Looking Ahead! (All Times Local)
April
- 20 Dundy YQCA, 6:30 p.m., Benkelman-Fairgrounds
- 23 Communications & Music Contest, Trenton, 6:00 p.m. CT
May
- 18 Hitchcock Lamb & Goat Weigh-in, Culbertson-Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m. CT
- 18 YQCA Training, Culbertson, Fairgrounds, 7:00 p.m. CT
- 20 Dundy Lamb & Goat Weigh-in, Benkelman-Fairgrounds, 5:00 p.m. MT
- 21 Hayes Lamb & Goat Weigh-in, Hayes Center-Fairgrounds, Make appt.
- 25 Memorial Day - Office Closed
- 26 Rangeland Discovery Camp, Trenton
June
- 1 All Livestock & Horse ID’s Due to Extension Office
- *This includes Clover Kids livestock ID’s
- 15 4-H Enrollment Deadline
Content
4-H Enrollment
Complete your 4-H Enrollments today!
The sooner you enroll the better! By successfully completing the 4-H member enrollment now you will be ensured that you won’t miss any information on events and deadlines. All enrollments in 4-H must be completed by the June 15th deadline for youth to be eligible to participate and exhibit in any project area, contest, county and state fairs. While project selection is optional, it is encouraged for youth to select projects they are interested in exploring especially animal projects.
- Youth will have to enrolled in horse and shooting sports projects and sign special permission before participating in any practices.
- As a reminder youth are only eligible to exhibit in a project area or contest in a single county.
4-H Volunteer Enrollment
Interested in making a difference in the lives of youth? Volunteers play a vital role in mentoring, teaching life skills, and creating positive experiences that help youth become Beyond Ready.
All volunteers must complete the online enrollment process each year. New volunteers will be required to complete a background screening as part of the approval process. In addition, all volunteers—new and returning—must complete the required orientation during enrollment.
Once your enrollment is submitted, it will be reviewed by your local Extension Office. You will be notified when your volunteer status has been approved. If you have questions about becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your local Nebraska Extension Office—we’d love to have you join the team!
Livestock & Horse Information
YQCA - Livestock Quality Assurance
All youth planning to exhibit beef, sheep, goat, swine, rabbit or poultry are required to complete livestock quality assurance training to be eligible to show at the county fair or state fair. Youth may complete the training at a face to face training for free or online training at a cost of$12.00 or test out option (see website for cost). All YQCA training must be completed by June 15 to be eligible to show at county fair. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY!
Face to Face Training Dates:
- Monday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. CT —Culbertson, Fairgrounds
- Tuesday, April 28 at 5:00 p.m. CT - McCook, 4-H Meeting Room-Fairgrounds
- Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 p.m. CT - McCook, 4-H Meeting Room-Fairgrounds
- Monday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. CT - McCook, 4-H Meeting Room-Fairgrounds
STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK DNA & NOMINATION
ALL livestock in contention to exhibit at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair will be required to submit a DNA nomination. All 4-H/FFA BREEDING livestock, MARKET livestock and FEEDER CALVES will now be required to submit a DNA sample to be eligible to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair. There will be a $7.00/head fee for DNA nomination for the Nebraska State Fair. Fees will need to be submitted through Showstock Manager. All DNA and online nominations are due on June 15, 2025.
Direct links:
- State Fair Livestock Resources (Public):
- How to obtain a Premise ID:
- 4-H State Fair Livestock Identification and Nomination Page:
- Show Stock Manager:
PLEASE NOTE for AK-SAR-BEN: State Fair DNA collection will NO LONGER work for Ak-Sar-Ben. Please visit the AK-SAR-Ben website for more information on their nomination process.
County Livestock Nominations Due June 1
Livestock nominations for market beef, breeding heifer, feeder calves, bucket calves, cow/calf pairs, all sheep, all swine and all goats are due June 1. Please stop in your local Extension Office to pick up livestock tags and livestock nomination (ID) forms or you may request to have them emailed to you.
