Club & Member Resources

Showing Sheep

4-H'er Resources

4-H Projects

What is a Project? 

A project is simply a topic, or subject, that a member wants to explore. The member will focus on increasing knowledge and skills on this topic during the year.

How do I pick a Project?

Animal Identification

Animal Identification Sheets - DUE JUNE 15th in the Dodge County Extension Office

County & State Animal Identification Sheets

2024 Animal Exhibitor Handbook

All Livestock that is to be exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair needs to be nominated into Show Stock Manager by June 15th. Find more information here.

All Animal Identification Sheets MUST be submitted to the Dodge County Extension Office by June 15.

Horse Resources

Dodge County Horse Show Information Page

Dodge County Horse Show Information Page

State Horse Show at Fonner Park July 13-17th, 2024

4-H Horse Contests 

  • State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
  • State 4-H Hippology Contest - Junior & Senior Divisions
  • DRESS CODE - State 4-H Horse Show

DATES & DEADLINES  Dodge County 4-H Horse Program

Livestock Resources

Animal Science/Livestock Resources

2024 Livestock Rules Handbook

Nebraska State Fair 4-H Animal Nomination/Identification Requirements

Horse Show Information Page

Beef

Swine

Sheep & Goat

In 2001 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an accelerated program to eradicate scrapie in the nation's sheep herds and goat flocks. This program is succeeding, but, to meet the goal of substantially eradicating the disease by the end of 2010, the cooperation of sheep and goat producers everywhere is needed.

Poultry

Rabbit

Dog 

Small Animal/Companion Animal 

  • Companion Animal projects include: cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, pet rabbits*, tropical fish, reptile/amphibians, and caged birds(excluding pigeons).
  • *NOTE: Rabbit cannot ALSO be shown in the Rabbit Show. 
  • Limit 3 Companion Animals per exhibitor. 
  • Cat/Ferret Vaccination Certification Form

Tagging

In 2001 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an accelerated program to eradicate scrapie in the nation's sheep herds and goat flocks. This program is succeeding, but, to meet the goal of substantially eradicating the disease by the end of 2010, the cooperation of sheep and goat producers everywhere is needed.

YQCA ( Youth for the Quality Care of Animals)

Certification is required yearly for all 4-H youth participating in any of the following project areas:

  • Beef 
  • Dairy Cattle 
  • Goat 
  • Poultry 
  • Rabbit 
  • Sheep 
  • Swine 

Horse, Companion Animal, and Dog exhibitors are not required to complete YQCA Training.

Exhibitors are required to complete training by June 15. Those who do not complete training will not be able to exhibit livestock at the Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair or the Nebraska State Fair. 

YQCA Instructor Led Trainings 

  • 4-H members can attend YQCA face to face instructor led trainings at the Dodge County Extension office for $3.00/member. Registration is required. Instructor led trainings last about an hour and a half and do not include a test.
  • To register, members will login in at yqcaprogram.org and select the Add to Cart icon below the Instructor Led Training in the age group that they belong to. Age divisions for YQCA Certification are based on 4-H member age as of January 1, 2023.
  • Follow the instructions on this guide to enroll in an instructor led course and access your certificate. Look for Dodge County courses in the drop down menu.
  • Download and print your certificate, then email it to dodge-county@unl.edu or mail it to the Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont NE 68025.
  • Take a copy of your certificate with you to all livestock shows as proof of meeting the educational requirement.
  • See below for the online option that was offered in the past. Please note - online courses cost at least $12.00/member!

YQCA Ages and Online Course Information

Age divisions YQCA Certification for 4-H/FFA members are based on 4-H member age as of January 1, 2023.

Access online courses at yqcaprogram.org

Follow the instructions on this guide to enroll in an online course and access your certificate. Online courses cost $12.00/member for a one year certificate. Test out options are available as noted below. Download/print your certificate and email it to dodge-county@unl.edu or mail it to the Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont NE 68025. Take a copy of your certificate with you to all livestock shows as proof of meeting the educational requirement.

Questions/problems with YQCA can be sent to dodge-county@unl.edu or help@yqcaprogram.org.

Static Exhibit Resources

Communications & Expressive Arts

Environmental Education & Earth Science

Family & Consumer Sciences

Healthy Lifestyles Education

Leadership & Citizenship

Agronomy

Science, Engineering & Technology

  • PREMIERE 4-H SCIENCE AWARD:  All Nebraska State Fair static exhibits in ANY curriculum area that successfully incorporates or demonstrates 4-H Science (science, technology, engineering, or applied math) will be recognized with a certificate attached to the exhibit and up to 3 of the top 4-H Science exhibits will receive a $100 cash award sponsored by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.

