other,
- interaction with caring adults and peers to create a positive family-like support system.
Partnerships are essential in successful youth development for:
- resource development,
- program innovation,
- delivery capabilities,
- creating and delivering caring environments,
- access to research-based knowledge.
Volunteerism is fundamental to:
- delivering quality programs,
- developing adult educational capacity,
- teaching youth to volunteer.
Diversity strengthens the ability of 4-H to:
- develop positive values among program participants in today's global society,
- develop and deliver quality educational experiences,
- provide opportunities for program involvement regardless of culture, age, disability, gender, social or economic status.
THE 4-H MISSION
The 4-H Youth Development Education Program creates supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential. In support of this mission, we will:
- provide formal and non-formal community-focused experiential learning,
- develop skills that benefit youth throughout life,
- foster leadership and volunteerism in youth and adults,
- build internal and external partnerships for programming and funding,
- strengthen families and communities,
- use research-based knowledge and the land grant university system.
Achievement of this mission will result in capable, competent, and caring citizens.
4-H MOTTO
"To Make the Best Better"
4-H EMBLEM
The 4-H emblem is the four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf standing for head, heart, hands and health.
4-H COLORS
The 4-H colors are green and white. Green symbolizes nature's most common color and represents life, springtime and youth. White symbolizes purity and high ideals.
4-H PLEDGE
I pledge
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service, and
My health to better living,
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.
4-H EVENTS CALENDAR
Check current monthly newsletter or county website under What’s Happening in 4-H.
Please note all dates or times are subject to change.
BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H YEAR
The Buffalo County 4-H year will be from October 1 to September 30.
BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H COUNTY FEES
The county fees are set by the Buffalo County 4-H Council. The fees help cover insurance and miscellaneous costs. The Enrollment fee for traditional 4-H members is $10.00 per child; Clover Kid enrollment fee is $5.00. Fees paid online may include a processing fee. The enrollment deadline is June 15.
BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H DEADLINE POLICY
The Buffalo County 4-H Council has set dates for when items are due. Please refer to the newsletter for these, but in general the Enrollment deadline is June 15 of each year. No enrollment into 4-H will be accepted after June 15 for the current 4-H year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or observed holiday, the forms will be due on Monday or the next business day.
BUFFALO COUNTY 4-H GRIEVANCE POLICY
The respective superintendent has the authority to make appropriate decisions based on the 4-H Premium Book. When needed, a committee shall be appointed to serve as a grievance review group. They will meet when needed to act upon concerns. All protests must be submitted in writing and signed by at least two people. The written protest must be submitted to the department superintendent and must include:
1. Names of people involved
2. Nature of concerns
3. Situation and documentation
4. Recommendations for correction
5. Specific action, rule, etc. in question
6. List of additional persons committee may contact for further clarification
7. Procedures and/or steps carried out by person involved prior to submission of the protest to the Superintendent.
The committee will review the written protest. Committee members may discuss the situation with affected people and show officials, including Buffalo County Fair officials. Recommendations will be developed, followed and communicated both verbally and in writing to the group or individual affected. In cases of protest the exhibitor may be allowed to show, but results of showing will be subject to change based on the outcome of the protest process. This allows for smooth operation of the show and facilitates appropriate processing. The management reserves the right to withhold premium and/or award. The exhibitor may be excluded from the show if action warrants. Grievances will not be accepted later than 12 hours from the time of occurrence. Protests related to judges’ integrity, decisions, placings, or other evaluations will not be accepted.
4-H MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
All enrolled 4-H'ers will receive a monthly newsletter for their family. This newsletter is the main form of communication from the Extension Office. The monthly newsletter will keep you posted on upcoming events, deadlines, policy changes and general information about the Buffalo County and State 4-H programs. All dates and times are subject to change; please refer to your most current monthly 4-H newsletter for the most current information.
4-H AGE, MEMBERSHIP & PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
1. County Traditional 4-H Membership:
a. The potential member is between the ages of 8 and 18 years old on January 1.
b. The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member is 18 on January 1 and turns 19 before December 31.
2. Clover Kids Membership:
a. The potential Clover Kids member is between the ages of 5 and 7 years old on January 1.
AGE CRITERIA
4-H is open to all youth between the ages five (5) and 19, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status as determined by the following age criteria:
- 4-H eligibility is determined based on the age of the youth during the calendar year, which begins January 1 and ends
December 31. - 4-H age is how old the youth is as of January 1 of the calendar year.
- The first year of eligibility for the regular 4-H program is the calendar year the member becomes nine (9) or 4-H age of eight (8).
