Forestry

GENERAL RULES

Southern Plains Extension Unit County Fairs

ALL DEADLINES WILL BE ENFORCED.

      The shows and events of the Nuckolls & Thayer County Fairs will be under the direction of the designated Extension staff and superintendents. The Extension staff and superintendents will make all on-the-spot decisions necessary for the operation of the shows. In case of a complaint or a disagreement with the show, the exhibitor should discuss it with the Extension staff and the superintendent within one hour after the show.  If an agreement cannot be reached, then the exhibitor and/or the Extension staff and superintendent should request a grievance committee meeting. Grievance must be submitted in writing. The grievance committee will consist of two 4‑H Council members, two Fairboard members and one neutral superintendent. The decision reached by this committee is final. 

Rules: 

1. Eligibility Requirements- Competition in the county 4‑H Fair is open to youth who are enrolled in Nuckolls or Thayer County 4‑H projects in which he/she is exhibiting. The youth must be 8 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year and under the age of 19 years of age on January 1 of the current calendar year. CloverKid members are 5-7 years old on January 1 of the current calendar year.

2.  Pre-Entry- Pre-entries are required for ALL fair exhibits.

PRE-ENTRY DEADLINES:

Nuckolls – Paper Entries Only – July 11^th - 4:00 PM

Thayer – Online Entries Only- July 17^{th –} Midnight 

        Absolutely NO late entries accepted!

*Subject to the 4‑H Council policy committee.

3. Number of Entries Allowed.

    Nuckolls County ONLY- Unlimited entries per class numbermay be made per exhibitor with the exception of a limit of two entries per class in Horticulture. 

    Thayer County ONLY- Limit of two entries per class.

    See General Animal Rules for livestock entries.

4. Entry Tags- Exhibits other than livestock contest must have entry tags attached to the exhibit at the time of entry. Tags are printed through your local Extension office.

5. Exhibits Released-See fair schedule. All fair exhibits are expected to be at the fair during scheduled times. Premium and support/booster payments will be forfeited for early removal of show animals with the exception of animals released for the animal’s welfare by written approval from a veterinarian or for legitimate reason with written approval from the species’ superintendent and a representative of the 4‑H council livestock committee. In case of emergencies, contact the office staff. The Extension staff is not responsible for items left at the fairgrounds after scheduled times.

6. Exhibit Space- Space will be assigned by the department superintendent(s). All possible care will be used to prevent loss or injury to articles or animals exhibited, but fair management will in no way be responsible should loss or injury occur. 

7. Disclaimer of Responsibility- All persons participating in the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fairs, either as exhibitors or as spectators, agree to make no claim against said Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair Association/Board, its officers, employees, volunteers, or any other exhibitors for any loss or damage to persons or property in connection with the activities of the Thayer or Nuckolls County Fair and said participants agree to hold said Association and persons harmless from any such claims. Individuals will be held personally responsible for his or her actions and the Fair Association will not be accountable or responsible for any injury. Exhibitors are responsible for the health of their animals.

8. Ribbons & Premiums Awarded- All exhibits will be divided into groups according to merit. 

Purple…………… Excellent             Blue……………………...…Good

Red……………….Fair                     White………Needs Improvement          Rainbow……..Non-Competition

Equal exhibits will be given ribbons of the same color in each class. Only worthy exhibits will be awarded ribbons and/or premium money. Trophies/banners/medals will only be awarded to purple & blue-ribbon exhibits. NO red or white ribbon entries will earn trophies. Unused trophies will be recycled.  In case there are insufficient funds to pay premiums in full, they will be prorated and paid accordingly. 

9. State Fair Eligibility-An exhibitor must be a 4‑H member enrolled in the county which she/he represents and must be 8 years old by January 1, with the exception of program specific age requirements for Shooting Sports and First Lego League. 

10. State Fair Exhibits- The Extension staff deliver many exhibits to the State Fair as a courtesy to exhibitors. However, exhibitors may be asked to arrange transportation of some articles that are large or heavy.

11.  State Fair Rules will apply when County Fair Rules are not adequate.  In case the general rules conflict with department rules, the department rules govern.                      

