Content
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
The focus of all 4‑H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 4‑H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.
Youth may explore subject areas, such as:
- Archery
- Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and BB Gun
- Smallbore Rifle and Pistol (.22 caliber)
- Hunting and Outdoor Skills
- Shotgun (9 years old, 4‑H age)
- Muzzleloading (9 years old, 4‑H age)
The focus of the Nebraska 4‑H Shooting Sports programs are the total development of the 4‑H member. The shooting sports and related natural resource activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. It uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders in obtaining knowledge and developing skills. Development of skills within the discipline of shooting and life skills is implicit in the program curriculum and explicitly stated for volunteers. 4‑H Shooting Sports promotes positive youth-adult interaction and peer leadership. Go to the Nebraska's 4-H Shooting Sports Program webpage.
COMMUNICATION CONTESTS
Communication and public speaking are important life skills gained through 4‑H participation. Speaking face-to-face is one of the oldest forms of communication and is still the most effective. The listener hears your words, but more than that, he/she watches your face and your hands. They catch your enthusiasm or your concern. It is a warm, personal way of communicating. For the rest of your life, you will be communicating, trying to persuade and to inform. The work you do now in 4‑H public speaking will have longer-lasting benefits than any event. So give it all you’ve got!
Seward County 4-H Communication Event
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.
Information on writing a great speech.
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 16-17, 2026.
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. Click for the Premier Communication Event page.
CLUB RESOURCES
Year-End 4-H club Treasurer's Report - Due January 31, 2026
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.
4-H Volunteer Enrollment & Screening Instructions
AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Achievement Application; Due October 1, 2026
Project Pin Application; Due October 1, 2026
Record Book for Clover Kids; Due October 1, 2026
Tim Sheehan Memorial Award – Outstanding Livestock Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2026
Bev Waegli Memorial Award – Outstanding Family & Consumer Science Exhibitor; Due October 1, 2026
Chris Clover Award; Due October 1, 2026
Outstanding 4-H Club; Due October 1, 2026
Diamond Clover; Goals Due April 1, 2026, Report Due October 1, 2026
Seward County College Scholarship Application; Due January 2027
Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships
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
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. Go to the Livestock Achievement Program webpage.
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. Go to the 4-H Fed Steer Challenge webpage.
Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
May 27th - May 29th, 2026
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.
Go the the Premier Animal Science Event webpage.
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
Go to the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Livestock Exhibitor Resource webpage.
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. Go to the Horsemanship Advancement Levels webpage.
The 4‑H Horse Stampede, held annually on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus, provides 4‑H members an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their equine knowledge through a variety of 4‑H horse contests that do not require live horses, including public speaking, demonstrations, quiz bowl, art and photography contests. The 4-H Horse Stampede also host the State 4‑H Hippology Contest, and State 4‑H Horse Judging contest. Go to the 4-H Horse Stampede webpage.
The Fonner Park State 4‑H Horse Expo is an opportunity for 4‑H members to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of horses at state-level shows and contests. The Expo is held annually and hosts the State 4‑H Horse Show. Go to the Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo (4-H State Horse Show) webpage.
The Nebraska State 4‑H Rodeo offers youth an opportunity to showcase their skills in working with their equine partners through speed and agility contests. Classes include goat tying, barrel racing, pole bending, tie down roping, break-a-way roping, and dally team roping. Go to the Nebraska State 4-H Rodeo webpage.
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. Go to the Dog Achievement Program webpage.
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. Go to the Youtube Dog Showmanship video series.
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! Go to the Companion Cat Science webpage.
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! Go to the Companion Rabbit Science webpage.