March 4-H Newsletter

Important 2026 Dates:
Mar 21-22 Shooting Sports Leader Certification-Bloomfield
Mar 31  4-H Council Scholarship Application Due
April 6   Communication Event – Center
April 25  4-H/FFA Swine Weigh Day for Rate-Of-Gain
April 27  4-H Council Meeting
Important Updates in this Issue:

  • Swine Weigh-In
  • Club Project Funding
  • 4-H Fairbook Available Soon
  • Sign Up Today – 4-H Communication Event
  • Enroll Today
  • Knox County Ag Society Special Election Information
  • Shooting Sports Program
  • Horse News
  • State Fair Information
  • 4-H Camps
  • and More

Attention High School Seniors

Check the website at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/knox/scholarship-information/ for scholarship guidelines and applications. 
Knox County 4-H Council Scholarship (due March 31, 2026)
Four scholarships will be awarded to 4-H members valued at $25 for each year of a member's 4-H enrollment with a maximum of $250.00.

4-H/FFA Swine Weigh-In for Rate-of-Gain Contest

Saturday, April 25, 2026

If you are interested in the Swine Rate-of-Gain Contest, your pigs must be weighed on Saturday, April 25 at the exhibitor’s home. Another leader/parent must witness the weighing and sign the paper. The swine weights must be sent or faxed (402-288-5612) to the Extension Office by Tuesday, April 28. To be eligible for State Fair, market swine must have a DNA and an EID tag. Please check the Animal Identification Guidelines included in the last newsletter for the correct ID process. Clover Kids are not eligible to participate in the Rate-of-Gain Contest.

Attention Club Leaders

Is your club planning to do a 4-H club project that you may need funding to help finish?

The Knox County Farm Bureau Federation has funding available for 4-H clubs and FFA chapters.  An application for approval of the project must be submitted to the Knox County Farm Bureau Federation.  Applications will be accepted through April 1 and reviewed following with notification to applicants by April 15th. 

Visit https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/knox/4-h/club-leader-and-volunteer-information/ for an application or contact the office.

2026 Knox County 4-H Fairbook will be Available March 16

Below are the 2026 Knox County 4-H Fairbook updates:
 

  • Added a County Only Knox County Ag Division. Check out the projects unique to our county!
  • Photography Level 2 and 3 added 2 classes – Black and White Photography and Creative and Experimental Photography.
  • Heirloom Treasures changed its name to Home Antique Restoration.
  • Forestry Division has updates to each of its classes.
  • Photography: County Challenge Theme – Nebraska Agriculture.
  • Disaster Recovery & Response Classes were updated.

Knox County Communication Event
4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contests
Monday, April 6, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 4-H Public Speaking and Presentation Contests. This event is also open to Clover Kids. Information is included in this newsletter. 

2025 PSA Theme: “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow”

The 4-H Public Speaking resources, along with the “Guide to Making Great Speeches”, is available from the office or on our webpage https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/knox/4-h/knox-county-pre-fair-contests/. 

 

The 4-H Presentation Contest helps youth develop skills for communicating. Through the contest, youth have an opportunity to teach others about the skills they have learned in 4-H by developing and delivering a “show and tell” presentation. Resources to assist in developing a presentation are found at 

https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/knox/4-h/knox-county-pre-fair-contests/ 

4-H online is READY for Youth and Clover Kids to enroll in 4-H for the 2025-2026 4-H Year! 
New this year: You will have the option to pay enrollment dues online with a credit card. There is also the option to pay by check. Dues are $5.00 per Member including Clover Kids

Website to enroll in 4HOnline is: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. 

Youth can enroll anytime during the year, but all youth, including Clover Kids, must be enrolled with the Nebraska Extension 4-H Office in Knox County by June 15 or before participating in any competitive 4-H event. Competitive events include all Pre-Fair Contests and Shooting Sports Contests.

Codes of Conduct - When re-enrolling, please review the Volunteer and 4-H Youth/Parent/Guardian Codes of Conduct. Nebraska 4-H and the Knox County 4-H Program follow these codes. Hard copies are available to view at https://go.unl.edu/volunteercodeofconduct. The following items are available on our website https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/knox/4-h/4-h-enrollment-information/:

  • 4H Online Steps to re-enroll or enroll members
  • Knox County 4-H Project List 
  • Knox County New Family Handbook
  • Knox County Clover Kids Handbook 

4-H MANUALS/RESOURCES - Project manuals/resources that are available for each project are listed on the online project selection guide used to explore Nebraska 4-H projects and resources, and their related educational programs and opportunities available at  https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/index.  The project curriculum can be ordered from one of the following websites.

