Feature stories/news
Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Courthouse doors lock at 4:00 PM.
The office & courthouse will be closed on federal holidays.
Welcome to the Webster County Extension website! We are proud to serve our community by providing educational programs, resources, and opportunities that help individuals, families, and youth thrive. Through Nebraska Extension, we offer programs in 4-H Youth Development, agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, and more. Whether you are looking for upcoming events, educational resources, or ways to get involved, we are here to support and connect our community.
Upcoming Events
Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Announces 2026 Certification Schedule
Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, MS. NE Extension Livestock Educator, Director Nebraska BQA
Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) has released the 2026 schedule for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) certification events. These dual-certification trainings provide attendees with the opportunity to earn both BQA and BQAT certification during the same session.
BQA is a national program that provides science-based information and practical guidance to beef producers on best management practices for raising cattle under optimal conditions. Core principles of the program include proper animal husbandry, prevention of violative residues, and reducing injection site damage. Over time, the program has expanded to include cattle handling, facility design, transportation practices, recordkeeping, and overall herd health management.
The mission of BQA is to strengthen consumer confidence in beef by focusing on everyday production practices that influence the safety, quality, and wholesomeness of beef products. Today, BQA principles guide the management of more than 80 percent of the U.S. cattle supply.
Nebraska BQA encourages all segments of the beef industry, including producers and cattle transporters, to maintain current BQA and BQAT certification. Certification demonstrates a commitment to responsible management practices and continuous improvement.
Benefits of BQA and BQAT certification include staying current on industry standards, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting cattle health and operational efficiency. Analyses of online calf sales have also shown that BQA-certified cattle often bring a premium in video auction markets.
BQA and BQAT certification is valid for three years. Individuals certified prior to 2023 may need to renew their certification.
To learn more about Nebraska BQA or to find a certification event near you, visit www.bqa.unl.edu. To register for a scheduled event, visit the website or contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 308-633-0158.
Additional certification events may be added to the 2026 schedule as they become available. Producers are encouraged to check the website periodically for updates.
North Platte
Monday, April 13, 2026
4:00 PM CT
West Central Research and Extension Center
402 West State Farm Road, North Platte, NE 69101
Plainview
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
4:00 PM CT
Plainview Public Library
209 North Pine St., Plainview, NE 68769
Ithaca
Thursday, April 23, 2026
4:00 PM CT
Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center
1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033
Imperial
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
1:00 PM MT
Lied Imperial Public Library
703 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE 69033
Holdrege
Thursday, May 7, 2026
4:00 PM CT
Phelps County Ag Center
1308 2nd Street, Holdrege, NE 68949
St. Paul
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
1:00 PM CT
St. Paul Library Community Room
1301 Howard Ave., St. Paul, NE 68873
Bladen
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:00 PM CT
Webster County Fairgrounds
459 N. Crescent St., Bladen, NE 68928
Albion
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
5:30 PM CT
Town and Country Veterinary Clinic
2572 State Hwy 14, Albion, NE 68620
Bridgeport
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
4:00 PM MT
Prairie Winds Community Center
428 North Main Street, Bridgeport, NE 69336
Tecumseh
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
1:00 PM CT
Johnson County 4-H Building
633 N. 1st Street, Tecumseh, NE 68450
Chick Days
With chick days underway at farm supply stores across Nebraska, many families and small-scale producers are preparing to welcome new chicks this spring. To help ensure strong, healthy development during those critical first weeks, Nebraska Extension will host a free webinar, “Chick Care Basics,” on April 6 from noon to 1 p.m. CT.
The webinar will feature Dr. Sheila Purdum, poultry extension specialist, and Brett Kreifels, Nebraska Extension educator. The presenters will cover essential considerations for raising chicks, including proper nutrition, housing setup and biosecurity practices.
“Those first few weeks are foundational for a chick’s health and long-term productivity,” Purdum said.
“Providing the right feed, environment and care early on helps set birds up for success.”
As backyard poultry flocks continue to grow in popularity, Extension educators emphasize the importance of preparation before chicks arrive. Proper brooder setup, temperature management, clean water, balanced starter rations and disease prevention strategies all play a key role in minimizing stress and supporting healthy growth.
Kreifels said the webinar is designed for those new to raising poultry, as well as anyone looking for a refresher.
“Whether you’re raising a small backyard flock for eggs or starting with chicks for a youth project, understanding the basics can prevent common challenges,” Kreifels said. “We want participants to feel confident and prepared.”
Topics will include:
- Chick nutrition and starter feeds
- Brooder setup and housing considerations
- Temperature and ventilation management
- Biosecurity best practices to protect flock health
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
The webinar is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit go.unl.edu/chickcare
PSEP In-Person Trainings for 2026
Did your private pesticide licensee expire? Check out these in-person trainings to get certified.
4-H Happenings
Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series:
📣 Announcing the Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series! Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states. Participants will take part in 10 placing classes, enjoy a clinic, and compete for awards in each age division and species. With events hosted in Columbus, Bladen, and Nelson, Nebraska, each day offers something unique—plus fun evening activities, including a BBQ after-party and a final banquet and awards ceremony. Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.
📅 June 17–19, 2026
📍 Columbus • Bladen • Nelson, Nebraska
🔗 Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26Join us for three exciting days of livestock evaluation, learning, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! More details to come for each day.
Share with your family and friends and get enrolled now! If you have already made an account and forgot your password, PLEASE DO NOT make another account, just reset your password. Please be sure if you have moved, changed phone numbers, email addresses, or anything else, be sure to update it! Congratulations to Emma Montgomery as she was the first 4-Her to get enrolled and Mollie Taylor as the first volunteer to enroll! Emma will receive a prize, and Mollie will receive the reserved parking. Enroll here: https://v2.4honline.com THANK YOU to all who have enrolled!
Check out our Facebook pages for weekly updates about Webster County 4-H and more!
Webster Extension: https://www.facebook.com/WebsterCoExtNE
Webster 4-H: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1154622262053434 (Intended for 4-H Families)
High School Seniors,
If you are a graduating senior and have been involved in 4-H, we encourage you to apply for our local 4-H scholarships!
Scholarships are a great opportunity to receive financial support for your post-secondary education while being recognized for your involvement, leadership, and achievements in 4-H. Be sure to read all instructions carefully and submit your completed application by the stated deadlines.
Local Scholarships Included:
- Webster County Youth Council Scholarship
- TJ Vance Memorial Scholarship
- Roy Anderson Memorial Scholarship
- Lyle Niemeyer Memorial Scholarship
- Legacy Leaders 4-H Scholarship
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please be on the lookout for more scholarship announcements after the new year begins. Check out the applications under the 4-H Tab on Scholarships.
We wish you the best of luck!
4-H Happenings
Program Highlights & Information
Do you have a written lease agreement for the 2025 grazing season? Visit https://aglease101.org/ for a fillable pasture lease form and additional information on pasture lease agreements.
Do you have more fresh eggs than you can use? Did you know you can freeze them? Here are the basics: https://food.unl.edu/freezing-eggs
Nebraska's spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, and this week's forecast of snow and blizzard conditions is a stark reminder. Don't be caught off guard! Access crucial information on how to protect your family and food before, during, and after this emergency. https://go.unl.edu/foodsafety-storms #UNLFoodSafety
What are your signs when you are getting tired? Infants and children have signs too. Explore fitandhealthykids.unl.edu/ and BrainInsightsonline.com for information on tips, activities, and educational programs designed to support your child’s development.
#NebExt #fitandhealthykids
