Transcription

1 Nebraska Extension in Knox County, PO Box 45, 308 Bridge Street, Center NE Phone: Fax: knox-county@unl.edu July H News Important Dates: July 12 Horse Superintendent Meeting July 14 Entries DUE for Cook-Off, Food Revue & Presentation Contests July State 4-H Horse Show, Grand Island July 17 Archery Practice, 7 pm, Bloomfield July 17 BB Gun & Air Rifle Practice, 7 pm July 17 Entries DUE for Shooting Sports Contests July 17 Entries DUE for Talent Contest July Rifle & Shotgun Practice, 6 pm July 18 Cook-Off, Food Revue & Presentation Contest, Center July 24 Archery Practice, 7 pm, Bloomfield July 24 BB Gun & Air Rifle Practice, 7 pm July 24 Entries DUE for Fashion Show & Clothing & Textile Exhibits July Rifle & Shotgun Practice, 6 pm July 28 Fair Pre-Entry Forms DUE July Rifle & Shotgun Contest, Knox County Fairgrounds, Bloomfield July 30 Talent Contest & Dessert, Bloomfield July 31 Archery Practice, 7 pm, Bloomfield July 31 BB Gun & Air Rifle Practice, 7 pm August 1 4-H Fashion Show & Clothing Judging, Bloomfield August 6 Archery Contest, 2 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds, Bloomfield August 9 4-H/FFA Horse Show, Bloomfield August 9 BB Gun & Air Rifle Contest, 3 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds, Bloomfield August 9 Static Fair Exhibit Check-in Day, 4-8 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds August 10 Online State Fair Entries DUE by 5 pm August 10 Fair Livestock Check-in Aug 9-13 Knox County Fair, Bloomfield Sept State Fair Static Exhibits Due at Extension Office Aug 25-Sept 4 NE State Fair, Grand Island Sept 4 Office Closed Labor Day Dear Knox County 4-H Family & Friends, Summer is going fast and County Fair is coming even faster! Please contact the office if you have questions on any of your 4-H projects. The 4-H newsletter contains information about the year s activities, projects and deadlines. Knox County 4-H information is available on our website at or the Facebook page. Ruth Vonderohe, Extension Educator UPDATES & REMINDERS: Don t forget to attend one of the Shooting Sports practices, so you can participate in the Official Contests. You must attend 2 practices to participate. See the dates for practices (all disciplines) on page 7. Entry forms were mailed out to those enrolled in one of the Shooting Sports disciplines on July 5 and are due back by July 17. Plan to participate in the Food Revue, Cook-Off, and Presentations Contests on July 18. Please call and pre-register by July 14. Entries are DUE for Fashion Show and Clothing & Textiles judging by July 24 (entry forms were mailed out to those enrolled in Clothing & Textiles on Friday, July 7) Plan to share your talent at the 4-H Talent Contest on July 30. Pre-register by July 17. Fair Pre-Entry Forms will be mailed out within the next week and are DUE back to the Extension Office by July 28. Nebraska Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United Sates Department of Agriculture. The 4-H Youth Development program abides with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

2 4-H Fairbooks Available The 4-H section of the Fairbook has been updated for 2017 and the books are available at the Extension Office. One book has been allowed for each family. The fairbook has the guidelines for 4-H projects and exhibits, so please check it over carefully. The fairbook is also on our website at Reminder for 4-Hers Enrolled in Horticulture and Floriculture Please keep track of your variety names as these are needed when you enter your fair entries. You can do this by saving your seed packets or keeping a garden journal. New Resource Available - The 4H227, Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits at County Fair & Nebraska State Fair has been updated and available at ers%204h227%20updated% pdf Show Edge Coupon Available for Bomgaars Show Edge feed is now available at your local Bomgaars store! We have coupons available at the Extension Office for $2 off ONE bag of Show Edge Feed. If interested, these coupons can be picked up at the office. Coupons are good till 9/15/2017. Dog Practice Dates Set Julie Dather will be holding practices for those interested in the 4-H Dog Project again this year. Open to 4-H members and Clover Kids. If you want to learn about dog obedience and showmanship, then you will want to attend. Bring your dog and show leash. The practices will be held at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Bloomfield. The dates are: x Sunday, July 16, 7:00 pm x Friday, August 4, 7:00 pm Knox County Fair August 10 13, H Photography Themes The 2017 State Fair 4-H Photography Nebraska Exhibit Print for both Unit II and Unit III is: Reflect your definition of rural Nebraska. Capture rural living in your Nebraska County through your camera lens. Use your photo to express what rural means to you, why you value rural life or how rural life is changing. This is your story to tell. New Data Tags the