Clover kids 5 to 7 year olds as of Jan. 1 2026 are also required to turn in ID sheets on livestock projects they are planning to show.
Horse Nominations (ID Sheets) Due June 1st
County Horse ID’s DUE: 4-H members who plan to exhibit horses in the 4-H Program at the county fair must identify all horses they plan on showing and using in competition. All horse ID’s forms are due to the Extension office by June 1st
State Horse Entries DUE: All entries State Horse Shows are due online no later than June 1st. Registration forms and information may be obtained at here or from the Extension Office . All required level testing must be completed by this date to be eligible to compete.
ID forms may be found on our website or picked up at the Extension Office.
State Horse Show: July 11-15, 2026
Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program
As you start a new year in 4-H, think about working on completing your Diamond Clover Levels. It is easy and you probably do everything to receive the award anyway! The Diamond Clover program is designed to encourage 4-H youth to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will enable members to acquire the life skills necessary to lead successful lives. The overall goal of the program is to provide members with a rich and diverse learning experience.
4-H members of all ages are encouraged to get involved in the program. Participation in the program is optional. Member’s who complete a Diamond Clover level will also be recognized at their local 4-H Achievement Program. To learn more about the Diamond Clover Program you can go to the website or contact the UNL Extension Office.
INTERESTED IN JUDGING?
We are always looking for new judges! Adults interested in judging county and state 4‑H projects, including live animal shows, static exhibits, and contests, are invited to complete the Judges Registration Form. By completing the online process, you agree to be screened according to the 4‑H Youth Safety Policy, verify your receipt of the UNL Activity Worker Guidelines, and sign the 4‑H Code of Conduct. Once the screening process is complete, your information will be made available to county Extension offices and State Fair 4‑H superintendents. Those interested in hiring you to judge will contact you directly.
The 2026 registration is currently open and close on September 30, 2026. Any names submitted after September 30, 2026, will be added to the list of interested individuals for the 2027 hiring.
FSA Youth Loans
FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.
The Youth Loan application requires a recommendation from a project advisor who verifies that he/she will sponsor the loan applicant, has the correct training and experience to supervise your project, and is available to help whenever needed.
If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 years at the time of loan closing, parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must consent to the loan application. Young people applying for a Youth Loan are personally responsible for repaying the loan. A co-signer is required only if the project shows possible difficulty in repaying the loan or does not meet security requirements.
4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training coming to Imperial this Fall
We are always looking for additional 4-H Shooting Sports instructors! If you enjoy mentoring youth and have an interest in a specific shooting sports discipline, consider becoming certified and helping guide 4-H members as they build skills, responsibility, and confidence.
To earn certification, individuals must:
- Attend the entire workshop on both days
- Complete four required online modules prior to the workshop
(Those who have already completed the modules do not need to repeat them.)
If you are interested, please contact the Extension Office for details.
Scholarships are available to help cover registration costs.
County Fair T-Shirt
T-Shirt Design Contest
Design a t-shirt for the 2026 County Fair! Two opportunities to design.
- 4-H Members t-shirt
- Extension Staff t-shirt
Show off your creativity and have your artwork featured on the official 4-H Member T-shirt or the Extension Staff T-Shirt. Submit your original design for a chance to win a free t-shirt and recognition. Please be sure to designate if design is for 4-H’ers or Staff when submitting.
Let your imagination run wild with county fair themes!
Submissions due May 1, 2026
Email to kcook2@unl.edu
Individual County News
Dundy Co. News
Dundy County Fair - July 19-25, 2026
4-H Dress Code
Shooting Sports—blue jeans and an approved 4-H T-Shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron. (no shorts or capris)
Livestock—beef, dairy, swine, goat, sheep, llama, rabbits, cats, dog and small animals. Approved 4-H T-shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron, blue jeans, hard sole shoes
Horse—white long-sleeved shirt with a 4-H armband (except Hayes), western hat, dark blue jeans, hard-soled shoes or cowboy boots. Be sure to check Horse Judging and Show Guide for specific rules.
