Nebraska Extension in Wayne County

Feature stories/news

Discover how Nebraska Extension is transforming communities through education, innovation, and local impact stories.

Making a Difference Across Nebraska

A farm can be seen along a country road under a cloudy sky.
Join 4-H

4-H Online is open for 2026 Enrollment!

The traditional 4-H Program in Wayne County is open to all youth 8-18 years of age and our Clover Kid Program* is for youth ages 5-7. Ages for the 2026 year are based on the 4-Her's age as of December 31, 2025. The main focus of the 4-H Program is learning by doing. A variety of projects for all interests are offered through 4-H. The 4-H year begins in October and runs through September. 

Learn more...

Local Staff

Julie Schultz, Extension Educator
jschultz28@unl.edu

Emily Eilers, 4-H Assistant
eeilers4@unl.edu

Laurie Gansebom, Office Manager
lgansebom2@unl.edu

 

School Enrichment

Wayne County 4-H School Enrichment

What is 4-H School Enrichment?

Cooperation between schools and Nebraska Extension has existed for many years in Wayne County, complementing the educational goals of both organizations.  The 4-H School Enrichment Program uses materials that are research-based and produced by specialists from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, the National 4-H Council and various universities and organizations throughout the United States.

The purpose of a 4-H school enrichment program is to encourage long-term involvement in 4-H, enhance the relationship between 4-H and school systems (public and private), provide informal education to complement formal education, enhance the subject matter being studied, and foster and promote enthusiasm and support for participation in other 4-H programs.

Additional Information

Important Dates

Important Dates

  1. 4-H

    Enroll in 4-H for 2026!
    Enrollment must be complete by June 15 to be 
    eligible for the Wayne County Fair and State Fair.


    Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)

    May 27-29, 2026
    Entries due May 7


    Big Red Summer Camps

    June 7-12, 2026
    Tuition Due Dates:
    Early Bird Rate - April 17
    Regular Rate- May 1
    Late Rate/Final Reg - May 22


    Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps

    Exploring the Sandhills 4-H Camp, Chadron
    June 15-19, 2025
    Ages 8-14
    $550 registration fee

    Exploring Ecosystems 4-H Day Camp, Grand Island
    June 30
    Ages 8-12
    $50 registration fee

    Exploring Ecosystems 4-H Day Camp, Lincoln
    July 22
    Ages 8-12
    $50 registration fee

  2. High School Juniors & Seniors

    Red Letter Days
    Discover Nebraska during Red Letter Days!
    High school juniors & seniors can participate
    in a full-day campus visit experience at
    the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    May 1
    July 24
    July 31
    August 7

     

  3. 32nd Annual Plant Fair & Vendor Market

    Northeast Community College, Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex
    2301 E. Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE
    April 24, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
    April 25, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    Free Admission
    Great Vendors
    Perennials and Annuals
    Door Prizes
    Delivery Assistance to vehicle
    Plant Sitter Area
    Ask the Master Gardener
    Children's Corner
    Lunch Stand Friday night and Saturday

     

Upcoming Events

News from Wayne County

Thank You for Your Investment in 4-H!

By Julie Schultz, 4-H Extension Educator
April 2026 

Incredible things happen when youth find passion and purpose. 4-H volunteers have an incredible opportunity to take part in creating passionate, purposeful youth. Volunteers can begin this process with a few simple actions. 4-H volunteers are in a perfect position to expose youth to opportunities in many different interest areas. Utilizing business and community leaders to provide activities and lessons that highlight their career field or area of expertise is a great place to start.    READ MORE...

 

2025 Pre-harvest Ponderings

Nicole Luhr
Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

The combines will be rolling through the fields at full throttle soon to get the crops harvested. Rain throughout the summer was beneficial this year in regard to soil moisture which resulted in little to no irrigation in the northeast part of the state. Before getting into the heat of harvest, here are a few things to point out. READ MORE...

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News