Photography Data Tags have been updated this year and are available in the County Fairbook or at Cook-Off Contest, Food Revue and Presentation Contest Make plans now to take part in the Cook-Off Contest, Food Revue, and Presentation Contest on Tuesday, July 18 in Center. The Cook-Off Contest and Food Revue will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Presentation Contest will start at 7:30 p.m. Call the Extension Office to pre-register by July 14 th. If you have questions about the contests or need helping in preparing, resources are available from the office or can be found at PLEASE NOTE If you are not able to be at the Presentation Contest on July 18 and would still like to participate, you can video your presentation and submit to the office prior to the contest for judging that night. Fair Pre-Entry Forms 2017 County Theme is My Favorite Place in Knox County County fair pre-entry forms will be mailed out within the next week and are due back to the Extension office by July 28.

3 4-H Talent Contest & Dessert Sunday, July 30, 2:00 p.m. Bloomfield Community Center If you sing, dance or play an instrument, plan to take part in the 4-H Talent Contest and share your talent with others. The afternoon will showcase the talents of 4-H members and you can enjoy a dessert lunch. Call the office to pre-register by July 17. See 4-h-talent-contest/ for more information. 4-H Fashion Show and Clothing/Textiles Construction Judging Tuesday, August 1 St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Bloomfield Registration 1:00 pm; Judging 1:30 pm Public Fashion Show 7:00 pm Forms were mailed out on July 7 to those enrolled in Clothing & Textiles Projects, Attention Shoppers, and Shopping in Style and are DUE back to the Extension Office by July 24. If you did not receive a form and want to participate, please contact the office. Do-You-Know Contest August 1 Plan to participate in the Do-You-Know Contest on Tuesday, August 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Mark s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield. Participants will test their knowledge in different areas such as: Foods & Nutrition; Child Development; Clothing; and Design. These will be hands-on, simple matching activities to enhance your knowledge in these areas. Horticulture Judging Contest August 1 It s time to start sharpening your skills for the Horticulture Judging Contest to be held at the St. Mark s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield on Tuesday, August 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Review time is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Participants will be asked to identify plants based on the whole plant, leaves, fruit, nut, edible portion, or seed. There are four categories: Flowers and Foliage; Woody Plants and Turfgrasses; Fruits and Nuts; and Vegetables and Herbs. There are 15 items in each category to identify. There is also a written exam to take and there will be some items to judge as well. Come and test your knowledge of plants. 4-H T-Shirts The 4-H T-shirts for showing your animal projects at the fair are available at the Extension Office and we will have them at the County Fair also. Cost of the green 4-H T-shirts are: Youth (10-12 & 14-16) and Adult (Small, Medium, Large, XL) - $8.00 each. We also have some of the white 4-H T-shirts left for $6.00 each. Dress Code: 4-H exhibitors showing any animal projects (beef, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, cat, dog, poultry, pets and rabbits may wear a long-sleeve white shirt, white T-shirt (no club names), or the official Knox County T-shirt (either the green or the white T-shirt) and blue or dark jeans are preferred. No neck ties, hats, caps or other type of headgear are to worn in the show ring. Hard soled shoes or boots are recommended. Horse show exhibitors will find dress code regulations in the Horse Division of the fairbook. Fairground Camping Sites The contact for camping sites at the Knox County Fairgrounds is Debbie Nipp, phone H Round Robin Contest The 7 th Annual 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest will be held on Sunday, August 13 th following the Large Beef Show or approximately 4:00 p.m. 4-H Dress Code is required. The Round Robin Showmanship Contest provides an opportunity for the 4-H Champion and Reserve Champion Senior and Junior Division Showman from the large animal species (horse, small beef, sheep, swine, and large beef) to compete for the best all-around senior and junior showman honors at the fair. It is very possible that one of the reserve showman could be named as Champion Round Robin Showman. Complete rules are available on page 17 of the fairbook. Belt Buckles for Round Robin Contest Belt buckles will be given to the Champion and Reserve Champion Senior and Junior Showman. Thanks to Paul Drobny, Bomgaars for ordering the buckles and the 4-H Council for sponsoring the belt buckles.

4 Beyond the Needle: Tips & Tricks (Source: Spotlight on 4-H, June 2017 issue) The STEAM Clothing series is designed for youth to learn how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math are integrated into clothing and textile creation. The Beyond the Needle activity manual is all about the ART of clothing. Art is what makes us really love our clothes designers work hard to give us garments to wear that are appealing to our various senses. The foundation of this manual is based on the elements and principles of design and the design process. Every activity in the book asks youth to create a variety of samples before working directly on a garment or fabric yardage. This allows for creative experimentation in a worry-free environment. When youth have perfected a technique, they will be ready to apply it to fabrics or ready-made garments with confidence. Encourage youth to utilize the design process while creating multiple samples before settling on one particular design. Project samples can be displayed in a 4-H Beyond the Needle Portfolio - Portfolio Tip: Be sure to include notes on how the sample was developed, including materials used and the date completed. Do not overlook the Design Basics section; this includes the Elements and Principles of Design, as well as Color Theory activities. In these activities, youth will define the elements and principles of design through observation. Design Tip: The principles of design are the GOALS of the design this is what a designer wants to achieve. The design elements are the tools that designers use to achieve those goals. One garment or textile can reflect more than one design element at a time. Design Prep - When working with youth, it may be helpful to consider using the following tips and tricks for preparing the garment or fabric for embellishment or treatment. Prewash fabric yardage. It is recommended that fabric is laundered as the garment would be after construction to eliminate shrinkage, which could affect the appearance of your embellishment or fabric treatment. Determine if the design will be an all-over embellishment or treatment, or if it will appear on specific areas of the garment. Determine what is trying to be accomplished with the design. If youth want to develop an area of emphasis, they may want to apply the embellishment or treatment to only the most important area of the garment. Determine at what stage in garment construction youth will complete your embellishment or fabric treatment. Get creative and have fun exploring the activities and techniques offered in the Beyond the Needle activity manual! 4-H Clover Kid Camp Forty-six Clover Kids participated in the Be a Superhero for a Day on Wednesday, June 7 th. Camp activities were based on the book, Michael Recycle. Krista Podany with the Farm Bureau Federation in Knox County graciously provided each clover kid with a copy of the book. The Clover Kids created wind spirals with recycled plastic bottles, pin wheels from the bottoms of the bottles, snakes using plastic bottle caps, designed their own superhero capes and made nature walk bracelet posters. Thanks to all the wonderful helpers who made the day a fun, educational experience for the Clover Kids!

5 Spotlight On 4-H! Leader/Volunteer Newsletter The June and July H Spotlight Leader/Volunteer Newsletter is available for club leaders. The monthly newsletter gives ideas for club meetings and projects. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please contact the office or it s available at The following topics are in the June issue: Essential Elements of Youth Programs Ways to Increase Interest in 4-H Clubs Club Activity: Focus on Forestry 4-H Contests: Horticulture Contest Livestock Sportsmanship Beyond the Needle: Tips & Tricks Tweens as Leaders UNL Expert Tips for Teens At the Job Interview The following topics are in the July issue: 4-H Leaders Share Their Stories Social Media and 4-H Clubs Club Activity: Trust Walk Activity 4-H Contests: 2017 Culinary Challenge Contest Tips for Showing Beef Food Preservation Canning Tips Service Learning UNL Food Science & Technology Provides Great Career Opportunities Knox County 4-H ers Do Well at Regional Public Speaking Contest The Regional Public Speaking Contest was held in Norfolk on Thursday, May 25 with 36 youth from 11 counties participating. Contestants are awarded purple, blue or red awards with the top four individuals in each division receiving medals. Elizabeth Wortmann was one of the top medal winners in the Intermediate Speech Division. Other results are: Junior Speech: Sophia Wortmann-purple Intermediate Speech: Elizabeth-purple-Winner; Martha Witchey-purple Senior Speech: Taylor Arens-blue Junior PSA Sophia Wortmann-blue Intermediate PSA Elizabeth Wortmann-blue Public speaking is a communication with many career possibilities. Present 4-H members and 4-H alumni have identified communication skills as some of the most important life skills gained through their 4-H experience. Congratulations to all our Knox County 4-Her s who participated. Bucket Calf Project Bucket Calf projects will again be judged on 3 factors: 1/3 project record book; 1/3 interview; and 1/3 show ability of animal (handling, cleanliness, health). Bucket calf record books must be turned into the 4-H Fair Office by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10 so that the record book judging can take place prior to the show. The Bucket Calf Show will start at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11 th. (No record book for Clover Kids bucket calf.) Bucket Calves will not be allowed to participate in the Small Beef Showmanship that starts at 1:00 p.m. This is for feeder calves only. Bucket Calf showmanship will be part of the Bucket Calf Show. Recognition will be given to the top record book score, top interview score, and top show score in the Bucket Calf Show. Bucket Calf Record Books Bucket calf record books are split into a Beginning Level (ages 8-12 on Jan 1) and Advanced Level (ages 13 & over on Jan 1). Contact the office for a record book or they are available at

6 Second Year Bucket Calf Project For those in the Second Year Bucket Calf project, the animals need to be entered on Thursday, August 10 th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and stay the entire fair. Showmanship and judging will take place on Sunday, August 13 th during the Large Beef Show. Record books need to be handed in on entry day, Thursday, August 10 by 6:00 p.m. The record book from the previous year needs to be handed in also. Grooming Equipment Needed Tips for Showing Beef (Source: Spotlight on 4-H July 2017 issue) Over the past few years there has been a significant shift to Blow and Go shows at county, state and national beef shows. With the shift to Blow and Go Shows (no glue/adhesives and no paint), beginning youth and adults may have various questions and may not have the knowledge, skill level and equipment needed to properly fit their 4-H beef projects. The intent of this article is to provide some Blow and Go fitting tips in prepping the beef animal to show. The first step is determining what equipment is needed. An assortment of brushes and combs are crucial for removing dead hair; as well as, washing and training the hair of the animal. Generally, cattle should be brushed and combed forward, and slightly up, at a degree angle. To promote hair growth, try to keep your animal cool with a fan and increase the number of times per day you wet down and brush the steer or heifer. A blower is also important, for not only drying the animal, but it will also help train and keep the hair clean. Clippers may be another piece of equipment to consider; however, before purchasing, consult a show-supply salesman to determine the correct clippers for the skill level of the youth. Other necessary items to consider would be a show stick and leather show halter and maybe a blocking chute to keep the animal constrained while clipping and/or preparing the animal for a show. Fitting There are various methods of fitting beef cattle, but the whole purpose of grooming and fitting beef animals is to make them look attractive. Before any clipping or fitting is done, study the animal and evaluate its strong and weak points and plan to fit the animal by making the weak points look as good as possible and accentuating the strong points. A lot of this can be done with clipping. The majority of the clipping should be done before ever attending a show. Keep in mind though that hair can t be put back on the calf after it s been taken off. For the majority of Blow and Go Shows, adhesives/glues and paint are not allowed. Show supply dealers carry an assortment of other show day dressings and compounds such as show foams and sprays that do not have any adhesive properties. In order to know which products to use and how to properly apply it, the best advice is to experiment at home with some of these products and select the ones that do the best job. Fitting a calf for show is something that should be done about minutes before show time. Don t make the mistake of standing a calf in the blocking chute or getting them up to early in the stall because the calf will get tired and will not show well in the ring.

7 Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Program Safety first but lots of fun! Learn safe gun handling skills and sound fundamentals of shooting under the guidance of caring and knowledgeable adult volunteers. Promotes positive youth-adult interaction and peer ledership. The focus is on the total development of the young person. Knox County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest Dates.22 Rifle & Shotgun Contests Saturday, July 29, 1:00 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds Archery Contest Sunday, August 6, 2:00 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds BB Gun & Air Rifle Contests Wednesday, August 9, 3:00 pm, Knox County Fairgrounds The Dress Code for the official 4-H Shooting Sports Contests (Archery, BB Gun, Air Rifle,.22 Rifle, and Shotgun) need to wear the official Knox County 4-H T-shirt (green or white) or a plain white T-shirt is acceptable and jeans or shorts. Archery Practice Dates: Monday, July 17, 7:00 pm Monday, July 24, 7:00 pm Monday, July 31, 7:00 pm Location: All practices will be held at the Bloomfield Airport. If you have questions about the Archery Practices, contact Kevin Millikan at or Becky Millikan at Remember, all shooters must attend at least 2 practices each year to participate in the official contest. The official county shoot will be held Sunday, August 6, 2:00 pm at the Knox County Fairgrounds..22 Rifle and Shotgun Practice Dates: Tuesday, July 18, 6:00 pm Tuesday, July 25, 6:00 pm Location: All practices will be held at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Bloomfield. Remember, all shooters must attend at least 2 practices each year to participate in the official contest. The official county shoot will be held Saturday, July 29, 1:00 pm at the Knox County Fairgrounds. BB Gun & Air Rifle Practice Dates: Monday, July 17 Monday, July 24 Monday, July 31 All practices will start at 7:00 pm and will be held at the Bloomfield Airport, Rd. Remember, all shooters must attend at least 2 practices each year to participate in the official contest. The official county shoot will be held Wednesday, August 9, 3:00 pm at the Knox County Fairgrounds. Upcoming Shooting Sports Dates: (available at July 29 Madison County 4-H Orange Crush Shotgun Shoot, Elkhorn Valley Sportsman Club, Norfolk. Event information available at onalprograms/shootingsports/nebraskashootingspo rts/2017%204h%20shoot%20orange%20crush.pdf September 9 Cuming County.22 Rifle Invitational March 17-18, State 4-H BB Gun & Air Rifle Championships, SECC, Beatrice

8 Horse Program NEW - 4-H Horse Show Judging Guide An updated version of the Horse Show Judging Guide is now available for purchase. You can purchase it at for $5.00 or contact the Extension Office to order your copy Schedule of Events Harm & Tulleys Event Center Bloomfield NE Contact Jolene Greckel for more information on any of the events or visit Commancheros Open Horse Show with Prizes Saturday, July 29, show starts at 8:30 am Trail Rider Challenge September 16 Open to all ages; Lots of Prizes/Awards; 4 different course levels being offered; applies to year-end points for TRC members 4-H ers Do Well in the 2017 District Horse Show Four Knox County 4-H ers participated in the 4-H District Horse Show that was held June 14 at Wayne. Results are as follows: Junior Western Pleasure: Jenna McDonald-Purple Junior Western Horsemanship: Jenna McDonald-Blue Junior Reining: Jenna McDonald-Purple Senior Pole Bending: Jessica Lange - Purple Junior Pole Bending: Alexa Cunningham-Reserve Champion; Jenna McDonald-Blue Senior Barrel Racing: Jessica Lange- Purple Junior Barrel Racing: Alexa Cunningham-Blue; Jenna McDonald- Blue; Mercedes Carl-Red Each 4-H er who received a purple or blue ribbon has qualified to compete in the State Horse Show to be held in Grand Island on July Congratulations to all exhibitors! Other Opportunities Youth Crop Scouting Competition Connecting Youth with Crops August 1, 2017, 8:15 am 3 pm UNL ARDC, Mead NE Registration due by July 20 th at Youth will learn how to scout corn and soybeans; obtain knowledge that will be helpful in future agricultural careers; and network with University and agricultural professionals. Teams of junior high and high school students (those completing 7-12 th grades) from across Nebraska are invited to participate. FFA Chapters or 4-H Clubs may enter a team composed of three or four participants. An adult team leader must accompany each team of students. Team leaders could be FFA advisors, crop consultants, extension staff, coop employees, etc. Top-scoring teams win prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third place. Top two teams will be eligible for regional competition in August at Indiana Poultry Calendar Photo Contest Give Us Your Best Shot! The Nebraska Department of Agriculture s Poultry Calendar Photo Contest is open to Nebraska 4-H and FFA members. Photos must be taken by the contestant and feature poultry. Entry deadline is July 15, Entry forms are available from the Extension Office or at Upcoming Animal Events (fliers and entry forms available at h programs events/) Beef/Goat/Sheep/Swine Sept 9 10 Norfolk Beef Expo Sept 28 Oct 1 AKSARBEN Stock Show, Nebraska State Fairgrounds, Grand Island HORSE: July 29 Commancheros Open Horse Show with Prizes, 8:30 am, Bloomfield Sept 16 Trail Rider Challenge, Bloomfield Sept AKSARBEN Horse Show, Fonner Park, Grand Island

