Back Where I Come From

          I love music. I love to listen to the lyrics of the songs and connect my life situations to certain songs. The song that reminds me of home and how proud I am of my upbringing is definately Kenny Chesney's song "Back Where I Come From." It perfectly describes what it is like to grow up in a small town. The following post is a little personal but a reflection on my upbringing and how blessed I am to call that place HOME. Below are part of the lyrics to the song followed by my reflection on home and where it has brought me today.

"Well in the town where I was raised,
the clock ticks and the cattle grazed

Time passed with amazing grace,

Back where I come from

..........

Back where I come from

Where I'll be when its said and done

I'm proud as anyone

That's where I come from

Some say it's a backward place,

narrow minds on a narrow wage

But I make it a point to say,
that's where I come from"

          As I grew up on a small family owned farm in southwestern Minnesota, I can think of so many memories and opportunities that I had and...

I would not have wanted to grow up any differently!

Home is Where the Heart Belongs

          I grew up a farm girl always wanting to be outside with the animals and following Dad around. I was definately the tag-a-long and Dad's little peanut; still am today even though I am almost as tall as he and that much older. Dad told me about a year ago, that he knew how much I love my boyfriend and that he is willing to share me with Roger but just to always remember that I'll always be his little girl. Dad and I do have a great relationship from running around the farm doing things together, long drives in the truck and trailer headed to cattle shows, years of basketball memories, and singing our song "Butterfly Kisses."



I would try to dress like Dad but I would
always have him stop what he was doing
and sit with me for a snack or lunch! :)

Daddy's Little Girl

Discussing how to do things at 2011 JNHE

          Dad grew up on the same farm I did and so I am proud to say that I am the third generation Hanson to aid in growing crops and raising cattle on that homestead. Our main operation on the farm is row crops. Now, this wasn't my favorite part of the farm but I would help out IF I needed to, but between Aaron, Adam, Jody, Chad (Jody's boyfriend), Mom(occassionally, mainly stock chopper), Dad, my aunt June(who typically spends at least a week home during harvest and planting season), and Bucky; they took care of it. Now Bucky was an old local farmer who Dad helped out during his high school years and after Bucky retired from farming he still couldn't stay away so he came and helped us and two years ago allowed Adam to start renting his land. He became like a Grandpa to me since I never really got the chance to know my Grandpa Hanson as he was diagnosed with alzehmers when I was young and my Grandpa Cunningham lived further away and was unable to see him very often. It was a hard time this past fall when they discovered a tumor on Bucky's brain and we saw him fade fast and is now with his good father in heaven. I don't make it back home too often but on March 3rd I found myself at home to say my last goodbye to this incredible man who always gave me a hard time about being on my phone texting all the time but he kept me smiling.

         As I was saying, we have about 1200 acres of row crops. We raise corn, soybeans, and oats in which some is utilized as food for our cattle. When I was younger, most of my farming involvement was found as a rock picker. Oh, the good times we would have rock picking. We would get our friends from town to come out and pick rocks all morning and part of the afternoon and then get rewarded by playing 4-wheeler tag or heading to Mound Creek a.ka. the Dam to cool off in the local swimming hole. Also, when we weren't in school yet, Jody, our neighbor(basically brother) Nick, and I would ride along with Dad in the tractor and combine and typically end up falling asleep as Dad would putt-putt away to the sound of our heads hitting the window as we bounced over the bumps in the field.

          No matter what, in every aspect of our operation we ALL offer our helping hand.

And yes, we do ONLY use those green John Deere tractors!

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          Animals, animals, animals! They are what I love. I have a huge soft spot for animals especially cats and cattle. When I was 6 years old, Mom gave me the option to choose between 4-H or Girl Scouts and obviously my animal loving heart chose 4-H. As I watched my older siblings work with their 4-H projects, I wasn't too far behind wanting to get involved with leading the cattle, washing the pigs, or picking out chickens.

