Local Interest
Federal law prohibits children under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through this course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment. Certification is earned by completing a Hands-On Safety Day with written test (Certification Day 1), then completing the Tractor and Equipment Safety Training with driving exam (Certification Day 2). Successful completion of a Certification Days 1 and 2 will result in certification for 14- and 15-year-old youth to be employed on farms and ranches.
I Belong Award
4-H Members are encouraged to celebrate the diversity, inclusivity, and self-realization they have found through 4-H projects and expressed in a 4-H exhibit. Youth interested in applying for this award will submit the application along with a picture of the exhibit by completing the information found at the application link. Deadlines for youth to apply are due by the start of their county fair. (additional information will be updated at a later date)
2024 Dakota-Thurston 4-H All Contest Day Results
St Luke's Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE was the place to be on Saturday, March 9th, 2024. The Dakota and Thurston County 4-H program hosted All Contest Day. All Contest Day consists of Public Speaking, Presentation, Music and Favorite Foods Revue. Youth can participate in 1 or all of the events.
Judges for the day were Diana Spark and Jessica Sanders. Here are the results:
Trophies:
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FFA students gather information on the Ag industry and careers at field day
September 12, 2024
FFA youth from around the Panhandle came together on Wednesday, Aug. 28, for the WESTCO-UNL FFA Field Day in Gering and at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff.
Nebraska in the national news: August 2024
September 4, 2024
A trio of University of Nebraska–Lincoln political scientists were interviewed by national media outlets in August. The stories were among 30-plus national news stories featuring Husker faculty, staff, centers and programs during the month.
Nebraska Extension’s program receives NIFA Grant to support STEM Education for at-risk youth
August 29, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has been awarded a five-year grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program.
CYFAR is a national initiative developed to meet locally identified needs, through quality research-based programs for vulnerable, at-risk, low-income, and low-resource children, youth, and families to promote positive life outcomes.
Nebraska Extension to Showcase Future-Focused Solutions at 2024 Husker Harvest Days
August 28, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — Nebraska Extension is set to participate in the 2024 Husker Harvest Days from September 10-12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grand Island, Neb. This year’s event theme, “Forging Nebraska’s Tomorrow,” underscores the organization’s dedication to advancing Nebraska’s agricultural future through innovation, technology, and collaboration.