9 2017 Nebraska State Fair Information The State Fair 4-H Fairbook is available. The 2017 Fairbook and schedule can be found at State Fair Livestock Entry Link The deadline for livestock animal registration for 4-H and FFA is by Thursday, August 10 at 5:00 p.m. The entry of livestock for State Fair is done by the families, not by the Extension Office. This is the link directly to the State Fair 4H/FFA page where important documents and the online entry system link is State Fair Premier 4-H Science Award As you plan your 4-H fair exhibits, remember to incorporate 4-H Science into your exhibit. The Premier 4-H Science Award recognizes 4-H youth static exhibits incorporating or demonstrating concepts from the areas of 4-H Science (science, technology, engineering, or math) at the State Fair. Exhibits in all curriculum areas will be considered for the award. Youth can identify one exhibit to be considered for the Premier 4-H Science Award. The application must be submitted along with a photograph of the exhibit (to be used for identification only). All projects successfully incorporating 4-H Science, based on the judging sheet, and selected to be exhibited at State Fair will be recognized with a certificate and up to 5 top Science exhibits will receive a $100 cash award sponsored by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. More information at NE State Fair Volunteer Opportunities Do you want to spend a few hours at the state fair as an important part of the 4-H programming going on during the fair? We need your help! Nebraska 4-H is looking for volunteers to help with exhibit entry day, judging, and serving as 4-H exhibit building hosts. Volunteers will also be needed to serve as the Lil Green Mascot, take photographs of events as well as assist with all 4-H contests and events throughout the fair. State Fair 4-H volunteers will receive a gate pass for the day(s) they volunteer. Volunteers can sign-up by completing the 4- H Volunteer Interest Form available online at hvolunteer. If you have questions about being a 4-H volunteer at the Nebraska State Fair, please contact: Cathy Johnston, Extension Educator, cjohnston1@unl.edu or (402) We look forward to seeing you in Grand Island! Elite Showman Competition at Nebraska State Fair The Nebraska Department of Agriculture along with the Rural Radio Network will be hosting the 12 th Annual Elite Showman Competition on Saturday, September 2 nd at the Nebraska State Fair. The contest is open to both 4-H and FFA youth and the county must select one individual (either 4-H or FFA) to represent the county at the state event. Exhibitors must be between years of age (as of Jan 1). The contest rules, schedule and structure of events can be found at State Fair 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest The 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest will require youth to demonstrate healthy decision making through nutrition, food preparation, menu planning, and food safety, utilizing foods and nutrition curriculum. They will apply healthy living knowledge and skills by planning a nutritious menu, demonstrating their understanding of time management skills in the kitchen, and expressing their originality and creativity through an appropriate themed and properly set table. To showcase these skills, youth will create a menu, prepare one food item, and choose an appropriate theme for their occasion while expressing their food, nutrition, and food safety knowledge during a live interview with a judge at the contest. In order to highlight knowledge and skills acquired during precontest preparation, youth will utilize technology as part of their interview. Age Divisions: Age divisions will be determined by their 4-H age, the age of the youth before January 1 of the current year. Must be enrolled in a Foods & Nutrition project. There are 2 age divisions: Intermediate (ages 10-13) and Senior (ages 14 & up). Must be in teams of 2. Challenge Ingredient/Item: The 2017 Challenge Ingredient is dried beans, peas and lentils. These may be used in any form, including dry-packaged or canned. More information about the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission may be found at More information available at or from the office.