Nebraska Extension-Sheridan County

09/28/2026

Nebraska Extension series to help cattle producers evaluate feed options amid drought, higher hay prices
With drought conditions affecting forage availability and higher hay prices increasing winter feeding costs, Nebraska Extension will offer its Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series this fall to help cattle producers evaluate feed options and make informed nutrition decisions.
The four-session online series will be held Nov. 9, 12, 16 and 19 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT.
Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow is designed to help producers better understand the nutritional needs of beef cows and how those needs change throughout the production cycle. Participants will learn how to evaluate available feed resources, compare alternatives and develop feeding strategies that meet cow requirements while managing costs.
The series comes as drought conditions and higher hay prices are prompting some producers to take a closer look at available forage supplies and consider alternative feeds. Knowing a cow’s nutrient requirements — and how to accurately compare feeds based on nutritional value and cost — can help producers determine which options make the most sense for their operations.
The series will cover four key areas:
• Understanding how a cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the production cycle;
• Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags;
• Comparing feed options and determining the best buy; and
• Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans.
Nebraska Extension educators Erin Laborie, Troy Walz and Brock Ortner will lead the series. Sessions are designed to provide practical information producers can apply to their own operations, with opportunities for participants to ask questions throughout the course.
More than 185 producers have participated in previous offerings of Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow.
Registration is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. Participation is limited to 40 people, and registration is due Oct. 26.
Register at go.unl.edu/feedingthecow.
For more information, contact Erin Laborie at 308-268-3105 or [email protected].

09/25/2026

Robotics has started! We are starting to build missions and robots. Let us know if you have any questions.

09/12/2026

SheridanCounty 4-H SpecialAwards

As another 4-H year comes to an end, it is time to recognize all that go above and beyond to help the Sheridan County 4-H program. These individuals will be recognized at the Banquet at the end of October. We want to hear from you for who should win the following awards. To nominate someone it is easy, submit a paragraph of why they should win the award, who you are nominating, and the award you are nominating them for to the Extension Office by October 1st. You can email the nominations to [email protected].

National Leadership Award (formerly I Dare You Award): is open to youth ages 15–18 who have completed their freshman year in high school and show outstanding qualities in servant leadership. Award recipients receive a personalized award certificate, a copy of William H. Danforth’s classic motivational book I Dare You! and are eligible to apply for the “I Dare You” Scholarship.

4-H Alumni Award: A 4-H Alumni who has continued to be a contributing member of 4-H in Sheridan County. If you have questions about whether or not a leader or volunteer is an alum, please contact the office.

4-H Business Appreciation: A business that really goes all out for 4-H. They may be a major sponsor for awards or just always donating time, energy or their employees to help the 4-H program succeed.

Jane Beguin Award: This award is to honor someone who embraces the 4-H motto like Jane Beguin did. This award is designed to recognize that special someone who goes out of their way time and time again to ‘make the best better’. This award is a great way to honor someone who truly embodies the heart of Sheridan County 4-H.

09/11/2026

ServSafe Food Protection Managers Class:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 9 - 6 at the Box Butte County Extension Office - 415 Black Hills Ave, Alliance NE 69301

Cost is $160 that includes course book, exam and lunch. Please cash or check only. Please register by September 18th at go.unl.edu/panhadleservsafe2026

09/10/2026

Sheridan County Fair Sale Checks are in the Extension office and can be picked up between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

State Fair Projects are also at the Extension office and ready to be picked up.

09/04/2026

Sheridan County Extension will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labor Day.

Send a message to learn more

09/03/2026

Check out the September newsletter at https://app.smore.com/n/n8hb2 Inside find information on state Fair results, Achievement Banquet awards, robotics, and more!!

SHERIDAN COUNTY NEWSLETTER

09/01/2026

Congratulations to Payton Scott , 4th overall Market Goat
Harper Scott , 3rd Overall Intermediate Showmanship
2026 Nebraska State Fair.

09/01/2026

The Nebraska Grazing Exchange is a free online platform that helps connect livestock producers with landowners offering forage. Search available sites across Nebraska by location, forage type, or grazing season for cattle, sheep, goats, or mixed herds: https://nebraskagrazingexchange.com/

08/31/2026

Congrats to all of the Sheridan County 4-H members who showcased their hard work at the Nebraska State Fair.

Fashion Show

Tenley Ostrander – Constructed STEAM 2 Garment – Purple

Beef Show

Keila Nelson – Crossbred Steers – Purple


Goat Show

Harper Scott – Commercial Doe Kids – Purple

Harper Scott – Intermediate Goat Showmanship - Purple

Payton Scott – Commercial Doe Kids – Purple

Payton Scott – Market Wethers – Purple

Harper Scott – Market Wethers – Blue

Payton Scott – Senior Goat Showmanship – Blue


Photography

Cameron Heck – Black & White Photo – Purple

Tenley Ostrander – Black & White Photo – Purple

Tenley Ostrander – Candid Photo - Purple

Kirsten Heck – Abstract Photo – Blue

Tenley Ostrander – Creative Composition Photo – Blue


Home Design & Restoration

Hudson Persons – Accessory made from Wood - Purple

Aliyah Bear – Accessory 2D – Blue

Tenley Ostrander – Accessory 2D – Blue

Tenley Ostrander – Furniture Fabric Covered - Blue

Adlei Persons – Accessory Recycled - Blue

Lily Rosane – Accessory made from Metal - Blue

Chay Schultz – Accessory 2D – Blue

Owen Tracy – Accessory 3D – Blue


Quilt Quest

Hazel Anderson – Beguin – Barn Quilt – Blue

Kirsten Heck – Large Quilt – Red


Clothing

Kaisyn Hooper – STEAM 2 Romper – Blue

Tenley Ostrander – Embellished Garment - Blue

Kaisyn Hooper – Fashion Accessory – Red


Consumer Management

Kirsten Heck – Shopping in Style – Purple

Tenley Ostrander – Shopping in Style – Purple

Tenley Ostrander – Revive your Wardrobe – Purple


Conservation & Wildlife

Hudson Persons – Taxidermy – Blue

Foods

Aliyah Bear – Candy - Purple

Tenley Ostrander – Scones – Purple

Kaisyn Hooper – Loaf Quick Bread – Blue

Evelyn Hotz – 1 Jar Jelled – Blue


Safety

Tenley Ostrander – Specific 1st Aid Kit – Purple


Field Crops

William Gaswick – Water and Soil Display – Blue


Floriculture

Kirsten Heck – Fairy Garden - Purple

Cameron Heck – Fairy Garden - Blue

Aliyah Bear – Desert Garden – Red


Veterinary Science

Tenley Ostrander – Large Animal First Aid kit – Purple


Welding

Kayli Rose – Welded Furniture – Blue


Wood Working

Cameron Heck – Woodworking Article – Red


Visual Arts

Hazel Anderson – Beguin – Watercolor Painting – Purple

George Gaswick – Pencil Drawing - Red



Special Recognition

Kirsten Heck – Fairy Garden – Special Recognition

Harper Scott – Intermediate Goat Showmanship – 3rd Place Overall

Harper Scott – 3rd Place Breeding Commercial Doe Kid Division I

Payton Scott – 4th Place Overall Champion Market Meat Goat

Payton Scott – Reserve Champion Division I Market Meat Goat

Payton Scott – 3rd Place Breeding Commercial Doe Kid Division II