What Nebraska Extension Is
Nebraska Extension is the outreach arm of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Its About Extension page says it brings university research and expertise to Nebraskans in all 93 counties, helping families, communities, young people, natural resources, and farms, ranches and businesses. If you search a listing for an "extension office" or "UNL Extension" in Nebraska, this is the organization behind it.
Extension is a partnership of three funders, according to the same page. The federal share comes through USDA, the state share is appropriated to the University of Nebraska by the Legislature, and county governments contribute through an interlocal agreement, with local property tax dollars paying for office facilities, support staff, travel, programming supplies and equipment. Each county or group of counties also has an Extension board that helps plan programs. That local board is one reason an office in the Panhandle looks different from one in the Platte Valley.
What the Local Office Does
Local offices are the front door. Saline County's office in Wilber describes its job as offering research-based information and programs, connecting you with regional Extension educators for questions on gardening, 4-H, pesticide application and more, and running classes, workshops and trainings for youth, families, farmers, ranchers and businesses. It keeps weekday hours and has an after-hours dropbox by the south glass door. Hours and services vary by office, so check your own county's page at extension.unl.edu before you drive over.
Nebraska Extension's program areas, as listed on its site menu, include 4-H Youth Development, Livestock Systems, Horticulture, Landscape and Environmental Systems, Agricultural Profitability, Health and Wellbeing, Early Childhood, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Water and Cropping Systems and Disaster Education.
Staff are organized into administrators, specialists, Extension educators and program assistants, and the 4-H council handbook explains that educators are grouped into regions that each cover a set of counties. That means the educator who answers your crop or livestock question may be based in a neighboring county and serve several.
Services for Producers
Examples from Lancaster County's agriculture page show what an office can offer a producer:
- On-farm research. The On-Farm Research Network began in 1989 when 20 Saunders County producers formed the Nebraska Soybean and Feed Grains Profitability Project, and it runs randomized, replicated trials on working farms.
- Equipment checkout. Lancaster County lends a soil probe, hay probe and spray nozzle calibrator, with a $200 deposit returned when the equipment comes back in good condition.
- Economics tools. The page points to online lease forms at aglease101.org/doclib, cash rent prices at cap.unl.edu/realestate, custom rates at cap.unl.edu/customrates and hay prices at cropwatch.unl.edu/economics.
- Expos. Lancaster lists a Southeast Nebraska Pasture and Acreage Expo and a Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa and Wheat Expo.
Not every office offers every item. Treat these as examples of what to ask your own office about.
Pesticide and Chemigation Training
Many Nebraska producers meet Extension through pesticide licensing. Hall County's 2026 training page explains the pattern:
- Private applicators. To get or renew a license, complete the online modules at psep.education/applicator and pass the exam questions in each module, or schedule an in-person exam with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351.
- Commercial and noncommercial. Initial and recertification classes were held in Grand Island, and the state also offers walk-in testing at several locations.
- Chemigation. Recertification is done through online modules at pested.unl.edu. For an initial certification, finish the online modules, print the certificate, then call the local Extension office to schedule an exam.
Lancaster County lists private applicator training at $60, paid the day of training. Fees are set locally, so call your office. Register and order study materials through the UNL Pesticide Education website at pested.unl.edu.
4-H and the County Fair
Extension is also how most Nebraska families reach 4-H. The council handbook says every county has access to a focused 4-H educator, and 4-H is delivered through clubs, special interest groups, afterschool and school enrichment programs and camps.
For the county fair, the Extension office is where paperwork lives. Nebraska 4-H says youth must be officially enrolled and must complete enrollment by June 15 to take part in a county fair or the Nebraska State Fair. Fillmore County's livestock page lists what families need: 4-H enrollment through 4honline.com, the fairbook, an ID sheet for each species, entry forms and State Fair exhibitor information. It also explains that YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) is required for members with food-producing or livestock projects, including beef, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry and rabbit.
At Webster County's office, staff say the office manager and 4-H programming assistant are the best starting point for fair, enrollment or YQCA questions, and that they help families with 4-H Online and ShoWorks.
How to Reach Your Office
- Start at extension.unl.edu and choose your county from the statewide listing.
- Call during office hours. Saline County, for example, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For statewide questions, Nebraska Extension's central office is at 211 Agricultural Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0703, phone 402-472-2966.
- For Nebraska 4-H, call 402-472-2805.
Practical Tips
- Put June 15 on the calendar for 4-H enrollment, and note that county fairs often set earlier ID and entry dates.