12. Interview Judging- Clothing Judging- See interview information involving Clothing and Fashion included with the Clothing & Fashion show rules. Static Exhibit-Interview judging is encouraged but not required for all other static exhibits. 4‑Hers can interview once per project for a total of 5 interviews. Sign up for interview judging will occur at exhibit check in, in each of the project areas. Interviews will be scheduled according to the project and class. If the 4‑Her can’t make a certain time, we will try to work with them, but we cannot guarantee that they will get to interview with all the projects they want.   

13. Exhibits entered by 4‑H members with special needs will be marked for the judge’s information only. Families will provide this information.

14. Identification- In addition to entry tag, a label with the exhibitor’s name, item’s department, division, and class should be attached to each separate piece of the exhibit.

15. Scoresheets- Scoresheets used for classes in divisions are listed by the corresponding division or class. PLEASE NOTE: County Fair scoresheets are denoted with CF numbers whereas State Fair scoresheets are denoted with SF numbers. Many county classes will use state fair scoresheets. For example: Heritage scoresheets begin with letters SF therefore will be found on the scoresheet website listed above. If any entire division uses the same scoresheet, the scoresheet number will be listed under the division title.

16.* Classes- All classes with a star (*) after the class number are not eligible for state fair competition.

FORESTRY

Premium Code: STATIC ITEMS

This category provides 4-H’ers an opportunity to prepare displays that show their expertise in many aspects of forestry. Involvement in this category will lead to expansion of seed, twig, wood, leaf, and tree knowledge for 4-H’ers. In addition, participants would learn more about common Nebraskan trees. 

General information: 

1. The official reference for all forestry projects is the Tree Identification Manual (4-H 332) which is available for purchase from UNL Marketplace. Other helpful forestry references include Trees of Nebraska (EC 92-1774-X), Leafing Out (4-H 431) and Plant a Tree (EC 17-11-80). Other reference materials are located in the Nebraska 4-H Share Point under Forestry. The official 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List will be found on the Share Point as well.

2. Display "boards" must be made from wood or wood composite, e.g. plywood, fiberboard, or masonite, 1/4 inches to ½ inches thick and no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches . Display boards may be coated, e.g., painted or varnished, on both sides to prevent warping.

3. Display "posters" must be made from a material, e.g. foam board or poster board, that will stand upright without buckling and be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches.

4. Display "books" must measure no more than 16 inches x 16 inches.

5. At least five of the 10 samples in Class 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be from the list of tree species found on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. Samples must be from 10 different tree species. For example, Emerald Queen Maple and Crimson King Maple are both varieties of the same species (Norway Maple), and thus have the same genus and species name, i.e. Acer platanoides or Acer platanoides. All samples must be from trees, NO shrubs. If more than 10 samples are included in the display, only the first 10 samples from the current year will be judged.

6. .Due to the lifting of the quarantine restrictions in the state of Nebraska for all true ash species regarding the threat of Emerald Ash Borer, specimens such as Green Ash and White Ash will be accepted for all collections. Collections containing true ash species will NOT be disqualified from county or state judging.

7. Remember that other general labeling standards apply. For example, scientific names are always italicized or underlined. Also, the first letter of a Genus name is always capitalized. The first letter of a species name is always lower case. When required, always indicate complete scientific names (Genus and species) and common names, (e.g. Norway Maple) even when “variety names” are included. For example, the scientific name of Emerald Queen Maple is Acer platanoides or Acer platanoides and the common name is Norway maple. “Emerald Queen” may be included as the variety name, but variety names are not required.

8. How well the 4-H member follows written directions is an important factor in judging.

Dept D Division 320

Classes

1    Design-Your-Own Exhibit- Scoresheet Forestry Class 1- Prepare an educational exhibit about some aspects of trees, forest or forestry that are of special interest to you. Possible topics include paper recycling, wildfire, forest products, forest wildlife, or forest pests. The only requirement is that the display must be no larger than 24” x 24” x 24”. Photographs, drawings, samples charts, posters, etc. can be used, but include enough information to adequately explain the topic. Your display should be substantially different from other display classes.  Be as creative as you like. 

