Feathered friends of 4-H and FFA students featured in 2025 NE Ag Department calendar

Winning photo by Reagan Dinger of Roca, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Agriculture)

LINCOLN — Budding farmers and 4-H students who captured pet and other poultry in winning photographic images will see their work featured in a special Nebraska Department of Agriculture 2025 calendar.

The calendar also includes important biosecurity information that poultry owners can use to protect their flocks. It can be viewed and downloaded from the state agency's website.

NDA Director Sherry Vinton said the poultry photo contest shows how 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members "go the extra mile to make sure their birds are well cared for and healthy."

Vinton said the agency received many great photos and was proud to recognize the students' work. Winning entries were announced and also displayed at this year's Nebraska State Fair.

Those who submitted winning photos: Jacelyn Brown of Gering; Joel Brown of Gering; Kelsey Bunn of North Bend; Reagan Dinger of Roca; Sofie Farr of Farnam; Aaron Fuchs of Arlington; Alandra Huntley of Lincoln; Emily Johnston of Hemingford; Kara Oberg of Farnam; Piper Pillard of Firth; Reese Pillard of Firth; Molly Preston of Scottsbluff; and Brenna Steager of David City.

NDA said it also will use the winning photos throughout next year in promotional materials and on social media. The contest provides the agency an opportunity to share biosecurity information that helps prevent diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease.

nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian