YOUTH & PARENT RESOURCES
PROJECT BOOKS
National 4-H and Nebraska 4-H have developed many research-based project books (a.k.a. curriculum) to help teach projects. Purchasing project books is optional and not required to participate in 4-H or exhibit at fairs.
Where to purchase Project Resource Manuals:
STATIC RESOURCES
Healthy Lifestyles - Food Preservation Card
Home Design and Restoration - Supporting Information Tag, Definitions
Clothing & Fiber Arts - Data Tag: Clothing, Crochet, Knitting
STEAM Sewing Skills - Beyond the Needle Skill Levels Explained
Fashion Show - Shopping in Style Report
Photography - Information, How to Exhibit Handout, Data Tags: Unit I, Unit II, Unit III
Visual Arts - Supporting Information Tag
Horticulture & Floriculture - Preparing Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits & Cut Flowers for Fair
Agronomy - Crop Production Project Worksheet
SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAM
Nebraska's 4-H Shooting Sports Program
SPEECH CONTEST
Seward County 4-H Communication Event
March 23rd at 2 p.m., be sure to sign up using the link below by Wednesday, March 19th.
https://forms.office.com/r/sAhpYgvvzM
The Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). Youth may choose to participate in either one or both contests. Contest is usually held in March.
The use of visual aids and props is not allowed. Please wear a nice outfit for the contest — do not wear costumes or special-effects clothing. Note cards can be used as a reference, but should not be used to read your speech.
Topic
Youth may write and prepare a speech on any topic related to their 4-H experience. All prepared speeches must be original and include 4-H as the major component of the speech (with the exception of the Clover Kids division). Examples could be:
• 4-H projects and activities they have experienced/learned from.
• A 4-H project they would like others to enroll in.
• A timely topic related to 4-H.
• How has 4-H helped them?
• The importance of 4-H in their life.
Age Divisions
(by Jan. 1 of the current year)
• Clover Kids division (ages 5–7): Anything! They could recite or read a favorite nursery rhyme, short story, the 4-H pledge, etc. (Clover Kids receive participation ribbons only — no premiums given.)
• Junior division (ages 8–10): 2–3 minutes in length
• Intermediate division (ages 11–13): 3–5 minutes in length.
• Senior division (ages 14–18): 5–8 minutes in length.
For more information on writing a great speech, click here.
Premier Communication Event
The Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event features a variety of state-level communication contests. The 2-day event is held on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, June 19-20, 2025.
Age Divisions:
- Junior: ages 8-10 as of January 1 of the current year
- Intermediate: ages 11-13 as of January 1 of the current year
- Senior: ages 14-18 as of January 1 of the current year
Includes Prepared Speech, Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA), Illustrated Presentations, Impromptu Speech, and Video Communications. For more information click here.
CLUB RESOURCES
Year-End 4-H club Treasurer's Report - Due January 31, 2025
LEADER RESOURCES
The Nebraska state 4-H website has many resources for volunteers and club leaders ranging from training and development to club management.
4-H Club IRS Tax Exemption and EIN Information - 4-H Clubs receive federal income tax exemption through a group exemption held by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. This means that 4-H clubs are exempt from paying federal income tax on funds raised on behalf of 4-H, or to support educational programs; and donors can deduct contributions to 4-H clubs. Learn more with our Template of a Constitution & Bylaws with Financial Language.
AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Achievement Application; Due October 1, 2025
County Awards; Due October 1, 2025
Record Book for Clover Kids; Due October 1, 2025
Tim Sheehan Memorial Award – Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2025
Bev Waegli Memorial Award – Outstanding Family & Consumer Science Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2025
Chris Clover Award; Due October 1, 2025
Diamond Clover; Goals Due April 2025, Report Due October 1, 2025
Scholarships; Due January 6, 2025
4-H Summer Camps
There are more than 40 day and overnight camping programs offered each summer. Our promise at Nebraska 4-H Camps is to offer unique, hands-on experiences where youth, with the guidance of supportive role models, have the opportunity to develop themselves in programs that encourage positive relationships and healthy living, emphasize community building, shape individual leadership, and build an awareness for the natural world in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. We accomplish this in cooperation with the mission, vision, and program priorities of Nebraska 4-H. Learn more about 4-H Camps. Also, 4-H Camp scholarships are available.
LIVESTOCK RESOURCES
Nebraska's 4-H Livestock Program
Nebraska's State Fair, Livestock Resources
Premises ID
Exhibitors of 4-H and FFA market animals (beef, sheep, swine, and goat) will be required to obtain a Premises ID number through Nebraska Department of Agriculture at no cost.
YQCA
Nebraska 4-H requires all youth enrolled in livestock projects to complete annual quality assurance certification through Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). YQCA is a national multi-species quality assurance program focused on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development.
YQCA certification is required for all 4-H members enrolled in any of the following projects:
- Beef (bucket calf, feeder calf, breeding beef, market beef)
- Dairy Cattle
- Goat (breeding meat goat, dairy goat, meat goat)
- Poultry
- Rabbit
- Sheep (breeding sheep, market sheep)
- Swine (breeding swine, market swine)
Animal ID's *** Due June 15th! ***
Beef
Goat
*NEW for 2025 Bred and Fed Market Meat Goat!
Bred and Fed Verification Form
Sheep
Swine
Dairy Cow
Dairy Goat
Livestock Achievement Program
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects, including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition, by recognizing youth striving to improve their livestock project knowledge and leadership. Click here for more information.
Livestock Information Series
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Information Series is a resource for 4-H members, leaders, and parents to gain knowledge in various livestock-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic is covered with experts joining to share their experience and expertise. Extended learning opportunities and supporting documents are also available for each topic. Click here for more information.
Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge
The Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge is an opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the cattle industry and is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry. The goal of the Fed Steer Challenge is to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H beef projects by providing an affordable option that rewards production merit and carcass value of the market animal, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and producer engagement by the 4-H member. Click here for more information.
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
The Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE) features a variety of state-level animal science contests. The two-day event is held annually at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln. Youth explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and work with other youth from across the state. Youth have the opportunity to participate in livestock contests that do not require owning or exhibiting a live animal, including the Livestock Judging Contest, Meats Judging, Poultry Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, Livestock Skill-a-Thon, Animal Welfare Judging, and Companion Animal Challenge.
Upcoming dates are June 17-18, 2025
Refer to their website for more information.
More Livestock Resources
4-H Bucket Calf Record Book 8 & 9 Year Old
4-H Bucket Calf Record Book 10, 11, & 12 Year Old
Show Stock Manager - Step by Step Instructions for Nominating Livestock
Ak-Sar-Ben - Instructions for Nominating Livestock
Cattle Hair Sample Collection Instructions
Sheep/Goat Hair Sample Collection Instructions
Swine Hair Sample Collection Instructions
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Animal Diseases
HORSE RESOURCES
Animal ID's *** Due June 1st for State Horse Show; Due June 15th for County Fair! ***
2 & 3 Year Old Western Pleasure Affidavit
The Horsemanship Advancement Levels program is designed to serve as a guide for instruction and evaluation of each 4-H member's progress. Each level has particular emphases to assist in developing 4-H member's self-discipline, patience, self-reliance, responsibility, and pride of accomplishment. For more information click here.
SMALL ANIMAL RESOURCES/COMPANION ANIMAL PROGRAM
Cat & Ferret Health Form - to be signed by your Veterinarian
Dog Health Form - to be signed by your Veterinarian
Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines
Dog Achievement Program
The Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages youth to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events, and contests. The program is designed to equip youth with a variety of skills and abilities and prepare them for success in the future. The Dog Achievement Program is open to enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18. Click here for more information.
Dog Showmanship Video Series
The Dog Showmanship Video Series includes maneuver descriptions, demonstrations, and general information for youth interested in learning more about dog showmanship. The short videos are intended to help youth while practicing with their dogs in preparation for 4-H showmanship. Click here to to lean more.
Companion Cat Science
Companion Cat Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering educational information about caring for and showing cats. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about cats and the 4-H cat project. Companion Cat Science is great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about cats in 4-H whether they own one now or not! Click here to learn more.
Companion Rabbit Science
Companion Rabbit Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for rabbits. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about rabbits and the 4-H rabbit project. Companion Rabbit Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about rabbits in 4-H whether they own one now or not! Click here for more information.