2    Leaf Display-Scoresheet Forestry Class 2- The leaf display must include samples of “complete leaves” from at least 10 different tree species. The display must include at least two samples of simple leaves, compound leaves, and conifer leaves. Leaves should be pressed, dried and mounted. 

Collection: Whenever possible, collect leaves from mature trees. Collect leaves any time after they have reached full size, usually beginning in early summer. Leaf samples should be in good condition and representative of the average leaves on the tree. Keep in mind that shaded leaves are often much larger than normal. Carefully remove leaves from the twig with the entire petiole or rachis intact.  After collection, fresh leaf samples can be temporarily stored within the pages of an old magazine, but they should be properly pressed and dried for display. Be sure to record pertinent information during collection. All collection must be done by the 4-H member.

Mounting: Leaves may be displayed in a notebook or on a display board. Any method may be used to mount leaves, e.g. wire, glue, tape, staples, plastic bags, but be sure all their features can be clearly identified. 

Labeling: The label for each sample must include:

1. Common Name
2. Scientific Name

3.    Leaf Type 

4.    Leaf arrangement (for broadleaf trees)   

5.    Leaf composition (for broadleaf trees)

6.    Collector’s name

      7.   Collection date

8.   Collection location- be specific, state & county at a minimum.

If a twig is included with a sample, indicate “twig included” on the label. For example, the twig may be included with an eastern cedar sample because the leaves are very small and difficult to remove from the twig.

Supplemental information: e.g. general uses, common products, fall color, etc., may be included to enhance educational value.

3    Twig Display- Scoresheet Forestry Class 3- The twig display must include twig samples from at least 10 different tree species.  The display must include at least two samples of opposite and alternate leaf arrangement from broadleaf trees.

Collection: Twig samples should be collected during the dormant season (November-April) when the buds are mature. Twig samples must be at least 6” long and exhibit buds. Leaves must be removed, and side branches must be trimmed to less than 1” in length. All collection must be done by the exhibitor.      

Mounting: Twigs must be mounted on a display board. Any method, e.g., wire, glue, tape, staples, plastic bags, etc., may be used to mount twigs, but be sure all features can be clearly identified. The non-terminal end must be cut at a slant so the pith can be seen.

Labeling: The label for each sample must include:

      1.    Common Name

      2.    Scientific Name

      3.    Leaf Arrangement (for broadleaf trees) 

      4.    Collector’s Name

      5.    Collection date 

      6.    Collection location- (be specific, state and county at a minimum)

Supplemental information: e.g., general uses, tree characteristics, etc. may be included with the display to enhance educational value.

4    Seed Display- Scoresheet SF Forestry Class 4-The seed display must include seed samples from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 species must be from a tree on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List.

Collection: Tree seeds should be collected at the time of year when they mature, which varies widely depending upon tree species. For example, silver maple seeds mature in May while red oak acorns do not mature until September or October. Seed samples should be free of insect or disease symptoms. All collection must be done by the 4-H member. The focus of this display is seeds; however species identification by seeds is often greatly aided by including the fruit, since some seeds are very difficult to separate from the fruit.

Use the following guidelines when preparing this display:

o If the fruit is displayed along with the seeds, clearly label each.

o Seeds enclosed in a dry, papery fruit (such as maple, ash, and elm) should be left within the fruit to aid in identification.

o Seeds enclosed in large fleshy fruit(s) (such as apple, mulberry, pawpaw) should be removed from the fruit and displayed without the fruit. Small fleshy fruits that can be dried (such as hackberry) may be displayed, but

some seed should also be removed from the fruit and displayed alongside the dried fruit.

o Acorns (oaks) should be left intact to aid in identification.

o Seeds easily removed from the fruit, such as seeds within husk (walnuts, hickory, buckeye, etc.), a pod (honey locust, Kentucky coffee tree, etc.), or a capsule (poplar, sweetgum, etc.) should be removed from the fruit for display. The fruit may be displayed in addition to the seed.

o Cones from conifers (pines, spruces, fir, etc) may be displayed along with the conifer seeds.