- Ask which educator covers your county and what topics they specialize in before you call.
- Bring your license number and study materials when you schedule pesticide training.
- Ask whether your office checks out soil probes or other tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Extension office in every Nebraska county?
Extension serves all 93 counties, but some counties share an office or an educator. Several office pages on extension.unl.edu are for combined counties, such as Boone and Nance or Kimball and Banner.
Who pays for Extension?
Federal, state and county governments share the cost, with county property tax dollars supporting local facilities, support staff and supplies.
Can I get my pesticide license through Extension?
Extension offers the training and study materials. Private applicators can complete online modules or take an in-person exam arranged with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Does the Extension office enter my animals at the State Fair?
No. Nebraska 4-H says the exhibitor or family must complete livestock entry in ShoWorks, and county Extension offices do not enter animals for exhibitors.
Nebraska Listings Covered by This Guide
- Butler County Extension Board
Advisory board meeting at the Butler County Extension Office in the courthouse on January 21, March 18, April 22, June 17, September 16 and November 18, 2026.
David City, NE - Central Sandhills Area Extension Office
Thedford extension office serving Thomas County 4-H with general class rules, interview judging, livestock auction guidelines and a 3 percent commission on sales.
503 Main St., P.O. Box 148, Thedford, NE Website - Clay County Extension Board
Advisory board that met in the Activities building at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Monday, February 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Clay Center, NE - Greeley County Extension Office
Greeley County Extension office covering 4-H, agricultural profitability, livestock systems, water and cropping systems; open Monday and Friday 8-3 and Wednesday 9-1.
P.O. Box 290, Greeley, NE 68842 | (308) 428-2835 Website - Nebraska Extension Central Sandhills Area
Area Extension office in Thedford serving Grant, Hooker, Blaine and Thomas counties; 4-H enrollment and YQCA certification are due June 15 and fair entries July 1.
503 Main St., P.O. Box 148, Thedford, NE 69166 | (308) 645-2267 - Nebraska Extension Central Sandhills Area Office
Thedford extension office serving Blaine, Grant, Hooker and Thomas counties; answers questions about county fair dates and 4-H enrollment, which closes June 15.
503 Main St., Thedford, NE 69166 | (308) 645-2267 - Nebraska Extension in Adams County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Adams County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Hastings office at 2975 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE 68901.
2975 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE 68901, Hastings, NE 68901 | 402-461-7209 Website - Nebraska Extension in Antelope County
Nebraska Extension staff in Neligh work with producers and youth across Antelope County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs.
Neligh, NE - Nebraska Extension in Boone County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Boone County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Albion office at 2624 Fairgrounds Road, Albion, NE 68620.
2624 Fairgrounds Road, Albion, NE 68620, Albion, NE 68620 | 402-395-2158 Website - Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County
Nebraska Extension staff in Alliance work with producers and youth across Box Butte County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs at 415 Black Hills Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301.
415 Black Hills Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301, Alliance, NE 69301 | 308-762-5616 Website - Nebraska Extension in Boyd County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Boyd County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Butte office.
Butte, NE - Nebraska Extension in Brown County
Nebraska Extension staff in Ainsworth work with producers and youth across Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs.
Ainsworth, NE - Nebraska Extension in Brown, Keya Paha and Rock Counties
Ainsworth office serving Brown County 4-H and fair exhibitors; publishes monthly 4-H newsletters, the 2026 fair schedule and results, workshops and animal information.
148 West 4th, Ainsworth, NE 69210 | (402) 387-2213 - Nebraska Extension in Brown, Keya Paha and Rock Counties
Joint Extension office in Ainsworth running the BKR 4-H program for Keya Paha County youth, including 4-H Online enrollment, workshops, shooting sports and the county fair book.
148 West 4th, Ainsworth, NE 69210 | (402) 387-2213 Website - Nebraska Extension in Buffalo County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Buffalo County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Kearney office at 1400 E 34th St, Kearney, NE.
1400 E 34th St, Kearney, NE, Kearney, NE | 308-236-1235 Website - Nebraska Extension in Burt County
Nebraska Extension staff in Tekamah work with producers and youth across Burt County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs at 111 North 13th Street, Suite 6, Tekamah, NE 68061.
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6, Tekamah, NE 68061, Tekamah, NE 68061 | 402-374-2929 Website - Nebraska Extension in Butler County
Nebraska Extension staff in David City work with producers and youth across Butler County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs at 451 N 5th Street, David City, NE 68632.