- The last year of eligibility is the calendar year the member becomes 19 or 4-H age of 18.
- If your birthday is on January 1, your 4-H age is the age you were on December 31.
- If you are eight (8) on January 1, your 4-H age is seven (7).
- If you turn nine (9) on January 1, your 4-H age is eight (8).
PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
1. State Participation: A 4-H member is allowed to physically compete on the state level (i.e. judging, speech, presentation, etc.) if he or she meets the age requirements set by the State 4-H office. This does not pertain to competing with static exhibits such as clothing, foods, etc.
2. National Participation: A member is allowed to compete on the national level when he/she is 14 years of age as of January 1.
3. Handicapped Participation: 4-H programs should be designed to consider the needs of participants with special needs/disabilities. Should you encounter a participant, either adult or child, in need of or requesting accommodation for disability, contact the The ARC of Buffalo County, (308) 237-4343, for assistance in evaluating what actions might be necessary or appropriate.
The Buffalo County 4-H Council will consider waiving rules and regulations when requirements place unreasonable restrictions on handicapped youth (for example, grooming rules for livestock shows that restrict parental help or record book requirements for youth with writing disabilities).
4. Married Members Participation: Married individuals who meet age requirements are eligible to fully participate in the 4-H program and are eligible for all benefits therein.
CLOVER KIDS
- Children may join Clover Kids when they are five to seven 4-H age. This program will assist youth in developing emotional, physical, intellectual, and social skills. Clover Kids programming is designed with activities and learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for five to seven year-old children. Youth within this age are not yet ready for competition.
- The Clover Kids program is developmentally appropriate and involves the following components:
- Encourage involvement of parent or significant adult
- Focus on self-esteem and provide positive feedback
- Share through cooperative learning
- Non-competitive: Emphasize fun and success of every child
- Recognize individuals for participation
- Recognize and give incentives without rank or placing
Refer to the 4-H Clover Kids Handbook for more detailed information about the Clover Kid Program in Buffalo County.
METHODS OF PARTICIPATION
A Traditional 4-H member is a member who participates in the Buffalo County 4-H program as a 4-H club member or independent 4-H member. You will find the words traditional 4-H member used throughout this book.
An Independent 4-H member is a member that does not belong to an organized 4-H club, but is allowed to be a member of any Special Interest groups (i.e. tennis, junior leaders, shooting sports etc). They enroll and complete projects the same as other 4-H members but without the benefit of a club setting. Independent 4-H members are not restricted from entering any project, activity or workshop offered by the 4-H program.
A 4-H club member is a member of an organized 4-H club. A club member participates in projects and also has the benefits of participating in club work.
The School Enrichment 4-H member is a student who is enrolled in a class where the teacher is using materials on any of several different subjects (Embryology, Waste Management, Bird Behavior, etc.) provided by the Extension Office.
WHAT IS A 4-H CLUB?
Organized 4-H club: is an organized group of youth, led by an adult, with a planned program that is carried on throughout all or most of the year. 4-H clubs may meet in any location and typically have elected officers and a set of rules approved by the membership to govern the club.
The club must have a National Club Charter, a ‘Constitution & Bylaws’ (that follows the state guidelines and is approved by the 4-H Council) and meet all other 4-H Club requirements found on page 26 of handbook. Copies of the documents must be on file in the Buffalo County Extension office.
Types of organized clubs can be:
- Community clubs - Community clubs typically meet in the evenings or on weekends and offer self-chosen multiple learning experiences and activities.
- In-school clubs - In-school clubs meet during school hours, but have officers and planned activities beyond school enrichment.
- 4-H after-school clubs - 4-H after-school clubs are organized within child care settings. They have officers and planned activities.
- Military 4-H clubs - Military 4-H clubs are organized by the Armed Forces, often on military installations, and principally for military dependents.
National Club Charter: Charters must be issued upon establishing a 4-H entity. The Nebraska State 4-H office will maintain documentation on the issuance of Charters to 4-H entities within Nebraska. A National 4-H Charter is required before any 4-H entity can:
- Use the 4-H Name and Emblem
- Be included under the Tax-Exemption Group Ruling for 4-H
Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence (formerly known in NE as a Charter Club): The overall goal of 4-H clubs is to develop enthusiastic young people who boldly take action to demonstrate life skills as capable, caring, confident, competent kids of character, thus contributing to the improvement of themselves, their family, their club, their community, and their world. One way clubs can measure their success in meeting that goal is to become a Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence.
To receive the designation as a Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence, clubs must meet the following criteria and document how this criterion was met.