         My love for animals has traveled with me to Nebraska. I am proud of where I come from and appreciate the way I was brought up, but will leave my share of the operation to my siblings when that time comes. My passion for the beef industry and a love for a certain sandhills cowboy landed my heart and soul in Nebraska and that is where I plan to stay.

      

         



Brown County 4-H Beef Show

Jody's last year as a 4-Her



My favorite NJHA Boardies
Matt, Jaime, Austin, Tamar



          Throughout my entire life, Mom and Dad have allowed me to chase my dreams which has opened doors to soooo many opportunities. Being involved in music in sports throughtout my entire high school career was just the start of memories and friendships. When I found my true passion of agriculture in about 8th grade that was when things began to change. I started to see things on a national level and became with friends with individuals all across the nation. 4-H is what got me started. The friends and memories I've made through 4-H and beef organizations such as the National Junior Hereford Association are the ones I will remember for years to come. Not to mention that I met Roger through the Hereford association. Funny how things work themselves out.



Cattle get to live on grass and dirt year round out here



         While in Nebraska, I've experienced life as a rancher rather than a farmer. I've gone from farm girl to what you could say a cowgirl. As many of my weekends during the school year are either spent on the road to a cattle show or out at The Ranch learning new things every time....





My FIRST cattle drive



If I want to ride horse anymore, that means

I'll be doing work on horseback, rain or shine!

 


 

         No matter where I come from and no matter where I am going, I will always remember the family values I grew up with, to treat animals with a loving heart, and to be THANKFUL for all the blessings in my life.

THANK YOU MOM AND DAD

THANK YOU AARON, ADAM, & JODY

THANK YOU GRANDMA HANSON & JUNE

THANK YOU ROGER & MORGAN FAMILY

most of all THANK YOU LORD

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU HAVE PROVIDED ME WITH AND THE SUPPORT THROUGH ALL OF MY LIFE ADVENTURES PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE!

Blogs to Follow

          My passion is agriculture! I share that passion with several other bloggers that I follow! We all may have a quirky, unique twist to our blogs too or use it as an area to reminisce on some amazing adventures or family and friend events. If you are looking for some other blogs to follow, these are the ones that I suggest:

Cows, Corn & Country Girls
Feedyard Foodie
The Couture Cowgirl
Born in a Barn
Under the Crown of Agriculture
Nicole.Starr
The Truth About Agriculture
Nebraska Farm Bureau's Blog

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Office Happenings

          It makes sense that if I'm busy at work that gives me more time to play, right? Well,  I sure did reward myself this past week but I'll post about my Memorial Day weekend activities on Thursday.
          Since last Tuesday I have been continuely planning out summer workshops. I have been working with Alice Henneman, a Lancaster County Extension Educator, to put the finishing touches to my Social Media workshop and got that finished up on Friday as I now prep to actually present.
          I have also been reading a lot of basketball articles and trying to remember back to all of the fundamental drills I grew up doing in basketball to coordinate into the basketball camp I am hosting in July! Still can't express how excited I am to be doing this!!!! Right now I am working on rounding up some of the local high school girls basketball players for assistance at the four (4) day camp.
          Every Wednesday, the office heads down to the KBRB radio station in town to talk about upcoming events. Last Wednesday was my radio debut up here. Although, I am not new to the radio scene as I had plenty of radio experience during my high school career through my Redwood Area Cattlemen Beef Princess, MN Beef Spokesperson Team, and KNUJ Player of the Week interviews. It was a great time but sad that that is the only Wednesday that I have open to go visit the folks down at the radio.   :(  
          Now the best part of the week some far was definately today. Along with my social media workshop I wanted to work with the senior citizens in town about using computers to stay connected with family through Facebook, maybe find some unique craft or recipe ideas on Pinterest, and anything else on the computer. So today I went down to the Ainsworth Senior Center to give them an overview about what I was offering to help them with and to tell you the truth I wasn't to sure as to how it was going to turn out due to the comments they were making when they saw my slide up on the screen. To say the least I had a wonderful time!!! Back home, most of my volunteer work and 4-H involvement was with the elderly since Comfrey was populated by an older generation. When I came up here and found out that the youth do not do a whole lot with the elderly I wanted to find a way to bridge that disconnection. Anyway, I ended up have eight (8) of these wonderful citizens make appointments to  meet with me individually to understand the computer. I'll be back there twice this week and two more times next week! Plus, I am going to Bassett's senior center Thursday and hopefully will have the same response. It was such a great lunch hour to sit and visit with these folks and hear their stories of the "good ole" days and thoughts on the computer, both good and bad. They also enjoy playing cards and pool so I am going to try to round up some of the local youth to head down there sometime to just play cards or pool with the folks sometime this summer too.