Clover Kids Program Information

4-H Club Resources

Dodge County 4-H Email Blasts ("Smore")

Dodge County Leader and Volunteer Resources

Nebraska Club Leader and Volunteer Resources

Club Activities

Interactive ways to keep your 4-H'ers learning during club meetings

Livestock Lingo

Use the 4-H Meeting Wheel

Activity wheel

Nebraska Club of Excellence

4-H Contests

Local and State Contests

Local Contests

Dodge County 4-H Communications Contest 

Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event

Dodge County 4-H Family
Livestock Judging Clinic & Contest
Thursday, June 13, 2024

  • The Dodge County 4-H Program invites all 4-H families interested in spending time together and evaluating livestock to attend the Family Livestock Judging Clinic & Contest.  4-H clubs, FFA chapters and individuals are also welcome to take part in this family event!   
  • Dodge County Fairgrounds - 6:00pm

Dodge County Fair Contests

Registration for ALL Dodge County Fair Contests 

Exhibit Booth Contest 
 

  • All 4-H clubs are REQUIRED to put up a club fair booth to exhibit their 4-H project exhibits at the Dodge County Fair.  
  • Complete request forms must be turned in online
  • Booths will be judged

Culinary Challenge Contest: Table Setting, Menu Writing & Food Preparation - Dodge County Fairgrounds - Wednesday July 31, 2024

Shotgun (Trap Shooting) Contest - Valley Trap Range - Saturday, July 27, 2024

  • Check-in from 6:00-6:30pm
  • Contest starts at 6:30pm
  • 4-Hers must be led by a certified Shooting Sports instructor to participate
  • Registration for Shooting Sports Contest due online

BB Gun and Air Rifle Contest - Dodge Auditorium - Sunday, July 28, 2024
 

  • Check-in from 1:00-1:30pm
  • Contest starts at 1:30pm
  • 4-Hers must be led by a certified Shooting Sports instructor to participate
  • Registration for Shooting Sports Contest due online

Fashion Revue Contest - Dodge County Extension Office - Monday, July 29, 2024

Rocket Launch Competition - Baseball Field at Fairgrounds - 6:00pm Wednesday, July 31, 2024

  • Register when checking in your rocket during Static Exhibit check-in
  • See guidelines and scoresheet in Dodge County Fairbook

State Contests

P.A.S.E. registrations will be completed by local Extension Offices.  Please contact our office to register at (402) 727-2775.

4-H Scholarships

Dodge County Scholarships

Applications are due to the Dodge County Extension Office by October 29 at 4:30 pm. Applications can be emailed to dodge-county@unl.edu, delivered by hand to the office, or mailed to 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont, NE 68025.

Fall 2024 - Required to be submitted with an Achievement Application - Dodge County 4-H Foundation College Scholarship Application

Fall 2024 - Required to be submitted with an Achievement Application - Camp/Workshop/Publication Scholarship Application

 

 

Deadline Passed - Spring 2024 - Camp/Workshop/Curriculum Scholarship Application

 

Deadline Passed - Spring 2024 - Dodge County 4-H Council College Scholarship Application

Nebraska Statewide Scholarships

Nebraska 4-H Foundation Achievement Application Scholarships

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation offers 4-H members the opportunity to apply for scholarships.

To apply for scholarships, 4-H’ers must submit the Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application for state-level review by January 15th. Youth must follow the application instructions available on the Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application webpage. If applying for multiple scholarships, only one Achievement Application should be submitted. An applicant must select scholarship(s) to which he/she feels qualified.

4-H youth may want to visit with the Extension Office in their county and the financial aid office at the college of their choice. There may be other grants, scholarships, or low-interest loans for which they may be eligible.

Scholarship Information - Scholarship availability may change at any time without prior notice.

Russell & Nancy Lang College Scholarship

Spring 2024 - Russell & Nancy Lang College Scholarship Application

Applications are due to the Dodge County Extension Office by April 8 at 4:30 pm. Applications can be emailed to dodge-county@unl.edu, delivered by hand to the office, or mailed to 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont, NE 68025.

Big Red Summer Camp Scholarship Information

Nebraska 4-H wants to make camp an opportunity for all youth. A limited number of $100 camp scholarships are available to support youth participation at Big Red Summer Academic Camps.

