4-H

3 Stock Show Lessons That Don't Make the Highlight Reels

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:34:57 GMT

Even though I know the easy path is rarely the best path, I will admit it would be nice to be on it once in a while. Juggling three children, numerous animals, two jobs and little sleep while traveling to three national shows within a month was beginning to make my husband and I just a little grumpy this summer.

I’m pretty sure he’s not the only stock show dad who threatens, “We could just buy a boat and go to the lake next summer instead of showing livestock.”

No one ever raises their hand for that idea, so we keep at it. And if we are truthful, even though the lack of sleep and possibly too much time together can take its toll, there is nothing we would rather spend our summers doing than showing livestock together.

Although the champion animals often make the highlight reels and headlines, I would argue the most important things happening at shows are less talked about. Here are three lessons I re-learned that go far beyond bringing home a banner.

1. There is more in you than you know.
As I sat on the bleachers during the closing ceremonies in Louisville, Ray Perryman shared a message with the families in attendance that I think more people need to hear.

“There is more in you than what you know,” Perryman said. “You were born for a purpose – to make this world better. Quit fitting in and begin to show out.”

We waste our time comparing our lives to others when we really need to be living into the unique talents and skillsets we have been given. There’s a lot of pressure on our kids today to fit into the mold and prioritize what their teachers, coaches and even parents want them to prioritize. We need to help them realize their voice has a purpose.

2. You have to be uncomfortable to grow.
I like to say I embrace change, but sometimes it’s just not fun to change. It’s fun to change things like your outfit, your vehicle or the TV series you are binging. It’s not fun to change things like your schedule, your passwords or your focus. That can be uncomfortable, and who wants that?

“Sometimes you’ve got to step out of where you are comfortable so you can go where you are needed,” Perryman continued.

Every time I’ve been uncomfortable, I’ve grown. I’ve also been a little scared and worried about what would or wouldn’t happen in those moments. But in the end, I was better. As I watched my youngest get ready to step into the ring that week, her nerves were on full display. When the gate opened and she drove her pig to the judge, I could see the nerves begin to lift and the focus form.

Being uncomfortable makes her better. It makes her discover parts of herself that she didn’t know were there. It opens doors for her to go new places and try new things.

3. You aren’t alone.
As humans, we want to know that we aren’t alone. In fact, experts suggest the desire to belong was critical for our ancestors’ survival. The need for social connection is a fundamental human drive rooted in our biology and essential for both mental and physical health.

It makes sense why our family feels such a deep connection with other families who do what we do at these shows. There’s an understanding of what it took to get to the show, the sacrifices made and the expenses incurred.

I love how the stock show industry connects us and brings us together around shared goals and passions. In a world that often feels so divided, it feels pretty good to know that we’re all coming together for a common purpose in the show ring.

We aren’t even two weeks out from a busy summer showing livestock, but we are already missing it. I guess that makes the sleepless nights and grumpy moods worth it.

Read More:
There’s No Tired Like State Fair Tired
Odd One in the Room? Embrace It
The Power of a Mentor: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation

From Farm to Fame: How Iowa’s Dairy Princesses Transform Passion Into Advocacy

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:35:06 GMT

The Iowa State Fair is a grand celebration of agriculture, and this year it went above and beyond in honoring some remarkable young individuals from the dairy community; the 2024-25 Iowa dairy princess, Haley Ronnebaum, and the alternate dairy princess were all over the iconic Iowa State Fair fairgrounds sporting their crowns to advocate for the industry.

Meet the Royalty

Representing Delaware County, Ronnebaum, the daughter of Mitch and Jenny Ronnebaum, is not just a titleholder; she’s a true advocate for the dairy industry. Soon, she is ready to embrace her sophomore year at Iowa State University, majoring in dairy science with plans to become a large-herd veterinarian.

Ronnebaum’s passion for agriculture, rooted deeply in her upbringing in a dairy community, shines through as she aims to give back and promote the industry.

