About Us

Nebraska Extension in Merrick County provides the Merrick County community with research-based information and educational programs from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

With offices serving 93 counties across the state, Nebraska Extension is able to provide locally focused educational programs and expertise in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, healthcare and technology.

Our county office can connect you with regional Nebraska Extension educators who can help answer your questions about gardening, 4‑H programs, pesticide application and more. We offer a wide variety of classes, workshops and trainings throughout the year for youth, families, farmers, ranchers and businesses within the community.

Merrick County Extension Office
1784 Fairgrounds Road
Central City, NE 68826-0027
Phone: (308) 946-3843
E-mail: merrick-county@unl.edu

Map to our office

MEET THE MERRICK COUNTY STAFF

Steve Melvin - Ag Educator, Water and Cropping Systems

Phone: (308) 946 - 3843

Email: steve.melvin@unl.edu

Kara Wells - 4‑H Extension Assistant - 4‑H Youth Development

Phone: (308) 946 - 3843

Email: kwells5@unl.edu

Cindie Hostler - Office Manager

Phone: (308) 946 - 3843

Email: cindie.hostler@unl.edu

Jade Arnsmeier - Office Assistant

Phone: (308) 946 - 3843

Email: jarnsmeier2@unl.edu

Merrick County Agricultural Society

The Merrick County Agricultural Society meets once a month and consists of fifteen members from across the county. The Extension Educator sits in on meetings as an advisor and liason between 4‑H and the ag society. They provide the activities and entertainment at the fair and oversee the upkeep and rental of the fairgrounds.

Merrick County Extension Board

The Merrick County Cooperative Extension Board, the governing body of the County Cooperative Extension, is made up of eight (8) members plus the chair of the 4‑H Leaders Council. Term of office is for three years beginning with the January meeting for the appointed members. The chair of the 4‑H Council serves as an Extension Board member as long as he/she is chair of the 4‑H Council. The budgeting authority is the Board of Supervisors, with Extension Board members appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

Merrick County 4‑H Council

The 4‑H section of the Merrick County Cooperative Extension program is planned by the assistance given to the Extension Educators by the 4‑H Leaders Council. All 4‑H Leaders and Jr. Leaders are members of the Council and Executive committee officers are elected as the governing body.