- Have at least five members from at least three different families.
- Recite the 4-H Pledge at meetings.
- Meet at least six times per year.
- Choose/elect youth officers.
- Have youth serve in leadership roles.
- Have one club project, related to curriculum, which they do together.
- Have adult role models/parental involvement.
- Be facilitated by organizational and project leaders who have successfully completed the volunteer screening.
- Have members who perform a presentation or public speaking at the club level or above.
- Complete one community service project.
- Have members who participate in county, district or state events.
- Celebrate member and club achievements.
- Volunteer to work in recent Buffalo County Fair Food Stand
- Turn in a completed Annual 4-H Club of Excellence Summary Form.
If the Club meets all the requirements, they will get a certificate and a seal the first year and an additional seal in subsequent qualifying years.
Primary club: denotes the organized 4-H club that the 4-H'er spends the most time with. Youth can be involved in more than one
4-H club. The Primary club leader will be the leader that the 4-H'er will contact to get their forms, information, premium checks, etc.
Special Interest group (or secondary club): is a group of 4-H members from any organized club, an independent member, or school enrichment member that meet for one specific project only (dog group, shooting sports, etc.). Members are not limited to the number of special interest groups they are involved with. Members may also take other projects that do not correspond to the special interest group. For example, Betsy is a member of the Shooting Sports Group as well as the Dog Group. She is also involved in the clothing, cooking and beef projects.
4-H ENROLLMENT
4-H Enrollment is required to be completed on a yearly basis. To be enrolled in 4-H in Buffalo County, you must completely fill out the enrollment form at https://v2.4honline.com, enroll in at least one project and pay the yearly enrollment fee.
Enrollment deadline for Buffalo County is June 15 of the current year. Any Enrollment changes, corrections, additions or deletions must be made in person or sent to the Extension Office in writing. Changes made by telephone calls may or may not be accepted, depending upon what change is requested.
Members enrolled in more than one club or special interest group, make sure that each leader is aware of your association with the other club(s).
Carefully read all information on enrollment, deadlines, materials needed, etc. For example, some livestock projects (beef, sheep, swine and goat) have special deadlines for weighing, identifying, tagging and registering animals (please refer to the current 4-H newsletter for more information).
4-H PROJECTS
The 4-H project is the "gateway" to the rest of the 4-H program. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say, however, that the project is the "gateway" to the 4-H'er. 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.
Why projects?
The project is a teaching tool that can be used to develop many desirable traits in addition to the more evident project skills. Project work is a means to an end, not the end itself. The development of the individual is the most important consideration.
What are projects?
Projects are real life experiences that help 4-H'ers learn to make sound decisions. Projects put the hands and mind to work. The selection of 4-H projects has expanded greatly over the years. There are over 100 different projects. Most of the projects have been planned with several phases so that a member may advance to more difficult and challenging activities within that project. Projects are selected early in the 4-H year when enrollments are filled out. (Deadline to add or subtract projects is June 15, current year.) If a deadline falls on a weekend or observed holiday, the forms will be due on Monday or the next business day.
What are the objectives of 4-H projects?
1. Create a sense of ownership.
2. Give a feeling of achievement.
3. Strengthen family and community ties.
4. Provide members the opportunity to:
- learn project skills
- develop and understand project knowledge
- develop good attitudes
- assume responsibility
- provide healthy competition
- make meaningful decisions
5. Provide leisure time activities.
6. Explore career opportunities and thus the need for continued education. All projects are, in a sense, career explorative - giving each member a taste of the work and responsibilities involved.
In selecting projects, the youth should consider the following:
- Does it meet your needs and interests?
- Is the project compatible with your age and ability (physical and mental)?
- Will it challenge you educationally?
- How much time do you have and how much time does the project require?
- In what season of the year does most of the activity of the project occur?
- Is the project acceptable to your parents and does it fit into the family needs and situation?
- How much will the project cost?
- Is adequate space and equipment available?
- Is there an opportunity for ownership and management responsibilities?
- Are leaders available to help you with the project or are your parents willing to help with the project?
How are projects conducted?
Project work is conducted through various delivery methods:
- Project meetings at club, county, district or state events.
- Demonstrations and talks at club meetings, county or district contests.
- Tours.
- Family activities or work at home.
- Exhibiting at the County Fair.
- Record keeping.
- Workshops or camps.
- Participation in School Enrichment.
PROJECT LEADER
What is the role of the project leader?
4-H project leaders are people who have an interest in a particular area. They are willing to share their time, talents and efforts with young people.