• 4-H Youth Development UNL Marketplace https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/nebraska-4-h/4-h-curriculum 

• 4-H Mall https://go.unl.edu/neshop4h

We look forward to exciting 4-H experiences and working with each of our Knox County 4-H families and volunteers.

Knox County Agricultural Society Special Election Information

The Knox County Agricultural Society will hold a Special Election during the May 12, 2026 Primary Election. This election is being held so the Agricultural Society can meet requirements outlined in Nebraska Revised Statute §77-3446 related to the budgeting of restricted funds.

Under Nebraska law, certain public entities must follow limits on how much their restricted funds may increase each year. Restricted funds primarily include property tax dollars received by the organization. If an entity needs to set or adjust its restricted funds base beyond the allowable growth percentage, voters must approve the change.

The ballot will ask:

"Shall the Knox County Agricultural Society be allowed to increase the restricted funds base by $179,006.48, representing a 350% increase to the allowable growth percentage?"

This measure would establish a new restricted funds base that reflects the Agricultural Society’s current budget structure and the tax dollars already approved through the county levy. The proposal does not request additional taxes but instead allows the organization to utilize the funds that are already generated within the existing tax framework.

If the measure passes, the Agricultural Society would be able to continue operating at its current funding level. These funds support activities such as the Knox County Fair, 4-H and FFA youth programs, open class exhibits, facility maintenance, and community events held on the fairgrounds.

If the measure does not pass, the restricted funds base would remain at $51,144.71, which would significantly limit the organization’s operating budget under state law.

The purpose of this election is to ensure the Agricultural Society remains in compliance with Nebraska’s restricted funds budgeting requirements.

For additional information, residents may contact:
Ag Society Board Member Jerry Nipp – 402-360-5615
Ag Society Board Member Ron Sukup – 402-394-1105

2026 4-H Knox County Photography Theme

“Nebraska Agriculture”

Let’s show off “Nebraska Agriculture” in our 4-H Photography Area at the Knox County Fair.

Open to 4-H members. 
Must be listed on pre-entry form mailed to you in July.

Knox County 4-H Shooting Sports Program

The Shooting Sports projects and programs offer opportunities for youth to learn safe gun handling skills and sound fundamentals of shooting under the guidance of caring and knowledgeable adult volunteers. Knox County has certified leaders for the following projects: Archery; Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and BB Gun; Smallbore Rifle and Pistol (.22 caliber); and Shotgun. 

Youth must be enrolled with the Nebraska Extension 4-H Office in Knox County before participating in the Shooting Sports Projects and Contests. 

Knox County 4-H Shooting Sports Contests: 

  • .22 Pistol Contest – Saturday, August 8, Knox County Fairgrounds
  • .22 Rifle & Shotgun Contests – Saturday, August 8, Knox County Fairgrounds
  • Archery Contest – Sunday, August 9, Knox County Fairgrounds
  • BB Gun, Air Rifle & Air Pistol Contests – Wednesday, August 12, Knox County Fairgrounds

Watch for Practice details in upcoming newsletters!

4-H Shooting Sports State Calendar of Events
Nebraska State 4-H BB Gun & Air Rifle Championships
March 14 -15, 2026– 8:00 a.m.
Kimball High School

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop
March 21-22 – Bloomfield, NE

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Update
March 21 – Bloomfield

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop
April 11-12 – Broken Bow

4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Update
April 11 – Broken Bow

Visit https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/shooting-sports-program/certified-leaders/ for registration information

Livestock DNA Envelopes

4-H/FFA youth planning to exhibit Market Animals, Breeding Animals or Feeder Calves at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair are required to provide a DNA sample for each animal. 

Exhibitors planning to show the same animal at both the Nebraska State Fair and the Aksarben Stock Show (https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/) must submit two separate DNA envelopes and online nominations.

Please stop by the office to pick up envelopes for the Nebraska State Fair for 2026!
 

FSA Rural Youth Loans

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes loans to individual young persons, between the ages of 10 and 20 years, to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H or FFA. The project being financed with a FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills. 

Contact the FSA Office in Bloomfield at 373-4914 for more information or check out https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index 

YQCA Training
Nebraska 4-H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete an annual quality assurance training through the YQCA program. YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program focused on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. 4-H members who exhibit beef animals, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine must have the YQCA certification completed before fair. 4-H members who exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will need to have their YQCA training requirements met by August 10.