          To say the least, it was another great week here in the BKR Counties Extension office!

A Great Day for Beef Recipes

          As Memorial Day weekend is approaching it is time to fire up that grill and enjoy some great summer cooking! The month of May is Beef Month! So what better way celebrate both Memorial Day and Beef Month by enjoying some delicious American beef.

          Every Friday I am going to post some recipes for everyone to enjoy. Today, I want to highlight the recipes from the 2011 Junior National Hereford Expo Grill-Off competition. It is an event that we hold at our annual JNHE where kids of all ages even the adults get to compete by showing us their cooking skills.

          The Certified Hereford Beef website has all of the recipes from the 2011 competition including the winning Junior Division Kansas Team's Kansas Kabobs great for grilling.

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If you are looking for a patriotic burger this weekend,
follow this Nebraska Beef Council recipe:

Star-Spangled Cheeseburgers

Total Recipe Time:  30 minutes

Makes 8 servings

 

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup honey mustard
8 slices American cheese
8 hamburger buns, split
Romaine lettuce
Tomato slices

 

Instructions

1. Combine mayonnaise and mustard. Cut star shapes from cheese with cookie cutter.
2. Lightly shape ground beef into eight 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper after turning. About 1 minute before burgers are done, top with cheese stars.
3. Serve in buns with sauce, lettuce and tomato.

Cook's  Tip

If using 95% lean ground beef, add 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs and 2 egg whites to ground beef. Continue as directed in step 2. Cook's Tip:  Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Running Through Life's Adventures

          When people hear that I have become a runner, they can't believe it. In a way it kind of upsets me but then I think about all the benefits that I have earned by running and it makes me smile! :)
          I didn't just wake up one day and decide, "I think I am going to become a runner." It did not work that way. I started running for a purpose and that purpose was Beef!

          My roommate, Bailey, was one of seven Nebraska Beef Council interns during the academic year of 2011-2012. Beef councils across the nation have been promoting beef through TEAM BEEF running teams for marathons for several years now. Nebraska's Beef Council took the opportunity of these intelligent, dedicated, young adults at UNL to create a Nebraska Team Beef running team for the Lincoln National Guard Marathon.




Ready to go at 6:00 am
day of the race May 6th

 


Team Beef representation from the Peach Street House

        

















          I took this opportunity to both promote beef and a motivation to get back in shape because trust me, after being in basketball and softball my entire high school career where going to practice was my exercise and I didn't really have to motivate myself at that point to workout; going to college I saw that self-motivation was needed but never really found.
          I started whipping myself back in shape during Christmas Break and saw myself running at least once a week plus strength training throughout the entire spring semester. During the cold, winter months it was harder to get into the rec center and run the track, 9 laps = 1 mile which got quite boring, or running on a treadmill which killed my knees so once it got nice out, which surprisingly came nice and early this year, I headed outside. Lincoln has some great trails and I luckily live close to Pioneers Park which is kind of like country life in the middle of the city. I even saw deer and wild turkeys on a couple of my runs on the Bison Trail, which for a country girl stuck in the big city, it really is a breath of fresh air!