Anyone can be a project leader after passing the Volunteer profile screening**. It doesn't take an expert to be a project leader. The most important ingredient for project leaders is that they are interested in working with youth. Anyone who would consider being a project leader should visit with your club's organizational leader(s) or the Extension Office.
Training meetings for project leaders are conducted on the county, district or state level. Information about these meetings can be found in the 4-H Family Newsletter.
Many clubs have a policy that requires more than two or three members to be enrolled in a project before a project leader will be obtained. Parents are often expected to help the members with their project if a leader is not designated.
Project leaders may find it helpful to obtain the project manuals from the Extension Office for the project(s) they are leading. Many leaders find these books to be full of valuable hints, teaching techniques, and a wealth of information.
**VOLUNTEER PROFILE SCREENING
Volunteer profile screening is a simple background check, which is ran through the State 4-H Office & Sterling Volunteer Screening to check for any violations on a person's record in regards to youth. This confidential background check is run to insure the safety of our 4-H members. Initial screening of volunteers and staff will occur when they sign up to volunteer or are employed by the Extension Office. Screening for all volunteers will be done every five years.
PROJECT RESOURCES
How do you select projects for the new 4-H year?
A list of 4-H projects can be obtained at the Buffalo County Extension office or visit https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects/. Manuals and the prices which correspond to each project are available at the Buffalo County Extension Office. When possible corresponding exhibits will be available at the County Fair, but there are a few projects that will not have exhibits available for exhibiting at the fair.
There are County Only Projects which are projects that are accepted in Buffalo County only. They are listed with the other projects but are denoted as County only. This means that these projects will not have the chance to advance past the county level.
After projects have been selected (using the enrollment form), they are submitted to the Extension Office. Independent 4-H'ers are responsible for submitting enrollment online at v2.4honline to the Extension Office themselves.
MANUALS
Most projects have corresponding manuals or resource materials. These optional manuals and resource materials are to be used to help 4-H'ers reach the objectives of the 4-H projects. The manuals are written progressively within each project area, this means, that even though a 4-H'er may take Baking at any time from age 8 to 15, they will not be learning and doing the same things at age 8 as they would be doing at age 15.
We do suggest that if youth join the 4-H program at an older age that they start with the beginning manuals. The beginning level manuals may be aimed at the younger 4-H'ers, but these manuals have the basic information in them that the new older 4-H'er will need in order to prosper in that project. The older youth may advance through the beginning manuals at a quicker pace, but they will at least gain that basic information.
Each club member will need to check with their club leaders to see if the leaders will pick-up their manuals or if they need to pick them up themselves. Independent 4-H'ers will need to pick up manuals themselves. There is a small fee for manuals. Payment of any manual must be received before the manual(s) leaves the Extension Office. Because of this policy, manuals cannot be mailed out.
RECORDS
Each 4-H'er should keep a record of their 4-H work. Records should not be considered an extra task, but rather a part of the project(s). Few young people enjoy recordkeeping; however, the recordkeeping skill is quite valuable.
Why encourage 4-H'ers to keep good records?
- A good 4-H record is a measuring stick. Members and leaders are kept informed of each member's progress and this helps stimulate self-improvement.
- A good 4-H record is a mirror. It will reflect accomplishments and therefore will serve as a basis for awards.
- A good 4-H record teaches a desirable skill. Every adult must keep track of business and financial matters. Developing this skill early in life is a valuable asset learned by each 4-H member.
- A good 4-H record can be achieved more readily when there is cooperation between members, parents and leaders.
When should records be completed?
4-H'ers are encouraged to work on records throughout the year as they do their project work. Many club project leaders have
4-H'ers work on their records at the club project meetings.
4-H CLUB MEETINGS
Every 4-H Club is different, below are listed some commonalities that may be found.
What are the purposes of the 4-H club meeting?
The purposes of the 4-H club meetings are to help youth:
1. Acquire new information.
2. Learn to use leisure time creatively.
3. Develop social and life skills.
4. Acquire leadership and citizenship traits.
5. Learn and use parliamentary procedure.
All 4-H club members are given the opportunity to learn and practice decision making in group situations by using the knowledge and skills acquired at these club meetings. 4-H club members are expected to attend the scheduled club meetings. Parents are highly encouraged to attend meetings with their 4-H'ers. After all, 4-H is a family affair.
How often does the club meet?
Most clubs hold monthly meetings which are normally held the same weekend or evening each month (i.e., second Monday, third Sunday, etc.).
What is a club meeting like?
