Premier Livestock Exhibitor Award

The Premier Livestock Exhibitor Award is designed to recognize and honor Cherry County 4-H members that show a dedication to the agricultural industry. Winners of this award will have demonstrated their passion, hard work and integrity through participation in events related to their livestock projects. 4-H exhibitors must meet the minimum requirements, have the highest score from the point system and show at least one of the species of beef, sheep, swine, goat and/or dairy to qualify. Points will be accumulated starting after the end of the Cherry County Fair of the previous year (2016) until/including County Fair livestock shows of the current year (August 2017). The winner will be awarded their choice of a belt buckle or an equivalent monetary award donated by the Dale and Karen Bowlin family.

Complete details can be found at Cherry County Premier Livestock Exhibitor Award version 2.

4-H STEM Day Camps

Area youth are invited to attend the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Day Camps that will be held July 18 and 19 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds.

Youth will learn the Engineering Design Process taught by UNL STEM Outreach Interns.

July 18 activities: Wired for Wind – discover engineering design and wind physics through building, testing and calculations using small wind turbines; Monsters – make a plush monster with light up eyes using circuits of conductive thread; Mining for ChoCOALate – discover renewable and nonrenewable resources and sharing limited resources using cookies.

July 19 activities: Solar Cars – discover engineering design through building and testing solar powered cars; Paper Circuits – explore electrical circuits using conductive tape, paper and a battery; Food, Fuel and Fiber – discover sugar chemistry and the structure of sugars, starches and celluloses, culminating in how the body rapidly breaks down starch into sugar in a wet chemistry experiment.

Participants may attend one or both days and the workshops are intended for youth ages 8 to 15. It is limited to the first 25 registered. Cost is $10 per day for 4-H members and $15 per day for non 4-H members. For more information or to register call the Cherry County Extension Office at 402-376-1850 or email jdexter3@unl.edu. Registrations are due by July 14. These day camps are partially funded by the Cherry County 4-H Foundation.

Science, technology, engineering, and applied mathematics form the STEM program priority. Nebraska 4-H works to develop science interests, skills, and abilities in the areas of agriculture, energy, environmental stewardship, and technology, of youth across the state. Through STEM programs, youth develop positive interests and attitudes about science and related careers, gain a base knowledge of science content and their projects, apply science to their 4-H projects, utilize science skills and abilities to solve everyday situations and teach others about science related to their projects.  STEM programs help youth process information, analyze complex problems and make informed decisions regarding current agricultural, environmental, energy, and technology related issues, and seek out higher education opportunities and careers related to science.

Through STEM programs youth develop important life skills, including: decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking and wise use of resources.

Check out the link below for a flyer.

STEM flyer2017

Volunteers needed for Mobile Children’s Museum

The Valentine Rotary Club is seeking youth volunteers between the ages of 15 and 19 as well as adults to assist with the Mobile Children’s Museum. Volunteers are needed for two shifts each day. Training for the activities will be provided. This is a great opportunity for 4-Hers to provide a community service.

The Nebraska150 Celebration’s “Truckin’ Through Nebraska: A Mobile Children’s Museum” will be at Valentine High School Parking on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.

Hours of operation will be:

• Saturday, June 24: 1:00 p.m.-8:00p.m.
• Sunday, June 25: 1:00 p.m.-8:00p.m.

Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. While exhibits in the Mobile Children’s Museum are intended for children ages 5-12, audiences of all ages are welcome. All visitors 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

4-Hers and their families that would like to volunteer can contact Ronna Morse at 402-322-0404 or email at ronna.morse@gmail.com or Jennifer Nollette at nollettej@mpcc.edu. Please contact Jennifer or Ronna by June 14 if you can help.

Clover Kid Days

 

Mark your calendars for Clover Kid Days and plan to attend. Three separate day camps will provide Clover Kids (ages 5 to 7) the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to build communication, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills and choosing healthy lifestyles.

We will explore science with simple experiments, practice communication skills, strengthen motor skills through arts and crafts and make friends. 4-Hers will have at least one fair exhibit or project to take home from each camp.

Cost for each camp is $10. We will be messy so please wear play clothes. We will make food or have snacks at each session. Be sure to let us know of any allergies when registering. Bug spray and sunscreen is a good idea!

Sign up by calling the Extension Office at (402) 376-1850 or email Jody at jdexter3@unl.edu.

June 29 – Food & Fun – 1:00 to 3:00 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. RSVP by June 27

July 13 – A Space for Me – 1:00 to 3:00 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. RSVP by July 11

July 20 – Nature Adventure – 1:00 to 3:00 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. RSVP by July 18

 

Cherry County 4-H Scholarships

Cherry County 4-H is offering three $500 scholarships. Two scholarships will be awarded to 2017 graduated high school seniors and one to an undergraduate college student.

The Kerry Bryant Memorial Scholarship is available to a 2017 high school graduate that have exhibited at a county contest in livestock (beef, swine, sheep, goats) and/or horse and competed in shooting sports 3 of their 4 high school years. This is a $500 scholarship.

Applicants must be or have been an active member of Cherry County 4-H, including their senior year of high school. More information can be found on the 2017 applications at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cherry/cherry-county-4-h-project-resources/.

Applications must be postmarked or emailed by September 15, 2017.

 

4-H Livestock & Horse ID’s due June 15

Animal ID sheets (animal ownership affidavit forms) are due to the Extension Office no later than June 15.  ID sheets and ear tags may be picked up at the Extension Office or you can find the ID forms at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cherry/educational-programs/cherry-county-4-h/ under Cherry County 4-H Project Resources.

This applies to:

• Breeding Heifers
• Feeder Calves
• FFA Bulls
• Bucket Calves
• Cow/Calf pairs
• Dairy & Meat Goats
• Breeding & Market Sheep
• Market & Breeding Hogs
• Rabbits
• Horse (unless turned in with District entries)
• Dairy Heifers

There will not be a county-wide I.D. day for livestock. There is no need to take pictures of your animals.

Be sure to review the information on the Sandhills Production breeding heifer classes on our website at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cherry/educational-programs/cherry-county-4-h/ under Cherry County 4-H Project Resources.

If you are planning to show livestock at State Fair or AK-SAR-BEN, DNA samples must be turned by June 15. State Fair Breeding Heifers must have a tattoo and registration papers. Registration papers need to be submitted (unless showing commercial) along with a Breeding Nomination Card. FFA Stocker Feeders showing at State Fair will need an EID tag and Breeding Nomination Card. 4-H Feeder Calves going to AK-SAR-BEN need an EID tag and DNA collected. A premise ID is required for any animal carrying an EID tag. County only breeding heifers may have a ranch tag or tattoo. If you have questions about the process, please contact Jody at (402) 376-1850 or email jdexter3@unl.edu.

Upcoming Cherry County 4-H Horse events

June 3 – 10 AM CT – Clinic with Juli Brown and Beth Till in the pavilion at the Cherry County Fairgrounds. This will be ground work only. Do not bring your horse. Please bring Horse Manual, Horse Show Guide, and Horsemanship Advancement Level books. In addition to ground work, we will be learning about feeds, tack, and parts of the horse and hoof. Register by 5/31. Cost is $10. Lunch on your own. The written portion of the Horsemanship Level I and II can be taken as well. Even if your 4-Hers hasn’t studied, I encourage them to take the test just to see what information is included and what they need to learn.

June 7 – First of several horse practice with Ryan Sexson and other leaders at the Cody arena. Register by 6/5. Time for all is 6 PM MT.

Other dates are:

June 14. Register by 6/12

June 21. Register by 6/19

June 28. Register by 6/26

June 10 – 8 AM MT – Cody arena. Clinic with Tim Vivian, accomplished horseman in all areas, including WRH and roping events. Bring your horse and all equipment. Register by 6/7. Cost is $10. Bring your lunch.

July 5 – 5-8 PM CT – Cherry County Fairgrounds warm-up arena. Eve Millar will be doing the th riding skills tests for Advancement Levels testing. Register by 7/3.

Updated Shooting Sports Schedule

Check out the updated Shooting Sports schedule with the archery dates. This includes instructor’s contact information in case you have questions about any of the disciplines.

Shooting sports schedulue 2017

 

State 4-H Camp is coming to Valentine!

Check out this opportunity to experience Halsey State 4-H Camp right in our own back yard.  This opportunity is for youth ages 6 – 12 and will be held on June 5 at the Fairgrounds in Valentine from 8 – 5:30.  Check out the flyer for details NW Nebraska Travel Day Camp Highlights.

Register on-line at http://4h.unl.edu/summer-camp.

Bring your friends!  You don’t have to be a 4-H member to attend this camp.

District and State Horse entries

A reminder that District and State Horse entries and ID’s are due this Friday, May 12 to the Cherry County Extension Office. This is for 4-Hers ages 10 and older that have passed Horsemanship Level II and/or III.

District Dates and Sites:

June 12th – Lexington

June 13th – Taylor

June 14th – Wayne

June 19th – Hemingford

June 20th – Lincoln

District pre-qualifying classes include Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Reining and Ranch Horse Pleasure. Non-qualifying State classes include: Showmanship, Halter, Break-Away Roping, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Dressage, Hunter Tack, 2 & 3 Year Old Western Pleasure, Trail and Working Ranch Horse.

More information on District and State Horse Shows can be found in the 4-H Horse Packet at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/cherry/4h/ under Cherry County 4-H Horse Project Information.