And we are off! Started on UNL's city campus
and finished by running 50 yards on Memorial Stadium

 


Some of our fabulous cheering section.
(Hilary, Amanda, Tammie, Rob) 

 

          I live with my four best friends, Amanda, Bailey, Kat, and Kelsey, and Bailey, Kelsey, and I had signed up to run for Nebraska TEAM BEEF in the Lincoln Half Marathon, yes that is 13.1 miles and as some people say, "It's only half crazy." :)  It was fun to be able to train alongside some of your best friends and then run basically the entire race with them while we had family and friends cheering us on and a lot of people yelling, "GO TEAM BEEF" or even some runners coming up behind us saying, "I think I need to pass these girls, beef is making me hungry." I told my roommates that we should've gotten a stick and taped a big ole' juicy steak to it and see how many people would follow us instead of the pacer sticks. Haha, maybe another time! The team consisted of about 30 Nebraska beef enthusiasts. Although we only saw about five of the other team members during the race, we ran into a lot of them after the race.


Kelsey and Bailey at mile 10. They finished
4 mins ahead of me. You see Bailey here to

the "fist pump" which we did everytime

anyone yelled for Team Beef.



Me at mile 10, still with a smile on my face!

         



          I am pretty darn proud to be able to say that I ran my FIRST Half-Marathon in 2 hours and 18 minutes and 3 seconds, but most importantly that I had the opportunity to run it with some of the best friends anyone could have and promote my passion for the beef industry by running for TEAM BEEF!

WE FINISHED!!! So proud of my best friends!

          My mother made the 5 hour trek down to Licoln to spend the weekend with me. We went to the Henry Doorly Zoo on Saturday morning with Amanda and Kelsey and then she came to cheer me on during the half marathon. My mom has been my biggest fan throughout my entire athletic career! From endless basketball games during regular season onto state games and even my all-area elite games, softball games through rain and sunshine, to now running! Thank you soooo much Mom for your years of support. You don't know how much it really means to me! I love you!

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Have you ran a 5K, 10K, Half marathon or Full marathon? Do you want to sometime? Who offers you support through life's adventures?

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My next running adventure will be on June 9th at the Calamus Outfitters near Burwell, Nebraska for the Sandhills Sandbur 5K Run to help local cancer patients with travel expenses through the local 4-The-Cure charity. I will get to run through the gorgeous sandhills with two of my wondeful friends, Carrie and Ashley

Wordless Wednesday

"Beef. It's What's For Dinner."

Having fun at the

2012 NCBA Convention

Nashville, TN

(Tamar Adcock, Jaime Hanson, Carla Weissend)

Office Happenings

          Week #1 of the internship has been completed while Week #2 is in the works. These first couple of days at work have already been busy not to mention I have already ran the office "solo" twice on my first Wednesday and Thursday on the job! A success I would say though! :)

          Most of my days have been spent "planning" summer workshops. This summer I am incharge of executing at least one(1) educational program. Social Media was my topic of choice. In today's society, it is almost impossible not to be associated with such sites as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and blog sites like eBlogger and Word Press. Many people do not partake in these sites simply because they do not know what they are or how using them can benefit their life. For those two simple reasons right there is why I have planned out four(4) Social Media workshops for the summer. As many have probably noticed, I enjoy using social media and have seen the benefits of its use personally and professionally. So if I am able to talk about something in which I use on a daily basis and enjoy using, it should hopefuly be a fun and exciting task!
         
