4-H Fundraiser at Culver’s on May 1
Support 4-H Council at Culver’s Scoops of Thanks Day fundraiser on Thursday, May 1
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
4‑H Youth Development
Ignite by 4-H Conference in D.C.
Lancaster County 4‑H members Morgan and Ethan Gabel recently participated in the "Ignite by 4‑H" conference in Washington, D.C. At this four-day event, teens engaged in immersive workshops, hands-on experiences, and sessions with renowned speakers and industry leaders. They also explored career pathways. Extension Educator Tracy Anderson helped chaperone the Nebraska 4‑H’ers attending.
Read More About Ignite by 4-H on Facebook
Agriculture
On-Farm Research Trial About Nitrogen Rates on Corn
A Waverly farmer collaborated with Extension Education John Nelson on an on-farm research trial testing lower nitrogen rates. The study showed cutting down the nitrogen rates saved input costs and helped reduce the amount of nitrate entering the water supply. Elizabeth Hodges wrote about the research trial in a "Nebraska Farmer" article.
Read Article on farmprogress.com
Food, Nutrition & Health
Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
How many food groups should be in a healthy snack? Arnold Elementary 4th graders recently learned the answer is 3 or more food groups! As part of this classroom’s health unit, for which Nebraska Extension supplies Nutrition School Enrichment Kits (SEKs) as curriculum to support the unit, Extension Assistant Hannah Schielke led the students in a healthy snack activity.
Read More About SEKs on Facebook
FEATURED TOPICS
Plant a Row for the Hungry
The Nutrition Education Program coordinates a “Plant a Row for the Hungry” campaign that involves community members donating extra produce grown in at-home gardens. Donations are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring clean, whole, freshly harvested produce to the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office at 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln, and place in the red wagon in the lobby. The produce will be donated to local food pantries and hot meal programs.
Recipe of the Month — Wild Vegetable Salad
Celebrate National Nutrition Month with this flavorful, nutrient-dense, Wild Vegetable Salad, featuring a variety of colorful vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein.
4-H & FFA Fair Book for Super Fair
The 2025 Lancaster County 4-H & FFA Fair Book is now online! It contains detailed entry information for youth exhibiting in 4-H & FFA at the Lancaster County Super Fair. There are two PDF versions: one is without changes indicated, and one with changes from last year indicated in green text.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Christian Stephenson
Christian Stephenson is receiving the Lancaster County 4‑H April “Heart of 4-H Award” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. A Professor of Agronomy & Horticulture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he has taught plant science to 4‑H youth for two years. Christian has led short-term 4‑H STEM clubs which met at UNL East Campus, and taught “Green Thumb Science” workshops at 4‑H Clover College.
Upcoming Events
4-H Youth Development
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Madelaine Polk, Extension Assistant
Madelaine is an Extension Assistant with the 4-H program in Lancaster County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management, with a minor in Leadership and Communication. In her position, she focuses on the 4-H Livestock & Poultry programs, as well as school enrichment programs. Madelaine teaches school enrichment programming to youth through programs such as Ag Literacy Festivals, Embryology and the Husker Mobile Beef Lab.