451 N 5th Street, David City, NE 68632, David City, NE 68632 | 402-367-7410 Website - Nebraska Extension in Cass County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Cass County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Weeping Water office at 8400 144th Street, #100, Weeping Water, NE 68463.
8400 144th Street, #100, Weeping Water, NE 68463, Weeping Water, NE 68463 | 402-267-2205 Website - Nebraska Extension in Cedar County
The Hartington office of Nebraska Extension covers Cedar County, with 4-H youth programs, crop and livestock help and community education at 101 E Centre Street, Hartington, NE 68739.
101 E Centre Street, Hartington, NE 68739, Hartington, NE 68739 | 402-254-6821 Website - Nebraska Extension in Chase County
The Imperial office of Nebraska Extension covers Chase County, with 4-H youth programs, crop and livestock help and community education.
Imperial, NE - Nebraska Extension in Cherry County
The Valentine office of Nebraska Extension covers Cherry County, with 4-H youth programs, crop and livestock help and community education.
Valentine, NE - Nebraska Extension in Cheyenne County
Nebraska Extension in Cheyenne County serves Cheyenne County from Sidney, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs at 920 Jackson St, Sidney, NE 69162.
920 Jackson St, Sidney, NE 69162, Sidney, NE 69162 | 308-254-4455 Website - Nebraska Extension in Clay County
The Clay Center office of Nebraska Extension covers Clay County, with 4-H youth programs, crop and livestock help and community education at 111 W Fairfield, Clay Center, NE 68933.
111 W Fairfield, Clay Center, NE 68933, Clay Center, NE 68933 | 402-762-3644 Website - Nebraska Extension in Colfax County
Nebraska Extension in Colfax County serves Colfax County from Schuyler, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Schuyler, NE - Nebraska Extension in Cuming County
Nebraska Extension in Cuming County serves Cuming County from West Point, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
West Point, NE - Nebraska Extension in Custer County
Nebraska Extension in Custer County serves Custer County from Broken Bow, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Broken Bow, NE - Nebraska Extension in Dakota County
Nebraska Extension in Dakota County serves Dakota County from Dakota City, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs at 1505 Broadway Street, Dakota City, NE.
1505 Broadway Street, Dakota City, NE, Dakota City, NE - Nebraska Extension in Dawes County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Dawes County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Chadron office.
Chadron, NE | 308-432-3373 Website - Nebraska Extension in Dawson County
Nebraska Extension staff in Lexington work with producers and youth across Dawson County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs at 1002 Plumcreek Parkway, Lexington, NE 68850.
1002 Plumcreek Parkway, Lexington, NE 68850, Lexington, NE 68850 | 308-324-5501 - Nebraska Extension in Deuel County
Nebraska Extension staff in Chappell work with producers and youth across Deuel County on research-based agriculture and 4-H programs at 171 Vincent Avenue, Chappell, NE 69129.
171 Vincent Avenue, Chappell, NE 69129, Chappell, NE 69129 | 308-874-6256 Website - Nebraska Extension in Dixon County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Dixon County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Concord office.
Concord, NE - Nebraska Extension in Dodge County
Nebraska Extension in Dodge County serves Dodge County from Fremont, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Fremont, NE - Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Joint Douglas-Sarpy Extension office offering 4-H for youth ages 5-18, 4-H in the Classroom for teachers, county and state fair books and a weekly 4-H newsletter.
NE Website - Nebraska Extension in Douglas County
Nebraska Extension in Douglas County is based in Omaha at 8015 West Center Road, with 4-H, urban agriculture, gardening and nutrition programs shared with Sarpy County.
8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124, Omaha, NE 68124 | 402-444-7804 Website - Nebraska Extension in Dundy County
Nebraska Extension in Dundy County serves Dundy County from Benkelman, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Benkelman, NE - Nebraska Extension in Fillmore County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Fillmore County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Geneva office.
Geneva, NE - Nebraska Extension in Franklin County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Franklin County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Franklin office.
Franklin, NE - Nebraska Extension in Frontier County
Farmers, ranchers and 4-H families in Frontier County can reach University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension through the Curtis office.
Curtis, NE - Nebraska Extension in Furnas County
Nebraska Extension in Furnas County serves Furnas County from Beaver City, offering UNL-backed ag, 4-H, horticulture and family programs.
Beaver City, NE - Nebraska Extension in Gage County
The Beatrice office of Nebraska Extension covers Gage County, with 4-H youth programs, crop and livestock help and community education.
Beatrice, NE
Plus 57 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Nebraska directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.