  The other activities I am heading up include:

• eight(8) CloverKid camps for youth ages 5-7 with the help of some Rock County FFA members who have hopes of going into the Agriculture Education field
• an Environmental Day in conjunction with the NRCS in which I will be discussing the Emerald Ash Borer
• a four(4) day long Elementary Girls Basketball Camp with 3rd and 4th graders in the morning and 5th and 6th graders in the afternoon during the middle of July. (I was sooo happy that I was able to get this planned in! Basketball has been a huge part of my life and to have the opportunity to share my talents and love for the sport with the youth is incredible!)
• three(3) computer usage information session with the local senior citizen center
• I have volunteered my time to assist 4-Hers in the Beef project area. An opportunity to help youth learn the proper ways of showmanship, daily care, show day etiquette, and anything else. (Another thing I am excited to offer! Showing cattle is a love of mine and will be doing some of that again this summer. The past two(2) years back home in Brown county MN (ironically working in Brown county NE) I helped two(2) families get started showing beef cattle which was a great experience for not only them but myself as well.)

  Other events I will be volunteering my assistance at include:

• 4-H Regional Speech contest
• Tractor Training- UNL Recruitment sessions
• Ranch Expo- UNL Beef Lab and 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer
• BizKidz Entrepreneurship Camp
• Working with Rock Co. FFA chapter to set up a Farm Safety day in the Fall of 2012
• Cookie Jar Decorating and Food Workshops
• and of course the summer finale = Rock County Fair in August!

          Part of my internship also includes publicity so I will be writing news releases for such events as my basketball camp and I will also be aired on the radio for announcements! I have had some years of practice with radio interviews though my roles as Redwood Area Cattlemen's Beef Princess, MN Beef Spokesperson Team, and KNUJ Basketball Player of the week.

          So as you can see the office happenings have truly been happening! I'll continue to be a busy bee throughout the summer so keep following for future Office Happenings!

The Domino Effect: Ag Pizza Party

In early May, Domino's Pizza, turned down a resolution to change their animal welfare standards.

WHY?
As posted on The Truth About Agriculture ,"They want to consult those who study animal behavior and experts in animal husbandry practices, so that they are really doing what is the best for animals. Actually talk to the folks that care for animals and to the experts that are writing the standards. I know that not everyone is going to agree on what those standards should be, but Domino’s is going to talk to them. They don’t want to compromise animal care for the sake of perception."

In the recent years, we have seen many restaurants changing their animal welfare standards due to pressure from animal rights activists groups such as HSUS and PETA.

Some of these food chains include:

Chipolte..........McDonalds..........Subway

As an agriculture producer myself, it is hard to understand how such companies can  change their standards when not ever even stepping foot onto a farm or ranch to see and actually understand how things are done. Also, not taking the time to look into the sound science behind how and why animals are raised the way they are. So when a company, like Domino's, stands up for agriculture and wants to truly understand the reasons behind the operations rather than just merely changing their standards due to changing perceptions, they deserve to be acknowledged by those of us in the industry.

Now it is our time to show Domino's our gratitude for doing their research and standing up for modern agriculture!

This weekend, May 18-20th is the AG PIZZA PARTY . I encourage anyone and everyone in agriculture or agvocates to stop by a Domino's, buy a pizza, and thank them for supporting our industry!

Wordless Wednesday

"I took the road less traveled by, and

that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

2012 Summer Workshops

Below is a list of ALL of the workshops we will be offering this summer!      It's going to be a busy summer! :)
 
                                     2012 SUMMER WORKSHOPS

(open to ALL YOUTH)

Contact BKR Extension for more information or to register

(402.387.2213 or 1.800.634.8951)

LEARN TO BE A LEADER

                Thursday, May 24 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

                Monday, July 9 – Bassett at 1:00 p.m.

For youth in grades 5, 6 or 7 (in the fall of 2012).  You will learn skills to become a leader in your school and community.  We will be exploring your strengths as a leader, learn about being a good citizen, experience team building, plan a service learning project and celebrate your accomplishments.   Please pre-register two days prior to the class.

BABYSITTING CLINIC

Friday, May 25 – Bassett at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 31 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

Wanting to start a babysitting business?  Learn what makes a great babysitter.  For youth grade 4 and up.   Register one day prior to the clinic

MARBLING WORKSHOP for youth 8 and older

Wednesday, May 30 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

Friday, June 15 – Springview at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, July 6 –  Bassett at 9:00 a.m.

