In January, the Nebraska State Fair Board voted unanimously to approve a recommendation from the State Fair Livestock Committee to hold 4-H shows at the fair on the first weekend and FFA shows on the second weekend in 2021. This mirrors the format that was established during the 2020 State Fair, because of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Kathleen Lodl, Lincoln, is a Nebraska 4-H ex officio board member with the fair, as well as an associate dean and state 4-H program leader. She notes that a survey of 2020 exhibitors found that 75% were in favor of having the 4-H and FFA shows on separate weekends.

“They liked having more space in the barns and not having to run from one show to another,” Lodl says. “They also looked at locations and timing of other livestock shows, as well as overall impact on fair numbers and attendance.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the work of young people on both weekends of the state fair, and truly appreciate Nebraska’s commitment to raising the next generations of leaders through programs like 4-H. It’s another example of our state’s ongoing support of young people.”

The Nebraska State Fair is scheduled for Aug. 27 to Sept. 6. Learn more at statefair.org.

Partnership offers scholarship opportunities

Central Life Sciences has partnered with the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation in support of future agriculture leaders through the creation of a new Central Life Sciences Scholarship. The scholarship will be dedicated to a Nebraska student pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field, and it will be awarded in June during the Nebraska Cattlemen midyear meeting.

As makers of Altosid IGR feed-through fly control, Central Life Sciences is launching a program to reward scholarship dollars based on purchases of Altosid IGR-included beef products within the state of Nebraska.

Producers can support the fund with purchases of feed or mineral that contain the feed-through horn fly control of Altosid IGR. For every ton purchased until May 31, Central Life Sciences will donate $10 per ton to the scholarship fund established by Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.

Visit AltosidIGR.com/rebate to submit proof of a qualifying purchases by May 31. Learn more online at nebraskacattlemen.org.

SCA plans convention

The Sandhills Cattle Association is planning the organization’s 82nd annual convention for Sept. 20-21 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine, Neb.

The annual event brings together SCA members from across the region, with educational speakers, awards and scholarship announcements, entertainment, a trade show, and a business meeting. Learn more at sandhillscattle.com.