The 4-H meeting typically includes 3 different parts: business section, an educational program and some recreation time. 4-H meetings normally last 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
What is the business section?
The Business section portion of the meeting should be short and snappy. It is a small democratic society in action. 4-H officers, not parents and leaders, should be in charge of the business meeting. The Business section is where announcements about upcoming county programs are made, treasurer's report is shared, minutes are read and the club discusses any upcoming community service or other events.
What is the educational program?
The Educational program portion of the meeting is designed to help members learn more about subjects of general interest in the entire 4-H club program. 4-H teaching is unique: it is "learning by doing." Good 4-H teaching employs seeing, hearing and doing. Generally, the educational program will include talks and/or demonstrations by members or outside speakers may present programs for the 4-H club meeting.
What is the recreation time?
The Recreation time portion of the meeting distinguishes the 4-H meeting from other educational activities. Recreation may include challenges, singing, relays, guessing games, active games, and quiet games.
A 4-H club meeting may also have:
Presentations / Demonstrations which are "show and tell" type deliveries where the 4-H'ers share things they have learned in their projects. Actual articles are used to show the steps necessary for a finished product. Most demonstrations consist of three parts:
1. Introduction - explains the purpose of the demonstration.
2. Body - outlines subject step-by-step.
3. Summary - reviews important points and gives an opportunity for questions.
Illustrated talks differ from demonstrations in that they "tell" how rather than "show" how. Charts, models and other visual aids are essential for illustrated talks.
Project talks are given about the member's projects. The project talk can describe things experienced while doing the project or give information related to the project.
Refreshments are served at meetings by some clubs. Most often, different families provide the refreshments each month.
How are good monthly meetings accomplished?
Planning is the key. It takes considerable thought, initiative, creativeness, and planning to make a 4-H club work. Most clubs outline their educational programs for each month early in the 4-H year. The 4-H Yearbook (4-HF 59), available from the Extension Office, is an excellent outline to follow.
Generally, the club officers and junior leaders do program planning with guidance from the organizational leader. The exact program planning varies from club to club.
Who conducts the club meetings?
Each club should elect officers in the beginning of the 4-H year. Officers elected may include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, news reporter, recreation leader, and song leader. Other officers may be elected depending on the club. These elected officers should plan and conduct the meetings.
Who provides leadership?
Parents are usually the best source of adult leadership, but not the only source. Other 4-H friends, such as parents of former 4-H'ers, retired persons, and young adults, are often willing to help the 4-H'ers in learning leadership skills.
4-H CLUB ACTIVITIES
Individual 4-H clubs plan additional club activities. Visit with your club's organizational leader about particular activities of your club. Some examples of club activities include:
Community Service - Many 4-H clubs decide to participate in some sort of community service activity. The purpose of a community service project is to encourage unity and fellowship throughout the community of which 4-H is an important part (Examples - picking up highway trash, singing at a local retirement home, planting flowers at a park & building small animal cages for the county fair). Check the monthly family newsletter for more community service ideas.
Club Tours - Many 4-H clubs hold a 4-H tour during the 4-H year. Tours provide an opportunity for 4-H'ers who have projects with animals, gardening, etc. to "show and tell" their projects to other 4-H'ers and parents in their club. Many clubs includes picnic, swimming party or some other family activity with their tours.
COUNTYWIDE ACTIVITIES
Leader/Parent Meeting – This is a required meeting for all club leaders in Buffalo County. 4-H parents are also welcome to attend. Information shared at the meeting will be helpful in shaping each 4-H members’ plans for the current year.
Premier Communication Event - The Premier Communication Event features a variety of county-level communication contests usually held in early spring. This event is an opportunity for youth to showcase their learning and skills in the area of communication, explore issues related to the communication industry, and discover college and career opportunities. This event is made up of the Buffalo County Prepared Speech Contest, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest, Illustrated Presentation Contest, Impromptu Speech Contest, and Video Communication Contest. Youth may participate in any of these contests. 4-H members must be present at the county contest. Contests using computer-based visuals or audio files must be sent to the Extension Office 24 hours prior to the event in the form of an email, on a USB drive that is PC formatted, or another way that works for the youth and the Extension Staff. Contact the Extension Office if you need assistance in sharing the file.
Performing Arts Contest - This contest is held in the early spring. Both traditional 4-H members and Clover Kids may participate. It may be in conjunction with the Fashion Show or held on a separate date. Individuals and/or groups may choose to enter the contest with a drill / dance routine, a musical number (instrumental or vocal), a one-act play. The Performing Arts Contest is a great opportunity for 4-H'ers to display their acting and/or musical talents.