Working with marbling paints; youth will float the paints on a methocel base and dye fabric.  The fabric will then be made into a wall-hanging (no sewing required).   Cost is $3.00.   Register two days prior to the workshop.  LIMIT OF 6 in each session.  More sessions will be added so call and let us know if these dates do not work.

SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP

                Thursday, May 30 in Ainsworth at 7:30 p.m.

                Tuesday, June 19 in Ainsworth at 7:30 p.m.

                Wednesday, June 20 in Bassett at 7:30 p.m.

                Thursday, June 21 in Springview at 7:30 p.m.

This workshop is for youth of all ages and their parents.   Learn about Facebook and other social media sites.    Jaime Hanson, UNL Extension Intern, will be sharing how to use these sites in a beneficial manner and create an understanding of the sites.

ESI CAMP

An entrepreneurship camp will be held the week of  June 4-8 in Ainsworth.  Contact NCDC at 387-2740 for more info.

ENVIRONMENTAL SKILL DAY

                Wednesday, June 6 – Valentine

                9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Topics include range, forestry, wildlife and intro to kayaks and canoes.  For youth 8 years and up. 

Pre-register by May 30.  Rides are available for the first four to register.

LEATHER WORKSHOP

                Monday, June 11 – Bassett at 10:00 a.m.

                Monday, June 11 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

                Tuesday, June 12 – Springview at 10:00 a.m.

Cost is $10.00.   Get tips and learn the basics to leather working.  For youth ages 10 & up. Register one day prior to the workshop.

PILLOW WORKSHOP

                Thursday, June 14 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

Friday, June 15 – Bassett at 1:00 p.m.

Sew a Tie Pillow which takes ½ yard of two fabrics.  Check out the pillow at the BKR Extension Office or contact Pam and I will send you a photo of the completed pillow.  Cost is $4.00 for the pillow form.   For ages 8 and up.  Register one day prior. 

FISHING WORKSHOP

Friday, June 15  – Ainsworth

Friday, July 6 – Cub Creek, west of Springview

9:00 a.m.  – 12:00 noon  or bring a lunch if you want to fish past noon

For ages 8 and up. Register one day prior to the workshop

MASTER OF THE KITCHEN WORKSHOP

                Thursday, June 21 – Ainsworth –

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Youth will develop skills in preparing basic foods from scratch  including pot roast, breakfast casserole, omelets, apple dessert, calzones to name a few. Then you will get to try it all. Cost is $10.00 and is for youth 8 years and older.

HANDS ON LEARNING TO SEW CAMP

                June 25 – June 29 -- Ainsworth High School

This week long camp will help you learn to sew (ideas might be pillow, pants/shorts, dress, tote bag). Bring your sewing machine and a project to sew. For ages 8 and older. Register by June 18.

PURSE WORKSHOP

Monday, July 2 – Bassett at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 17 – Ainsworth at 9:00 a.m.

Using strips of several fabrics we will sew this scrappy little purse. Contact the BKR Office for a list of supplies needed for the purse. Register one day prior to the workshop.

SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP

Monday, July 9 – Springview at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, July 10 – Ainsworth at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, July 10 – Bassett at 2:00 p.m.

Make a scrapbook page (or two).  Bring pictures to include on your page. For ages 5 and up.  Cost is $3.00 and register one day prior to the workshop.

CAT WORKSHOP

Wednesday, July 11 – Rock County Fairgrounds, Bassett at 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, July 12 – East City Park, Ainsworth at 3:00 pm                   

Learn tips on the care of your cat and how to show your pet at the cat show. Be sure to bring your cat to this workshop. Register one day prior to the workshop.

FROG WORKSHOP

Thursday, July 12 – Ainsworth at 9:00 a.m.

