Nebraska Extension in Wayne County

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A farm along a country road at sunset.
Join 4-H

4-H Online is open for 2026 Enrollment!

Note: the 4-H Online website will be shutdown Friday, February 27 through Monday, March 2 for updates. The website will open Tuesday, March 3. 

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...

Connect with Us

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 Now!

    4-HOnline is open for 2026!

    Special Garden Project

    The 2026 project is the 
    Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold. 
    Enroll in the Horticulture 
    project in 4-HOnline & contact
    the Extension Office to sign up!


    Special Agronomy Project

    In the sixth year of the special
    agronomy project, youth will
    explore TWO varieties of popcorn!
    The first is an heirloom variety that
    was discovered and developed by
    a farmer in eastern Nebraska, 
    called Nebraska Red. The second
    is a commercial variety, Robust 997.
    Enroll in the Agonomy
    project in 4-HOnline & contact
    the Extension Office to sign up!


    Chick Days

    March 7, 2026
    Animal Science Building, Lincoln

    This is an educational event for
    small and back-yard poultry 
    producers and youth and 
    will include speakers & contests. 
    Registration due March 2


    Horse Stampede

    April 25-26, 2026
    Entries due April 15


    Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps

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

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

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

  2. High School Juniors & Seniors

    Senior Scholarships
    Wayne County 4-H Council Scholarship
    Renee Felt Schulte Memorial Scholarship

    ----------

    Zoom in to CASNR
    Check out what it's like to be a 
    Husker in the 
    College of Agricultrual Sciences
    and Natural Resources.

    February 23 | 7 p.m.
    March 30 | 7 p.m.
    April 27 | 7 p.m.

    Register

    ----------

    NCTA Discovery Days, Curtis
    Open house for prospective students
     
    Tuesday, Mar. 10
    Monday, Apr. 6

    Register

    ----------

    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.

    February 13
    March 6
    April 10
    May 1
    July 24
    July 31
    August 7

    ~~~~~~~

    Admitted Student Days
    UNL: March 28

    More Information

    ~~~~~~~

    Junior Junpstart Visits
    Tour campus and residence halls, explore academics, 
    eat lunch in on of the on-campus dining centers, 
    conntect with a current Husker and learn about 
    your next steps to Nebraska. 

    April 13
    April 20

    More Information & Register

  3. Pesticide Training

    Private Pesticide Applicator Training
    $60 - payable at the door
    Make checks payable to:
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    March 19, 2026
    1:00 p.m.
    Winside American Legion

    Additional Dates


    Chemigation Training
    No charge

    Madison County Extension Office
    March 26, 9:00 a.m.

    Additional Dates

  4. Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshop - New Date

    February 24, 2026
    1-4 PM
    Wayne County Public Safety Annex
    521 Lincoln St
    Wayne NE 68787

    Topics Covered:
    -Current land values
    -Cash rents & flexible leases
    -Proper lease arrangements
    -Farm succession & transition
    -Common lease questions

    Register by calling 402-375-3310
    by Feb. 23
     

  5. Area Programs

    Part 107 Drone Test Prep Course
    March 12
    Haskell Ag Lab
    57905 866 Rd
    Concord, NE
    $275.00 registration fee
    Pre-registration due March 9

    A one-day (eight hour) course to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to 
    receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications. 

    More Information & Registration

Upcoming Events

News from Wayne County

4-H Youth are Beyond Ready: Join 4-H Today!

By Julie Schultz, 4-H Extension Educator
February 2026 

February is 4-H Member Month in Nebraska – a time to celebrate how membership in 4-H prepares youth for work and for life. Through hands-on learning and supportive relationships, 4-H helps youth discover their spark, or the interests and skills that inspire purpose, while fostering a strong sense of belonging where members feel valued and connected.    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...

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Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News