Fashion Show – This event is usually held in July. Both traditional 4-H members and Clover Kids may participate. 4-H members must be in enrolled in at least one clothing project in order to participate. Individuals model outfits that are either constructed or purchased depending on the project area. Model and clothing construction judging takes place in the morning on the day of the contest and a public fashion show is held in the evening.
4-H Camp - Camp typically lasts three days and two nights and is for any 4-H'er or other youth interested in attending. The average age of campers is 8 - 15. A fee is charged for each camper for activities, lodging and meals. Educational programs are planned, which Junior Counselors help teach. Youth who attend camp may have the chance to canoe, make crafts, gain leadership and outdoor skills, as well as make friends they will have for the rest of their lives.
Judging Clinics and Contests - These are held mainly in the spring and summer. Judging provides a fun way for 4-H'ers to learn more about their projects and decision making. Clinics are held to help 4-H'ers learn about each specific contest, gain a better understanding of the subject matter and obtain new skills. Contests are held to help youth put these learned skills and information to work, any current 4-H’er is eligible to participate in these events.
Clinics and Contests are available in the areas of:
- Livestock (beef, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, horse and rabbits)
- Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
- Dog
- Horticulture Identification
- Tree Identification
- Grass and Weed Identification
Age of the 4-Her to be eligible for selection to compete at State Judging Contests will vary with the different contests.
County Fair - This is held in late July or early August. The fair provides an opportunity for youth to showcase their project work and progress. Exhibits are evaluated by judges and receive a ribbon denoting its quality in comparison to a standard:
- Purple ribbons are used to reward exhibits of superior quality and workmanship
- Blue ribbons are for above-average exhibits
- Red ribbons are for average exhibits
- White ribbons are for acceptable exhibits
- Green ribbons are given for participation.
- Rainbow Ribbons are used for all Clover Kids exhibits
All 4-H'ers are encouraged to exhibit projects at the County Fair, although you do not have to exhibit at the fair to complete a project.
Interview Judging - In this type of judging, the judge and 4-H'er talk about the exhibit of the 4-H'er as the exhibit is being evaluated. Knowing "why" a project received a particular ribbon greatly increases the learning experience of 4-H'ers. Interview judging will be held in several areas at the Fair.
Show and Tell - Clover Kids have the opportunity during county fair to “show and tell” any exhibit or small animal of their choice.
Year End Celebration - The Buffalo County 4-H Achievement Night is held late October or early November. This time is set aside to recognize outstanding 4-H'ers in all areas for a job well done. All members, parents, leaders and potential members are encouraged to attend this event. Businesses and individuals contribute trophies, plaques, prize money, and other awards to recognize the achievements of 4-H'ers during the year. Special recognition is given per the following:
- 4-H Membership Certificates and Pins
- 4-H Leaders Years of Service
- Friend of 4-H Award
- Outstanding 4-H Alumni
- Clubs of Excellence
- Diamond Clover Award Winners
- Achievement Application County Winners
- Judging Contests Winners
- Outstanding 4-H Leadership Award
- Other Special Recognition
COUNTY YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
4-H Council - The Buffalo County 4-H Council is made up of fourteen adults, three elected members of the Junior Leader Club and a representative from the Ag Society and the Chamber of Commerce. The 4-H Council is responsible for making policies and recommendations for the direction of the county 4-H program. The council also helps in the planning and running of countywide events and activities related to the 4-H program.
Junior Leader Club - The Junior Leader Club is made up of 4-H members who are 13 years and older. The club members do Leadership and Community Service project(s), meet older 4-H'ers in the county, sponsor awards and events (workshops, trips, etc.). The election of new officers is held during the yearly organizational meeting held in October.
DISTRICT, STATE, AND NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) - PASE is held in Lincoln at UNL's Animal Science Complex. The State livestock, dairy, poultry, meats judging contests and the State livestock quiz bowl competition are held during PASE. In conjunction with the contests there are tours, educational seminars and chances to visit with animal science faculty.
Livestock Shows - Throughout the summer, fall and winter, 4-H'ers who exhibit livestock may be eligible to participate at Ak-Sar-Ben, American Royale and National Western. Please contact the Extension Office for qualifications and registration materials.
State 4-H Horse Exposition – Is held in Mid-July. In addition to the standard horse show, this exposition also includes the 4-H horse judging contest, the 4-H horse bowl contest, the 4-H horse public speaking contest, and the 4-H horse demonstration contest. To exhibit at this show in the performance riding classes, youth must have qualified at a district show (for some of the events).
