Nebraska Extension SW 3 Counties

08/18/2026

🍴 Are you running the kitchen—or operating a food establishment? Need to get certified or recertified?

Join us for our upcoming ServSafe Manager Course! This course can help you meet the state-required food safety certification.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Mountain Time
📍 Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman
💲 $150

We have a couple spots still open! Don’t miss your chance to get certified.

👉 Register: https://forms.gle/gcugoBSV5FSy4xaa8
📞 Or call the Hitchcock County Extension Office at 308-334-5666

Questions? Contact Baleigh at [email protected].

08/17/2026

Celebrate the people and experiences that help Nebraska youth become Beyond Ready at 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, August 30, from 2–4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska! Enjoy interactive activities, a 4-H photo booth, complimentary UNL Dairy Store ice cream (while supplies last), and help recognize outstanding volunteers and members of the Nebraska 4‑H Leadership Academy during the 3 p.m. program. Purchase discounted August 30 gate passes for teens and adults (service fee applies; limit two tickets per purchase) in advance at http://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4hdaypasses and join us for an afternoon of 4-H fun and celebration!

08/12/2026

Calling all potential 2027 county and state fair 4-H judges!

Sign up now to be a part of the Nebraska 4-H judging team. Help Nebraska youth be beyond ready for work and life through 4-H project exhibits by serving as a 4-H project judge!

Deadline to sign up: September 30, 2026
Register here: https://go.unl.edu/2027judgesregistration

Join us and help shape the future of 4-H!

08/05/2026

Baleigh is set up at the Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair at McCook Christian Church from 3:00–5:30 p.m.!

Stop by our table for nutrition and physical activity resources, fun giveaways, and connect with many great community organizations. We hope to see you there!

07/27/2026

07/15/2026

Help prevent the spread of Cyclospora! 🦠🧼🫧 Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite.

Help prevent Cyclosporiasis with these tips for handling fruit and vegetables:
💠 Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits & veggies
💠 Gently rub fruits & veggies under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
💠 Scrub firm fruits & veggies with a clean produce brush under running water
💠 Fruits & veggies labeled “prewashed” don’t need to be washed again at home
💠 Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fruits & veggies before eating or prepping
💠Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits & veggies within two hours

Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/

07/15/2026

Weather, drought, and the daily demands of farming and ranching can take a toll on mental well-being. Nebraska Extension has resources available to help Nebraska producers protect their health, their families, and their operations: https://cap.unl.edu/news/keeping-stress-check-strategies-and-tools-can-help/

07/15/2026

Support Hitchcock County 4-H and Win Big!

The Hitchcock County 4-H Council Raffle is underway, and every ticket purchased helps support local 4-H youth and educational opportunities throughout the county!

📅 Drawing: September 12, 2026
📞 Winners do not need to be present to win—all winners will be notified.

See any Hitchcock County 4-H Council member to purchase your tickets. Thank you for supporting the youth of Hitchcock County 4-H and helping us continue to provide quality leadership, learning, and life-changing opportunities!

07/13/2026

Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle, which is critical to cattle health and performance. Learn more about cattle water requirements and water quality issues to be aware of at https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2023/how-much-water-do-cattle-need-and-what-water-problems-should-cattle-producers-watch-0/

07/09/2026

While we can’t control the heat, there are some things we can control to help cattle through it: https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2023/resources-helping-cattle-deal-heat-stress/