Learn to be a scientist and do research to see if the frog that you catch has the Chytrid fungus.  Samples will be sent to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Limit of 8. For ages 8 and up. Register one day prior to the workshop.

RECYCLING WORKSHOPS

Thursday, July 12 – Ainsworth at 1:30 p.m.

Friday, July 13 – Bassett at 9:00 a.m.

Learn how to take paper that we throw away and make something useful--using a paper, water and blender we will create recycled paper. Cost is $1.00 and is for ages 8 and up.

GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP

                July 16 – 19 – Ainsworth

                9:30 a.m - noon for youth in 3^rd & 4^th grade

                1:30 – 4:30 p.m. for youth in 5^th and 6^th grade

Learn some basketball fundamentals while having fun!

Cost is $20 (this money will be donated to the Movie Theater projector project).  Pre-register by July 9^th.  Limit of 20 girls per camp.

ROBOTICS CAMP

                July 19-21 in Bassett

                August  1-3 in Ainsworth

Learn how to build/program a robot along with wending it through a maze.  Youth will also work with digital video, recording their experiences at the robotics camp.  For youth 8 years and older.    Limit of 10 per camp so pre-register early.   Cost is $15.00. 

FOOD & COOKIE JAR WORKSHOP

Monday, July 23 – 10:00 a.m.

at the home of Pam Bauer

For ages 8 & older. Cost is $3.00.  We will be baking several items including our lunch for the day.  Youth will also decorate a cookie jar to sell during the 4-H Fashion Revue as a fundraiser for the 4-H Council and 4-H member. Register by the Friday prior to the workshop.

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CLOVERKID CAMPS…

CLOVERKID CAMPS

June 26 & July 10 – Bassett -- 10:00 a.m.

June 27 & July 11 – Ainsworth – 10:00 a.m. 

June 27 & July 11 – Ainsworth – 1:30 p.m. 

  June 28 & July 12 – Springview -- 10:00 a.m.

For youth 5-7 years old – they will enjoy camp activities (crafts, games, snacks).  Cost is $5.00 per session.  Register one day prior to the camp.  The Ainsworth camps are limited to 15 per session.

MARBLING WORKSHOP for youth 5 – 7 years old

Monday, July 2 -- Bassett at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 25 – Ainsworth at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, July 30 – Springview at 1:00 p.m.

Working with marbling paints, youth will float the paints on a methocel base and dye fabric.  The fabric will be made into a wallhanging (no sewing required). Cost is $3.00.  Register two days prior to the workshop.  LIMIT OF 4 in each session.  More sessions will be added so call and let us know if these dates do not work.

CLOVERKIDS FOOD WORKSHOP

Friday, July 20 – 1:00 p.m.

at the home of Pam Bauer

For ages 5-7 years . Cost is $2.00.  Learn how to measure different ingredients and then practice as we bake some items.  Register one day prior to the workshop.

**Also check out the following workshops that Cloverkids may attend – Scrapbooking and Horseless Horse.

LIVESTOCK SHOWMANSHIP

Want some one-on-one help with showmanship?  Jaime Hanson, UNL summer inter will come to your place and help you with showmanship and grooming.  Call Jaime at the BKR Office to select a day/time.

THRIFTY CLOTHING PROJECT

                Come and shop at a thrift store, garage sale, or a consignment store to find an outfit that cost $10.00 or less. Then you could model your new outfit at the 4-H Fashion Revue on Thursday, August 2^nd in Ainsworth. Contact the BKR Extension Office for more information.  

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HORSE EVENTS…

HORSE TRAINING CLINICS

Monday, May 21 in Springview at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 22 in Bassett at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 24 in Johnstown at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 12 in Johnstown at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 12 in Johnstown at 6:00 p.m.

These practices will contain information on each 4-H horse show event. During the practice youth will be able to bring their horse, ride, and learn what they need to learn to prepare them for their 4-H horse shows.