State Fair - This is held in late August/early September. The 4-H'ers who receives top purple ribbons at County Fair for non-livestock exhibits may be selected to exhibit at the State Fair in Grand Island. In addition to exhibits, 4-H'ers (age depends upon the event guidelines) may be selected to represent Buffalo County in various Judging Contests, Fashion Show, Public Speaking and Presentation Contests. Youth who are eligible and wish to exhibit livestock, must register their properly Identified animals, but they do not have to be the same animals that were exhibited at County Fair.
National 4-H Congress - This convention, which is the showcase of the 4-H program, is a five-day event keyed to the recognition and continuing development of the nation's most outstanding 4-H youth. Youth are chosen to attend this convention based on information in the career portfolios.
- Approximately 1,000 4-H members and 200 adults participate in a variety of activities during the convention.
- Special donor-sponsored events afford opportunity for delegates to be recognized for outstanding achievements and exchange ideas with representatives from the private sector and University Extension Offices.
- Workshops offer 4-H members and adults an opportunity to discuss current concerns of youth preparing to enter the adult world and become future leaders.
- 4-H'ers are allowed the opportunity to explore, via educational fields, some of the many wonders contained in a metropolis, as well as agency visits to view first hand the complex operations of commerce and industry.
National 4-H Conference - Youth in America are making it clear that they want to be included in decisions that shape their future. The National 4-H Conference provides older 4-H youth with this opportunity by including their ideas and recommendations in 4-H program development. The National 4-H Conference is held each spring at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Youth are chosen to attend this conference based initially on their career portfolios at the local level. If selected to continue, state selection is based upon a cover letter, resume and a personal interview.
Ignite - For four days, teens from all over the country come to D.C. to collaborate, connect, and cultivate a passion for expanding their minds and their world – becoming resilient and ready for everything life has to offer. Teens will immerse themselves in hands-on
workshops, experiences, activities in their key programming track of AgriScience, Animal Science, Community Accelerators, CWF @ Ignite, Healthy Living (featuring soccer), or STEM to continue to find their spark. With the addition of public speaking, career and life
readiness, and presentation workshops, teens will be able to apply what they learn to their own lives and take a step forward to become Beyond Ready for the future. Find more information here: https://4-h.org/events/ignite-by-4-h/
State 4-H Scholarships - Scholarships are available in several scholastic study areas. All scholarship applications are due in to the State 4-H Youth Development office by March 1. Recipients of scholarships must be in "good scholastic standing" (C average or better) at the time of the actual scholarship presentation. Selection of any scholarship will be based on the following factors (check with the Extension Office for more details on various scholarships):
- Influence of 4-H on the individual's selection of future career
- 4-H background
- Financial need
- Leadership abilities and resourcefulness
- Interest and desire for further education
- Scholastic achievement
BUFFALO COUNTY EVENTS
Many 4-H events not held during the county fair are conducted at various times during the 4-H year. You will receive premiums for participation. To participate: you must be a current member in the Buffalo County 4-H Program, meet age requirements and pre-register for the event (if required) at the Extension Office.
- Public Speaking Event
- Performing Arts Contest
- Presentation Contest
- Fashion Show
- Culinary Challenge
- Premier Animal Science Event
- Judging Contests
- Shooting Sports Fair Shoots
Participation in some events, require you to be enrolled in the specific project area.
- Shooting Sports
- Food Fare
- Fashion Show
BUFFALO COUNTY FAIR
Preparation for exhibiting at the Buffalo County Fair begins with enrolling in the Buffalo County 4-H Program by 4-H enrollment deadline of the current year. A list of all eligible entries and a calendar of all 4-H activities and events before, during and after the County Fair is published in the annual Buffalo County Fair Book (Premium List). This information is typically posted on our website, https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/4-h/buffalo-county-fair/ by early May. Please read this calendar closely so you are aware of entry times, shows, and other 4-H events.
Exhibit entry is required on each exhibit. Pre-fair entries are due online. Entry tags are available at the Extension Office for all static exhibits.
Pre-entries are required to exhibit at the Buffalo County Fair
The Class is the detailed item of a specific area, giving the information needed for the exhibit, and are listed under each Division. Each Class will have a special Class ID pinpointing exactly what you are entering as your exhibit and where it belongs (for example: Market Heifer is class G010030 but a Market Steer is class G010010, Senior Speech is class B105004, Fashion Show Steam 2 – make 1 buy 1 is class C410027, Laundry Bag is class C219013).