Lamb & Goat Weigh—In
Lamb and Goat Weigh-in has been set for May 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Benkelman. All sheep and goats will need to be tagged with scrapie tags before coming to weigh-in. Lambs must be weighed and identified at this time to be eligible for the rate of gain contest.
If your lamb or goat does not have a scrapie tag it will be your responsibility to get a tag from the breeder or you may get your own scrapie tags by calling 866-873-2824.
4-H Council now offering to pay for 75% of one 4-H Camp
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to go camping this year. The 4-H Council agreed to pay 75% of one 4-H camp per youth enrolled in 4-H in Dundy County and have completed their 4-H Record Book the previous year. 4-H Camp Scholarships are available to help defray costs of registration fees for 4-H camps throughout the year. If you are planning to attend camp this summer, please be sure to contact the Extension Office. Plan ahead for your summer adventure at one of the many camps available to 4-H’ers.
Fair Volunteers Needed!
Once again, fair time is fast approaching. We will be making contacts for fair superintendents and helpers soon. If there is an area you would like to help in, please contact the Extension Office to let us know. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects of carrying out a successful fair and 4-H Program. Thanks to those who volunteer their time to help out the 4-H program.
Camp Scholarship for Local 4-H Camps
The 4-H Council will pay for one (1) local 4-H Camp for any youth who would like to participate in one of the local 4-H Camps. The camp flyer will be out in April! Be sure to take advantage of these great opportunities to have a little fun attending 4-H Camp this summer.
Hayes Co. News
Hayes County Fair, July 27 - Aug 1, 2026
**IMPORTANT** New for 2026
All Market Beef and Market Lambs & Goats must attend a weigh-in. If you cannot make the weigh-ins you must make special arrangements with Kimberly. Please contact the office immediately if you can not make a weigh-in.
Lamb & Goat Weigh-in/Tag Day
Call the office to set up time between 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Lamb and Goat Weigh-in has been set for May 21 from noon to 5:00 at the Fairgrounds in Hayes Center. Please call the office to let Kimberly know what time you will be arriving. All sheep and goats will need to be tagged with scrapie tags before coming to weigh-in. Lambs must be weighed and identified at this time to be eligible to show at the county fair.
If your lamb or goat does not have a scrapie tag it will be your responsibility to get a tag from the breeder or you may get your own scrapie tags by calling 866-873-2824.
4-H Camp/Activities Scholarship
The 4-H Council is offering 4-H Camp/Activity Scholarships to help defray costs of registration fees for 4-H camps or educational events throughout the year. Applications are enclosed in your 4-H newsletter packet and are due back to the office by April 1st. As a reminder you must have turned in a 4-H Record Book the previous year to be eligible for a scholarship. Plan ahead for your summer adventure at one of the many camps or activities available to 4-H’ers.
Fair Volunteers Needed!
Once again, fair time is fast approaching. We will be making contacts for fair superintendents and helpers soon. If there is an area you would like to help in, please contact the Extension Office to let us know. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects of carrying out a successful fair and 4-H Program. Thanks to those who volunteer their time to help out the 4-H program.
4-H Dress Code
Shooting Sports—blue jeans and an approved 4-H T-Shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron. (no shorts or capris)
Livestock—beef, dairy, swine, goat, sheep, llama, rabbits, cats, dog and small animals. Approved 4-H T-shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron, blue jeans, hard sole shoes
Horse—white long-sleeved shirt with a 4-H armband (except Hayes), western hat, dark blue jeans, hard-soled shoes or cowboy boots. Be sure to check Horse Judging and Show Guide for specific rules.
Hitchcock Co. News
Hitchcock County Fair, July 12-18, 2026
4-H Dress Code
Bowling & Shooting Sports—blue jeans and an approved 4-H T-Shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron. (no shorts or capris)
Livestock—beef, dairy, swine, goat, sheep, llama, rabbits, cats, dog and small animals. Approved 4-H T-shirt purchased from the Extension Office or white sleeved shirt with a 4-H chevron, blue jeans, hard sole shoes
Horse—white long-sleeved shirt with a 4-H armband (except Hayes), western hat, dark blue jeans, hard-soled shoes or cowboy boots. Be sure to check Horse Judging and Show Guide for specific rules.
