What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization that provides experiential learning for young people across the world. Through this "learn by doing" approach, 4-H youth learn leadership, citizenship and life skills that empower them for a lifetime. 4-H encourages youth to reach their full potential through learning experiences, completing projects, developing community, and volunteering.
In Nebraska, 4-H is provided through Nebraska Extension in cooperation with county governing boards, the University of Nebraska, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Through these strong partnerships, Extension Staff are able to deliver 4-H and other agriculture and community services to youth, families, and producers across the state.
The 4-H program runs from October to September. Our online enrollment portal opens annually in mid to late October.
Enrollment deadline is June 15th. This includes re-enrollment, new enrollments and new volunteer enrollments. Youth who miss the enrollment deadline may be allowed to exhibit/show for participation ribbons only, they may not be awarded any prize money and may not be eligible for awards or be selected for state fair. Late enrollments must be approved by the 4-H Foundation. Please use the link below to enroll or re-enroll. You can also find step by step guides to the enrollment process. Select the Enrollment Resource Description that best describes your situation. As always, please contact the Extension office, (402) 852-2970, with any questions.
To enroll: visit 4HONLINE.COM
County & State Livestock Deadlines
Items due June 1st
Horse Advancement Levels: State Fair Horse Advancement levels
State Horse Entries: Due Online nhorse.fairwire.com
State Horse ID Papers: ID Sheets due to extension office ID Sheet
For all State Horse Show info go to https://4h.unl.edu/horse-expo-show-entry
Items due June 15th
4-H Enrollment: Enroll in 4-H through 4hOnline
YQCA Certificate: For all 4-H & FFA Livestock Exhibitors, we need your YQCA certificate to the extension office YQCA Link
Livestock ID Sheets: Livestock tags can be picked up in the office; Premise ID number needs to be turned in with Livestock ID forms for market animals. ID Sheets & Affidavits
State Fair Livestock Nominations: Turn in DNA Envelopes; Nominate livestock on show stock manager
Items due August 10th
State Fair Entry: Livestock entry for Nebraska State Fair 4-H/FFA nebr.fairwire.com
More about Johnson County 4-H
How old do you have to be to enroll in 4-H?
- Clover Kids enroll at age 5 (as of Dec. 31st of current year)
- Regular 4-Hers enroll at age 8 to 18 (as of Dec. 31st of current year)
Do youth, leaders, and volunteers all need to re-enroll each year?
Yes, visit 4honline.com to register as a youth, leader and/or volunteer.
If there a fee to join 4-H?
No, not in Johnson County.
What are the benefits of being in a 4-H club?
There are many benefits of being in a club; friendship and fellowship, opportunity for leadership development, plus strides in self-confidence, learning to work with others, and communication skills. Problem solving, citizenship, expanded horizons, organizational skills, respect for and from others, patience, tolerance, and real-world experience! The club leader will help you with decision making, keep you informed about project announcements and deadlines, and will be a great encouragement! You can also join 4-H as an independent member!
How many 4-H clubs are active in Johnson County?
There are three livestock 4-H clubs in Johnson County & One Shooting Sports Club.
- West Elk Creek
- Led by Sheena Case
- Sterling 4-H
- In transition from Sharon Heusman to Colby Thies & Chris Salberg
- The Mustangs
- Led by Flo Jones
- Spring Creek Shooters
- Led by Nate Werner
If you are interested in joining a Johnson County club, please call the Extension Office at (402) 335-3669 and we will give you information.
For Horse level testing please contact the office to complete through Flo Jones or Angela Johnson.