Entry / Pre-entry instructions will be given / sent to each 4-H member before the County Fair. Extra entry sheets need to be picked up at the Extension Office. All entry sheets must be filled out completely before an exhibit is entered on Entry day (Exceptions: beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goat, horse, poultry, rabbit, cat, dog, small animals, all livestock showmanship, and fashion show). Exceptions must have been pre-entered by deadline date in the current 4-H newsletter.
Information sheets and/or Reports are needed for County Fair exhibits in several areas. Some project exhibit areas require special information sheets. Check the fair premium book for those exhibits that need to have an information sheet or report attached.
These information sheets will have questions that will offer additional information that the judge(s) may find helpful. Questions range from cost of making the exhibit to how many years you have been in the project.
Fashion show narrations are descriptive sheets that will be used during the public fashion show. Shopping In Style has an additional information sheet and a narration sheet. These will be used by the judge and for public fashion show.
LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION
All large livestock, cats, dogs and ferrets shown at County Fair, State Fair, and any District Show must be properly identified individually. Ownership affidavits can be found at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/buffalo/4-h/buffalo-county-fair/
All ID Forms – need to be completed and signed by the member, parent/guardian and the owner (if the animal does not belong to the member). Signed forms are to be returned to the Extension Office by deadline dates designated in the monthly 4-H Family Newsletter. Please keep your copies! They are the official identification of your 4-H project animal and should be available to the judges and other officials at any time. Animals without proper identification or with late identification will be lowered one ribbon placing at show time for County Fair.
STATE FAIR ONLY - All Market and Breeding Livestock must have a DNA sample taken and complete Show Stock Manager nominations and fees, if planning to attend State Fair.
All Market Beef must be identified using Electronic ID tags at the County Fair. All who are participating in the county Average Daily Gain Contest must be weighed in, tagged and identified at an official 4-H weigh in. Beef Weigh Day will be listed in 4-H newsletter.
All Breeding Beef must be identified using Tattoos for registered breeds along with registration papers. Commercial beef must be ID’d with a 4-H breeding beef ear tag.
All Market Goats/ Breeding Does must be properly identified using a scrapie tag at the County Fair.
All Market/Breeding Sheep must be properly identified using a scrapie tag at the County Fair. Breeding sheep must have registration papers to show in breed class.
All Market Swine/Breeding Gilts must be properly identified with Electronic ID tags. Breeding gilts must have registration papers to show in breed class.
All Feeder Calves must be properly identified with Electronic ID tags or 4-H tag.
Bucket calves must be properly identified with a 4-H tag.
Tags are available at the Extension Office and must be in place by the proper deadlines.
Premise ID – Is required by all market animals that have an EID tag.
Animals not meeting proper identification deadlines will not be eligible to show at County Fair, District Shows, and State Fair.
Identification sheets must be done for these projects and exhibits:
- Market & Breeding Beef
- Bucket Calf
- Stocker Feeder
- Dairy Cattle
- Dairy Goats
- Market & Breeding Meat Goats
- Horse
- Market & Breeding Sheep
- Market & Breeding Swine
- Rabbits
- Poultry
Vaccination Form only:
- Cats – NE Vaccination Form (Current and signed by Veterinarian)
- Dogs – NE Vaccination Form (Current and signed by Veterinarian)
- Ferrets – NE Vaccination Form (Current and signed by Veterinarian)
Check the 4-H newsletter for current deadline dates of the current year. When deadlines fall on a weekend or an observed holiday the forms will be due on Monday or the next business day.
In addition to proper identification, all livestock (which includes poultry, cats, dogs, rabbits, pygmy goats, horses and small animals) must meet certain health requirements and, in some instances, age and gender requirements. Please check either the Fair Book or at the Extension Office for details.
Livestock exhibitors showing beef, sheep, swine, goats and dairy are also required to complete the Buffalo County Fair 4-H Livestock Show Ethics Affidavit and Statement of Disclosure, and Grooming of Livestock. These forms may be picked up in the County Extension Office. They are due when animals are checked in to the Fairgrounds on entry day.
Quality Assurance Training Program
Quality Assurance Educational Programs are State Mandated for all youth who exhibit beef, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, rabbits and dairy animals. The Quality Assurance training program provided in Buffalo County to the Leaders and Youth meets the National Pork Quality Assurance plus requirements. To fulfill the following age appropriate requirements:
- Youth ages 8 – 19 will take an online certification of a quality assurance program at https://yqcaprogram.org/.
All youth, who wish to exhibit beef, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, goats (not pygmy) or dairy animals at County Fair, District Shows, and State Fair must fulfill their age appropriate requirements.