Lamb & Goat Weigh—In
Lamb and Goat Weigh-in has been set for May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Culbertson. All sheep and goats will need to be tagged with scrapie tags before coming to weigh-in. Lambs must be weighed and identified at this time to be eligible for the rate of gain contest.
If your lamb or goat does not have a scrapie tag it will be your responsibility to get a tag from the breeder or you may get your own scrapie tags by calling 866-873-2824.
Do you love your dog? Are you interesting in learning more about showing your dog but don’t know what to do? Look no further! We have the greatest dog club around! Contact Pam Hamilton at (308)340-4459 to learn more about getting involved in dog project.
Fair Volunteers Needed!
Once again, fair time is fast approaching. We will be making contacts for fair superintendents and helpers soon. If there is an area you would like to help in, please contact the Extension Office to let us know. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects of carrying out a successful fair and 4-H Program. Thanks to those who volunteer their time to help out the 4-H program.
A reminder to be eligible for Camp Scholarships and Senior Scholarships you must complete your 4-H Achievement Applications (Record Books) and be involved in the 4-H Fundraisers.
SW3 Learning Opportunities
SW3 Summer Camps 2026
Dundy, Hayes & Hitchcock
4‑H Summer Fun Days
Open to all youth (4‑H & non-4‑H).
All registrations are due 1 week prior to the camps.
Late registrations will be $5.00 more than regular registration fee.
Please contact your local Extension Office for registration paperwork.
Special Agronomy Project
2026: 2 Varieties of Popcorn
Please contact your local Extension Office for more details.
Special Garden Project
The 2026 Special Garden Project is focused on the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold.
Please contact your local Extension Office for more details.
Additional Learning Opportunities
CLOVER by 4-H
CLOVER by 4-H is a free online learning platform for youth in grades K-12 with over 250 activities designed to engage students in interactive learning, spark their interests, and support learning anytime, anywhere.
CLOVER by 4-H features:
- A safe and free to use online learning experience.
- Engaging activities designed to support youth development.
- Self-directed activities that enable youth to learn at their own pace and on their own time.
Dawson County Livestock Judging Contest
May 23, 2026
Lexington, Nebraska
Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Judging: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
$20 Before May 10th
$25 After May 11th
Lunch Included for Youth
Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy
The Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy is a one-year, state-level experience designed for youth who are ready to grow as leaders and make a positive impact. Inspired by the vision of the National 4-H Leadership Academy, founded by Joel Roth, this program brings together 4-H members from across Nebraska who are committed to learning, leading, and serving. As a Nebraska Roth Scholar, participants will engage in leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Throughout the program, youth will build skills, form meaningful connections, and explore how they can contribute to their communities and beyond.
We are looking for current high school Sophomores (2025-2026) who are 4-H member’s. Leadership Academy will include monthly virtual meetings, an in-person statewide event and late summer kickoff!
Application deadline: May 4, 2026
Livestock Achievement
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 in their livestock project knowledge and leadership. Projects include beef, sheep, goat, swine, rabbit and poultry. Youth must be10-18 years old as of January 1.
Those receiving Member of Excellence through the program will be recognized during the 4-H weekend Parade of Champions at the Nebraska State Fair and will receive a cash award from the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and a special program award.
4-H 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.
Nebraska Tractor & Equipment Safety Training
Cost is $60.00
Please visit the website for more information.
Sheep & Goat Camp
June 9th
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Chase County Fairgrounds Imperial, Nebraska
$50 Per Member
RSVP to Chase County Extension Office
3D Archery Fun Shoot
May 2, 2026
Red Willow Co. Fair Grounds
2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Free will donation
Red Willow County Progress Show
June 21, 2026
Early Entry Fee: $30/head
After June 12th: $50/head