Nebraska 4 H Showcases Growth and Achievement at State Fair

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska 4-H members are preparing for the Nebraska State Fair, a showcase of growth, achievement, and dedication. From August 22 through September 1 in Grand Island, the fair will feature 4,105 exhibits and livestock entries, representing a year of learning and effort.

More than 250 Nebraska Extension staff and 300 volunteers will oversee exhibits, contests, and livestock entries. Contests will include a fashion show, culinary challenge, dog skillathon, and insect identification. “Each exhibit, animal or performance represents a story of dedication, learning and personal growth. The fair is a celebration of these stories, and the lifelong impact 4-H has on its members,” said Kathleen Lodl, associate dean for Nebraska Extension.

Nebraska 4-H impacts one in three youth across the state, reaching 127,786 young people in 2024 through clubs, camps, after-school programs, and virtual learning. The organization continues to evolve to prepare the next generation for leadership.

New platforms like Clover offer more than 260 online learning modules on topics such as aerospace and financial literacy, designed in partnership with over 100 land-grant universities. Lodl explained, “We expect this to be a huge game changer for us, because kids like to learn online.”

Career readiness also remains central. Programs such as Next Chapter help high school students prepare for college, while Connecting the Dots events bring career representatives to schools. In 2024, 80 schools hosted these events.

With a history dating back more than 100 years, 4-H continues to guide youth toward leadership, resilience, and community engagement. “We want them to be the next generation of leaders, contributing to the economic development of their community and state long-term,” Lodl added.

Families and alumni are invited to join 4-H Day at the State Fair on August 24, which includes ice cream, a photo booth, and volunteer recognition. Nebraska 4-H also launches its “Beyond Ready” initiative, helping youth prepare for life and work beyond high school.

Photo Credit: 4-h