· Mounting: Seeds may be displayed in a variety of ways, e.g. mounted on a display board, displayed in jars in a rack, etc., but they must be securely mounted and easily viewed.

· Labeling: The label for each sample must include: 1. common name 2. scientific name 3. type of fruit (e.g. samara, pod, nut, legume, etc.) 4. collector’s name 5. collection date 6. collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)

· Supplemental information: This may include general uses, common products, fall color, etc.to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging and should not exceed three printed pages including citation of sources.

1. Wood Display- Scoresheet SF Wood ID Display- The wood display must include wood samples from at least 10 different tree species. At least 5 of the 10 species must be from a tree on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. 

Preparation: Samples may be of any shape: sections from a board, wood cylinders turned on a lathe, horizontal or vertical cross sections of a small log with bark attached, etc. All samples should be the same shape, for example all wood cylinders or all sections of a board. Each sample can be no larger than four inches by four inches by four inches. Cut surfaces should be sanded to show the grain. Treating samples with a clear finish (no stain) is optional. When power tools are used for collecting, preparing, and mounting samples, assistance from an adult is a must and proper personal protection equipment needs to be utilized by both the adult and the 4-H member. Safety always comes first. All samples must be collected by the 4-H member.

    Mounting: Samples may be displayed in a variety of ways, for example mounted on a display board, displayed in a box or rack, etc., They must be securely mounted and easily viewed. 

      Labeling: The label for each sample must include:

      1.   Common name

      2.   Scientific name

      3.   Wood type (softwood or hardwood)

      4.   Collector’s name

      5.   Collection date

      6.   Collection location (be specific, state and county at a minimum)

Supplemental information: This may include general uses, common products, fall color, etc. to enhance educational value. These are important factors in judging and should not exceed 3 printed pages including citation of sources. 

6    Cross Section Display- Scoresheet SF Cross Section of a Tree- A disc cut from a tree species listed on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List.  The sample must be collected by the 4-H member, within one year of the state fair judging day. When power tools are used for collecting and preparing the cross section, assistance from an adult is a must and proper personal protection equipment needs to be utilized by both the adult and the 4-H member. Safety always comes first. The disc must measure 6 to 12 inches in diameter and 1 to 3 inches thick. The bard should be firmly attached, which may be difficult if the tree was dead when the disc was cut. Sand at least one side of the disc so the grain can be easily seen. If the disc is treated with a clear finish, both sides must be treated to minimize warping. As the disc dries, some cracking or check can be expected and is allowed.

Labeling: The following parts must be clearly, accurately, and securely attached. Cross sections should be labeled with pins, paper tags, or some other form of identification:

1. Pith
2. Heartwood
3. Sapwood
4. One growth ring (beginning and end)
5. Cambium
6. Bark

A separate label attached to the back of the disc must include:

1. Common name
2. Scientific name
3. Tree classification (softwood or hardwood)
4. Age (of the cross section) 
5. Collector’s name
6. Collection date
7. Collection location (be specific, state & county at a minimum) 

7    Parts of a Tree (This project is recommended for 4-H members ages 8 – 11). Scoresheet SF Parts of a Tree- Prepare a poster, no larger than 24” x 24” that clearly identifies the main external parts of any tree:

1. Trunk
2. Crown
3. Roots
4. Leaves
5. Flowers
6. Fruit
7. Buds
8. Bark Identifying other internal parts, e.g. phloem, xylem, cambium, annual ring, pith, etc., is optional. 

Attach a separate label on the back of the poster that includes the 4-H member’s name and age. 

8    Living Tree- Scoresheet SF Living Tree Display- a living tree seedling grown by the 4-H member from seed in the display container. The seed must be from a species listed on the 2026 Nebraska 4-H Tree List. The seedling must be 60 days to 1 year old by state fair judging day. The display container must contain at least 8 inches of soil (potting mix or suitable natural soil) measured vertically, have a drainage hole(s), and a drain pan to catch drainage water. For this display, the 4-H member does not have to be the one to collect the seed, but they will need to plant the seed themselves.

