Nebraska Extension in the Central Sandhills

Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening

Are you wanting to start your own vegetable garden, but don't know where to begin? Visit our Veggie 101 to learn the basics of starting your garden. Learn the when, where, and how of vegetables.

How to Start Growing Vegetables
New Webinar Series for Farm and Ranch Management

The Department of Ag Economics is launching a new webinar series to discuss COVID-19’s impact on farm/ranch management issues in Nebraska.

Join the Webinar
#socialdistancing: Create Physical Distance but Stay in Touch

It may be easier to stay six feet from the nearest person but that doesn’t mean that farmers and ranchers aren’t having to cope with uncertainty. Learning to recognize your stressors and how to manage stress can help you personally and those around you. If you recognize someone in distress, use a caring approach in listening to them, and then connect them to resources.

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COVID-19 Resources

The following link provides current resources related to COVID-19 for your family, your businesses, and your community.

COVID-19 Resources

Local Interest

Office Manager Job Opening

Full-time Office Manager for the Central Sandhills Extension Office located in Thedford. Organized, good communication skills, and positive people person needed. Computer skills, bookkeeping, and professional attitude a must. Salary based on experience and qualifications. Retirement, sick and vacation available. Complete job description available below. Submit cover letter, resume, and names and addresses of three references by Friday, July 24 to: Central Sandhills Area Extension Office, Attn: T. L. Meyer, P.O. Box 148, Thedford, NE 69166 or call 308-645-2267. Central Sandhills Area Extension is an equal opportunity employer.

Quick and Simple Garden Hints

Nebraska Gardener Quick and Simple Garden Hints

Memorial Weekend is now over, and the garden season is actively kicking into gear. Click on the heading above for quick and simple garden hints. This is a time to rejoice for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts as warm weather has arrived, blooming plants and shrubs are showing off their beauty and the threat of frost is hopefully gone until this coming Fall. Now is the time to get out and enjoy our gardens and landscapes, tending to them with a great sense of pride.

2020 4-H Fair Book

2020 Fair Book

Click for the 2020 Fair Book

New/Updated Classes & Project Areas:

General Animal - Accessory/Item made for animal science project. Designed/created by 4-H’er. Any medium can be used. Ex. Braided halter, show stick, blanket, leatherwork, etc. **Item must be checked in on static item judging day for evaluation.

Portfolio Pathways - Original mixed media accessory

Aerospace - Drone video

Rockets – Changes in class requirements

Robotics –3D printed robotic parts

County 4-H Speaking Contest Information

Due to COVID-19, previously planned in-person County 4-H Speaking Contests had to be canceled. I am excited to notify you that youth now have the option to participate in a virtual (pre-recorded) county speaking contest! Those participating will be able to load their recorded speech to our submission link, posted below, now through May 20th. After that date, all video recording submissions will be judged and considered for the (virtual) State 4-H Speaking Contest, which will also be held following the same format as the county contests as instructed below.

Please view the attached document for age divisions/speech requirements/etc.

Extension Office Remains Open in Non-Traditional Ways

THEDFORD, Neb. – The Central Sandhills Area Extension office, which serves Blaine, Grant, Hooker, and Thomas counties, is now serving the public primarily through phone and email. The office located in the Thomas County Courthouse, is now closed to walk-in traffic. Beginning Monday, March 23, all University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) employees will be working from home. The satellite office in the Hooker County Courthouse, Mullen, will not be open until further notice. Here is a rundown of how to reach us.

Learn from your living room with Nebraska 4-H

Learn from your living room with Nebraska 4-H:

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