NOTE – More clinics may be scheduled if enough youth are interested. Contact information will be taken at the first clinic – if you are unable to attend, contact the BKR Extension Office and let us know.

HORSE TRAINING SHOWS

Monday, June 11 – 6:00 p.m. in Springview

Tuesday, July 10 – 6:00 p.m. in Bassett

This will be run just like a horse show (with a judge).  Showmanship, pleasure, horsemanship, reining, poles and barrels.  Cost is $2.00 per event (or $10.00 for all 6 events) For youth 8 and up.  Register one day prior to show.

HORSELESS HORSE WORKSHOP

                Friday, June 15 – Ainsworth

                10:00 a.m. OR 6:00 p.m.

You don’t own a horse but want to know more about horses then come and explore  the history of horses, what the horse needs to stay healthy and the diet they eat.  This workshop is open to youth (and adults) 5 years and older

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Shooting Sports Workshops...

Shotgun/Trap Safety & Practice Sessions

                Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 pm – Ainsworth Rod & Gun Club

                Tuesday, June 26 at 7:00 pm – Bob Painter’s (2 miles south of Springview)

                Tuesday, July 17 at 7:00 pm – Ainsworth Rod & Gun Club

                Tuesday, July 31 at 7:00 pm – Bob Painter’s (2 miles south of Springview)

     Contest:   Wednesday, August 8 at 5:00 pm – Bassett

(Shotguns and rocks will be furnished. Shells can be purchases at $2.50/box.)

Youth who participated in 2003-2011 will be allowed to bring their own guns but all new youth must use the guns furnished until the safety session is completed.

22 Rifle Safety & Practice Sessions

                Tuesday, June 5 at 7:00 pm – Ainsworth Rod & Gun Club

                Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 pm – Painters (1 ½ miles west of Hwy 183/7 junction)

                Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 pm – Rocky County Fairgrounds

                Tuesday, July 24 at 7:00 pm – Ainsworth Rod & Gun Club

     Contest:   Wednesday, August 8 at 2:00 pm – Rock County Fairgrounds

(22 rifles and ammunition will be furnished. ONE TIME FEE of $2.00 will be charged to cover 22-Rifle ammunition and targets.)

Youth must attend safety training and practice session before participating in the contest.

NOTE: If you have participated in the shooting sports discipline in previous years, you are eligible to shoot at the contest at fair without attending the safety/practice sessions this year. But you are encouraged to attend and practice shooting.

Archery Safety & Practice Sessions

                Thursday, June 7 at 7:30 pm – Evangelical Free Church, east of Ainsworth

                Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 pm – Evangelical Free Church, east of Ainsworth

                Thursday, July 5 at 7:30 pm – Evangelical Free Church, east of Ainsworth

                Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 pm – Evangelical Free Church, east of Ainsworth

                Thursday, August 2 at 7:30 pm – Evangelical Free Church, east of Ainsworth

     Contest:    Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 am – Rock County Fairgrounds

(Bows, arrows and targets will be furnished. ONE TIME FEE of $2.00 will be charged to cover supplies.)

BB Gun Safety & Practice Sessions

                Wednesday, May 30 at 10:00 am – Springview Rec Field

                Thursday, May 31 at 10:00 am – East City Park, Ainsworth

                Friday, June 1 at 10:00 am – Rock County Fairgrounds

                Wednesday, July 11 at 10:00 am – Springview Rec Field

                Wednesday, July 11 at 7:30 pm – East City Park, Ainsworth

                Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 pm – Rock County Fairgrounds

     Contest:   Thursday, August 2 at 11:30 am – Keya Paha County Grade School

                         Wednesday, August 8 at 11:00 am – Rock County Fairgrounds

( BB guns and BB’s will be furnished. These sessions are for youth 8 years (as of 1/1/12) and older. ONE TIME FEE of $2.00 will be charged to cover BB’s and targets.)

Youth must attend safety training and practice session before participating in the contest.

UNL Extension and  TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP have provided

funding for staff support of these workshops.