Labeling: A waterproof label must be attached to the pot or to a stake that is in the soul of the pot and include:

1. Common name
2. Scientific name 
3. Seed treatments (if any)
4. Planting date
5. Emergence date
6. Collector’s name

Supplemental information about the tree: Examples include where the seed was collected, growth measurement, uses for that species, etc. These may be included in an attached notebook poster, etc. Supplemental information will enhance the educational value and be an important factor in judging. Supplemental information needs to be attached to either the pot or toa a stake that is in the soil of the post. DO NOT attach supplemental information to the living tree. Supplemental information should not exceed 3 printed pages and cite sources of information.

9    Forest Product Display- Scoresheet SF Forest Product Display- Prepare a visual display and/or collection tracing the origin of one non-lumber product that comes from trees and/or forests. The display must be no larger than 24” X 24” X 24”. Original photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Poster submitted may be no larger than 24” X 24” and may be either vertical or horizontal. The contestant must identify what species of tree the product is derived from and where the product is harvested, grown, or otherwise collected. The product listed must be partially or fully derived from trees, if partial the approximate percentage should be articulated in the display.

      * The goal of this exhibit is for students to learn that many products come from trees and forests and to explore one of these products through in-depth study.

      * Information about the tree or forest product: For example information about harvesting, processing, industry information, and environmental or other benefits may be included to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed three printed pages of text.  Cite sources of information.

      * Personal interviews with industry professionals are encouraged as a source of information.

10 Forest Health Display- Scoresheet SF- Forest Health Display- Prepare a visual display outlining a specific forest health issue such as a tree disease, insect pest, animal- or human-caused damage, or an abiotic issue such as weather damage. The display must be no larger than 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches. Original photographs, drawings, samples, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Actual specimens are strongly encouraged but must be properly preserved, such as insects pinned or placed in vials of alcohol, leaves pressed and dried. Posters submitted may be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. 

• Explain through the display what species of trees the health issue affects, diagnostic features of the issue (symptoms in trees, identifying features of the pest, etc.), and management options.
• Include common and scientific names of trees and pests.
• Supplemental information about the tree or forest health issue: for example, origin, proliferation in Nebraska/United States, and physiological effects on the tree may be included to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed three printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.

11  Wildfire Prevention Poster- Scoresheet- SF- Wildfire Prevention Poster- Prepare a poster, no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches that promotes wildfire prevention strategies. Strategies articulated in the poster can include personal and/or land management actions as forest management plans and implementation, placements of fire breaks or fuel breaks around building, wildfire preparedness, items, etc.

* Supplemental information about wildfire prevention should be attached to the poster: for example, frequency of wildfires in Nebraska/United States, financial costs of wildfires, environmental factors that contribute to wildfires, etc. to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will be an important factor in judging but should not exceed three printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.

12 Tree Planting Project Display- Scoresheet- SF Tree Planting Project Display- Plant a tree in your community. Prepare a visual display where the 4-H member articulates proper tree planting techniques and follow up care for the tree after planting, why the individual tree species was chosen, as well as seps taken to continue care for the tree after initial planting. The display must be no larger than 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches. ORIGINAL photographs, drawings, charts, posters, etc. can be used. Posters submitted may be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. The tree must have been planted 60 days to 1 year before State Fair judging day. 4-H members must obtain permission from necessary authorities and property owners before planting any trees. Diggers Hotline (811) MUST be contacted before planting. Provide documentation that permission was obtained and that Diggers Hotline was contacted. 

•  Display: the following information about the tree must be included in the display: 1. common name 2. scientific name 3. planting location 4. planting date 5. tree source (nursery or store where the tree was purchased) 6. planter’s name 7. proper tree planting steps 8. tree care and maintenance after planting
• Supplemental information about the tree: for example why the species was chosen, growth measurements, uses for that species, etc., may be included in an attached notebook, poster, etc. to enhance educational value. Supplemental information will enhance educational value and be a factor in judging but should not exceed 3 printed pages of text. Include citation of sources.