The annual training may be completed by one of the following. Visit https://yqcaprogram.org/ to register.
● Face-to-Face Training with a Certified Instructor: $3.00 each – Help document can be found at https://yqcaprogram.org/local/pdf/YQCA_HelpDoc_GettingILTCertification_2023.pdf

Knox County Face-to-Face Trainings Dates will be available soon.

● Online Course: $12.00 each. – Help document can be found at https://yqcaprogram.org/local/pdf/YQCA_HelpDoc_GettingWBTCertification_2023.pdf

● Online Test Out: This option is only available to youth in the first year of Intermediate (age 12) and Senior (age 15) age levels. There is no test-out option for Juniors. Costs are: Intermediate - $36 ($12 x 3 years of certification) and Senior - $48 ($12 x 4 years of certification). If you pass, you will not be required to complete the annual training requirements for the remainder of your current age level (Intermediates: 12-14; and Seniors: 15-18). Each test consists of fifty randomly selected questions and has a pass rate of 80% or better for certification. More information on the Online Test-Out option is available at https://yqcaprogram.org/local/resources_for_youth_parents.php. 

Horse News!

Knox County 4-H Horse Riding Practice 
Hosted by Terri Rose and assisted by Michaela Jessen

The goal of this gathering is to help build individual skills used in riding classes such as pleasure, ranch riding, horsemanship, and speed classes. If you have a request, please let them know! Location will be the Knox County Fairgrounds and vary between the outdoor arena (free to all) and the Harm & Tulleys Event Center (membership terms apply). 

Date & location:
Saturday, 5/16/26 1:00 p.m. - 3 p.m. indoor arena
Thursday, 6/11/26 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. to be determined
Thursday, 7/23/26 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. to be determined
Thursday, 8/6/26 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. to be determined

 Upcoming Horse Shows

Harm and Tulleys Event Center – Bloomfield, NE
Open Horse Shows
April 18 – 10:00 AM Shaggy Open Horse Show 

Buckle Series Open Horse 

May 22 – 6:00 PM | Speed Classes

May 23 – 9:00 AM | Performance Classes

June 5 – 6:00 PM | Speed Classes

June 6 – 9:00 AM | Performance Classes

June 20 - Ranch Horse Open Horse Show

Equine Clinics

April 10 – Introduction to Working Equitation

April 11 – Trail Rider Challenge Clinic and Competition

May 29 – Introduction to Working Equitation

May 30 – Trail Rider Challenge Clinic and Competition

July 25 – Working Equitation Clinic and Competition

More Information
Facebook: Harm and Tulleys Event Center

Website: www.harmandtulleyseventcenter.com
Email: harmandtulleys@gmail.com
 

The State 4-H Horse Show will be July 11-15, 2026. Entries will be due June 1, 2026. For additional information visit: https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/horse-program/horse-expo/. 
 

2026 Nebraska State Fair Only
Show Stock Manager is Open for Livestock Nominations 

Website Link: https://showstockmgr.com/. 

All livestock in contention to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will be required to complete an online nomination with payment through Show Stock Manager and submit a DNA collector envelope with a hair sample. This includes all 4-H and FFA breeding livestock, market livestock, and feeder calves. Each State Fair nomination will be $7.00 per animal in Show Stock Manager. 4-H and FFA livestock nominations are due on June 15, 2026.

Refer to the 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Requirements for additional information on 4-H exhibitor eligibility at the State Fair (https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/state-fair/livestock-exhibitor/livestock-identification/). If you have any questions on how to submit your online nominations, you can review the 2026 Step-by-Step Nomination Instructions document.

Special Note: Exhibitors planning to show the same animal at both the Nebraska State Fair and the Aksarben Stock Show (https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/) must submit two separate DNA envelopes and online nominations.

State Fair Book
The State Fair Book is available at https://4h.unl.edu/state-fair.

AKSARBEN STOCK SHOW

Youth 9-19 years of age are eligible for the competition with no prerequisite of youth organization affiliation. Visit https://www.aksarbenstockshow.com/  for more information. The 2026 dates are September 24-27. Online nomination and DNA samples are separate from the Nebraska State Fair.

NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL YOUTH INSTITUTE (NAYI)

Interested in Agriculture? Consider attending NAYI.

The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) will be held July 6-10, 2026, on UNL’s East Campus. Applications are now available to students who are currently high school juniors and seniors on our website at: http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi. Applications are due by April 15! 