  • To apply for a scholarship to be used at any camp, complete and submit the form below before registering for a camp session. 
  • Scholarship applications will be reviewed on a continual basis.
  • Recipients will be notified within a week after submitting an application or by April 6th at the latest.
  • Scholarships are for camp registration fees only and do not cover the cost of transportation or other expenses. 
General Scholarship Application

 

Dodge County Farm Bureau Project Grant

Two grants of up to $500 are awarded each year to Dodge County FFA & 4-H students. The purpose of the grant is to provide funds for students to begin or expand their 4-H or FFA projects.

For more information, contact John Colgan at (402) 720-3829 or jacolgan@gpcom.net. Find more scholarship opportunities from Nebraska Farm Bureau here.

Nebraska Association of Fair Managers Scholarship

2022 Application Form - Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship

National 4-H Scholarships & Awards

4‑H Youth in Action Awards

The 4‑H Youth in Action Program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in our core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.

Each year, Pillar Winners will experience an exciting year of telling their 4‑H story and celebrating their leadership. Winners receive:

  • $5,000 higher education scholarship
  • Opportunities to showcase their 4 H impact story
  • All-expenses paid trip to National 4 H Council event
  • Networking opportunities with 4 H celebrities and other prominent alumni
  • Recognition as the official 4 H youth spokesperson for their pillar

4-H Annual Achievement Application

2024 Dodge County 4-H Achievement Celebration
November 10, 5pm at the North Bend Auditorium

The Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application is a standard application form used for the selection of county and state award winners, including Nebraska delegates to National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference, as well as Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship award recipients.

ALL Applications are due to the Dodge County Extension Office by October 29, 2024 at 4:30 pm. Applications can be emailed to dodge-county@unl.edu, delivered by hand to the office, or mailed to 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont, NE 68025.

**ATTENTION SENIOR APPLICANTS: Please complete separate applications if you are applying in multiple curriculum areas. You can format your story and content specifically based on the curriculum area you are applying in. This will be advantageous to you when your application moves on to state competition. (State level applications are limited to one per youth member, even if they are applying for multiple awards and recognition)**

ALL Applications are due to the Dodge County Extension Office by October 29, 2024 at 4:30 pm. Applications can be emailed to dodge-county@unl.edu, delivered by hand to the office, or mailed to 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont, NE 68025.

2022 Acheivement Celebration Awards and Honorees List

State-Eligible Applications

Senior Achievement Applications (active 4-H members, ages 15-18 as of December 31 of the current year) will be accepted for state-level awards and recognition. 

State-Elgible applicants may apply to be delegates for National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference as well as be considered for Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships. 

  • Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship applicants will need to complete an additional section titled "Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships."
  • The complete Achievement Application will serve as the Scholarship Application for scholarships found at ne4hfoundation.org/scholarships.
  • Scholarship applicants will need to note on their Achievement Application which scholarships they are applying for. Current transcripts and ACT/SAT scores need to be submitted with the Achievement Application.
  • Nebraska Delegate applicants will need to complete an additional section titled "Representing Nebraska 4-H."

Resources for completing your Annual Achievement Application:

  • Achievement Application Workbook
  • Complete Applications include: 
    • Designation of Awards and Program Area of Submission
    • "About Me" page
    • "My Experience" pages - Maximum of 4 pages, 12 point font, single-spaced.
    • Delegate Applicants - "Representing Nebraska 4-H" page - an additional fifth page is allowed for youth wishing to apply as a delegate for the National 4-H Conference or National 4-H Congress. 
    • Scholarship Applicants - "Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship" - must complete this additional section and attach a copy of current transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

Diamond Clover Program

Diamond Clover Recognition Program

The Diamond Clover program is designed to encourage 4-H youth to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills that will prepare them for success in their future.

4-H members of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Diamond Clover program.

The Diamond Clover program is a six level self-paced recognition program. The accomplishments increase in quantity and difficulty for each of the levels. The plan and report form allows youth to plan at the beginning of the 4-H year what they may wish to accomplish and at the end of the year they will report on their accomplishments. A successfully completed form results in youth receiving that level of the Diamond Clover program. 

Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Page

Diamond Clover plan and report forms are due by 4:30pm on October 29 - email to dodge-county@unl.edu, deliver by hand to the Extension Office, or mail to 1206 W 23rd St, Fremont, NE 68025.

  • Clover Kid, anticipated for youth ages 5 to 7 years old.
  • Level 1 - Amethyst, anticipated for youth ages 8 to 9 years old. 
  • Level 2 - Aquamarine, anticipated for youth ages 10 to 11 years old. 
  • Level 3 - Ruby, anticipated for youth ages 12 to 13 years old.  
  • Level 4 - Sapphire,  anticipated for youth ages 14 to 15 years old. 
  • Level 5 - Emerald, anticipated for youth ages 15 to 17 years old. 
  • Level 6 - Diamond, anticipated for youth ages 16 and up.  
  • Nebraska 4-H Gives Back

Dodge County Ambassador Program

Dodge County 4-H Ambassador Program

The primary goal of the Dodge County 4-H Ambassador Program is building communication skills to be utilized in an advocacy role for the Dodge County 4-H Program as well as in other aspects of the ambassador's life.

ELIGIBILTY:

  • Youth 16 - 18 years of age on January 1 of the year serving.
  • Enrolled as a Dodge County 4-H member.
  • Must be an active member of 4-H, either independent or with a club for at least two full year prior to application.

ROLE OF THE DODGE COUNTY 4-H AMBASSADORS:

  • ADVOCATES: Ambassadors will represent and promote the Dodge County 4-H and Nebraska 4-H programs at various events such as the Dodge County Fair, Fremont 4-H Expo and other local/regional 4-H events.
  • ROLE MODELS: Ambassadors are role models for other youth. They will be respectful, polite and helpful with other 4-H members, adult leaders, and Nebraska Extension staff.
  • MENTORS: Ambassadors will have the opportunity to assist with events throughout the county. Their purpose is to assist in educating youth and adults about the 4-H program.

The Dodge County 4-H Ambassador program strives to promote 4-H and encourages youth to become actively involved in their communities. The Dodge County 4-H Ambassadors volunteer their time to assist with a number of county, regional and state events and programs. By assisting with these functions, the Ambassadors will have opportunities to enhance their advocacy and leadership roles with the Dodge County 4-H program and to develop an increased interest in volunteer work and community service.

AMBASSADOR EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as a positive role model to all 4-H youth.
  • Assist with 4-H events at the Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair and other miscellaneous county, regional or state 4-H events as a Dodge County 4-H Ambassador.
  • Represent the Dodge County 4-H Ambassadors during the 4-H Council Pancake Feed at the Dodge County Fair.
  • Represent the Dodge County 4-H Ambassadors in the Dodge County Fair Parade.
  • Assist with the Dodge County 4-H Achievement Celebration in November or December.
  • Attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln Communications Workshop (to be scheduled).
  • Develop testimonials about 4-H and its positive impact and submitted with a press release to the local media. (Send copy to the Dodge County Extension Office)
  • Assist with new member recruitment by visitng elementary classrooms as well as conducting a mini project fair at school or other community events. 
  • Assist with 4-H Summer Workshops. 
  • Develop and lead a group project in your local club. 
  • Regularly maintain and wear the 4-H Ambassador shirt and nametag while serving as a representative.
  • Maintain continued communication with the Nebraska Extension staff.
  • Be on time to all scheduled commitments.

Dodge County 4-H Ambassador Program Overview & Application - Due by 4:30pm on October 29th, 2024

2024 Dodge County 4-H Ambassador Fulfillment of Duties - Due by 4:30pm on December 11, 2024

2025 Dodge County 4-H Ambassador Fulfillment of Duties

*Download free Adobe PDF Reader

Farm Burea Grants

Nebraska 4-H Gives Back

Nebraska 4-H Gives Back

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program is an opportunity for a Nebraska 4-H member or a team of 4-H'ers to make a meaningful contribution to their community. This award recognizes the impact that 4-H youth make in their communities and celebrate the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience.

To achieve the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back honor, a 4-H member or team must complete a major service-learning project that benefits his/her community. Each 4-H member or team are responsible for the creation, coordination, and implementation of the project. 4-H members should plan on investing over 100 hours of service, and understand that it may take up to 24 months to complete reviewed in a two-step process. Proposals are to be approved by the local committee, and then by a State 4-H Program Adminstrator prior to the start of the project. Upon completion a final report is to be created and approved. 

Recipients will be awarded with a certificate of recognition, as well as, a $100 award to be received.  

Those interested in working on the Nebraska Gives Back programs should contact the Dodge County Extension Office at 402-727-2775.

For more information: visit the state Nebraska 4-H Gives Back