The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) is a weeklong experience for high school juniors and seniors from across Nebraska to learn more about career opportunities within agriculture. This conference features speakers, workshops, agricultural education, networking with peers and industry leaders, professional development, leadership experience, fun and new friends!

Online Livestock Judging Video Series
Practice livestock judging from home! Start by sorting through the class and working on your reasons. Then, get tips and tricks for improving your skills while listening to a critique of the class. Visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8PMz6vOY3UHRLjCHDIH2WCJLncfGJFh9 

🐄🐑🐖 Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program – Year 5! 🐐🐔

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is back for its fifth year, recognizing youth who go above and beyond in their livestock projects! This program promotes learning in selection, production, leadership, and exhibition across all livestock species.

🔹 Open to enrolled 4-H livestock youth
🔹 Species include beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, rabbit, poultry.
🔹 Three achievement levels: Junior, Intermediate, Senior

🗓 Apply by June 15
🗂 Plans & Reports due August 1
🏆 Members of Excellence will be recognized at the Nebraska State Fair Grand Drive.

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://go.unl.edu/lap

Premier Communication Event

The Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event will be held in Lincoln on June 16-17 It will feature a variety of state-level contests, including prepared speech, impromptu speech, illustrated presentation, radio public service announcement, and video communication. Youth will have chances to explore UNL East Campus, participate in learning sessions and tours, and have fun with friends!

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential career exploration camps held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By participating in a camp, youth live on and explore the Nebraska campus, meet students from across the country, investigate an interest or potential career, and have lots of fun making new friends. (This is not a commuter camp). 

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are open to students going into grades 9-12 during the 2026-2027 school year. Housing and food are provided. Space is limited, and camps will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Learn more at go.unl.edu/bigredcamps. 

Warm up Your Ovens and The Hearts of Others with Bake and Take Month

March is Bake and Take Month, a time to bake an item and share it with family, friends, neighbors, or shut-ins. Baking can be a fun and inexpensive means of treating people in a special way. Your visit when you deliver the baked goods is one of the most enjoyable aspects! This is an excellent citizenship activity so plan to participate. Visit https://eatwheat.org/learn/march-bake-take-month/.
 

Complimentary 4-H Curriculum

Nebraska 4‑H is pleased to announce that all enrolled Nebraska 4‑H youth and volunteers receive complimentary online access to 4‑H curriculum developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln! More than 30 digital publications are available at no cost to enrolled Nebraska 4‑H members and volunteers. These learning resources cover a variety of topics, including clothing, babysitting, shopping, entomology, poultry, and many more. Access to the digital curriculum is provided through the 4-HOnline Member enrollment system. Once enrollment has been completed and approved, youth members and volunteers will receive an email with a link to begin exploring the available resources. Additional digital, print, and online 4‑H curriculum and learning resources are also available and may be accessed on the Nebraska 4‑H Project & Learning Resources web page at https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects/.

National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition

Each year, the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees challenges 4-H members from all over the country to submit an essay on a topic related to honey bees. Each state chooses its finalist and submits his or her essay to the Foundation for judging. Three cash prizes will be awarded in the 2026 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition. This year's topic is "The Power of Pollen." Reach out to Nebraska Extension in Knox County for essay rules and requirements. Essay is due April 15.

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.

🍀Access FREE Google x CLOVER AI Activities now - https://4-h.org/clover/activities/google-ai/

WHO: Activities are designed for youth in grades 5-12.

WHAT: 6 interactive activities (approximately 15 minutes each).

WHERE: Available anytime, anywhere on CLOVER by 4-H.

HOW: Free access using the link above, no account set-up needed.

4-H Recognition


It’s time to get started on those Diamond Clover plans! This program rewards youth for engaging in a variety of age-appropriate experiences, trying new things, setting goals, and keeping records. Learn more and find annual planning forms at 4h.unl.edu/diamond-clover.
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 celebrates the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience. More information available at https://4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

4-H Companion Animal Opportunities

Companion animals are diverse groups of animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and many more! The Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs offer opportunities for youth to develop life skills and obtain knowledge of companion animals. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs is the total development of the young person. The companion animal contests, shows, and related activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development.

Visit: https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal 

Dog Showmanship Video Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?reload=9&list=PL579hRei5D7xwKTqpe8kJw0GnfKK4x8l4

4-H Summer Camps - 4hcampst@unl.edu

Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit - 4h.unl.edu/livestock-judging-circuit

4-H Horse Stampede - https://4h.unl.edu/horse-stampede

4-H Horse Camp - June 11-13, 2026 at Fort Robinson State Park - more information tessa.reece@unl.edu