(Iowa State Fair)

“Growing up, I did a lot through the dairy Quiz Bowl and dairy judging,” she says. The 19-year-old’s commitment extends beyond her community, as she encourages more consumption of dairy products, emphasizing their health benefits. “It’s just awesome be able to reach out to so many people at one time at the Iowa State Fair and promote the dairy that we all love.”

Importance of Advocacy

This past year, both princesses have visited numerous classrooms, dairy events, fairs and more as they put their dairy knowledge into practice through education and advocacy to help consumers understand the dedication of dairy farmers to their cows, their land and their products.

“There’s a lot of things that can go wrong in the dairy industry. People have different viewpoints,” Ronnebaum says. “It’s important to promote it and show the good side of the industry and how products help you in your everyday life.”

This dedication to the dairy community isn’t limited to Ronnebaum. Harley Baumler, serving as the 2024-25 Iowa dairy princess alternate, shares responsibilities with Ronnebaum. Baumler, the daughter of Mike and Amy Baumler of Fort Atkinson and representing Fayette County, is a senior studying agricultural and rural policy at Iowa State University. Her wealth of experience in the dairy sector, combined with her passion for educating consumers, marks her as an influential advocate for the community.

Both young women have rich connections to their dairy farming backgrounds despite their families having sold their cows in recent years. They bring valuable skills and work ethics nurtured by their farm life to their roles as ambassadors. Particularly poignant is the duo’s perspective on the rewards.

(Iowa State Fair)

“I’m glad that I was raised in the dairy industry, and I’m glad to represent the industry that grew me,” Baumler says. “The most rewarding part is learning how to communicate with people that maybe don’t understand all the signs and don’t have that knowledge. I have a passion for educating consumers about all means agriculture, but especially dairy.”

Iowa State Fair attendees have had the opportunity to meet these ambitious advocates, who are eager to promote the benefits of dairy consumption. The event underscores a collective effort to support the dairy industry and spread awareness of its positive impact on human health and community well-being.

Renewed Interest in Dairy

A delightful trend at the fair is the resurgence of interest in dairy products, especially whole milk and its potential return to schools — a cause supported passionately by both princesses. Products like cottage cheese are also being reimagined, finding new favor in trendy recipes.

Cottage cheese is growing in popularity, the princesses says. Baumler adds that she eats it on the go and appreciates that whey protein, once was seen as a by-product, now is a go-to item for many consumers.

The Iowa State Fair is more than a gathering; it’s a launchpad for these young women as they continue to advocate for dairy. Both ladies demonstrate that the future of the dairy industry is in capable hands — individuals who blend passion, education and community commitment to lead the charge for agriculture’s next generation.

Your Next Read: Transform Your Tradition: How Alfalawn Dairy Embraces Smart Technology

8 Easy, Cost-Effective Tips To Maximize Biosecurity On The Farm And At The Fair This Summer

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:32:36 GMT

When it comes to biosecurity, livestock producers should have protocols in place for both on the farm and when taking animals to fairs or exhibitions. Live animals, vehicles, equipment, animal products and people can carry disease onto farms.

University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins says preparation helps producers know what they are up against.

“This will help your biosecurity practices run smoothly and effectively,” she says.

With it being county and state fair season for many parts of the country, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Corinne Bromfield says there are easy things producers can do to improve biosecurity and help minimize transmission of diseases.

“Many think biosecurity needs to be intense and expensive, but small, consistent actions can pay big dividends,” Bromfield says.

Collins and Bromfield share basic biosecurity steps that cost little to nothing but can save a lot of money and headaches:

Check health requirements for exhibitions. Many events require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), or health certificate from a veterinarian — especially for livestock traveling from out of state. This helps ensure only healthy animals go to shows, reducing the likelihood animals will pick up something at the show and bring it back home. If livestock exhibit any signs of contagious disease, such as coughing, diarrhea or skin irritations, they should be left at home.

Dedicated clothing. People taking animals to fairs should wear dedicated clothing and footwear at the fair and not bring them home to their other animals. Having dedicated clothing/footwear that doesn’t leave your farm is also important for your animals staying home.

Isolate new or returning animals. This is a key step to mitigate the immediate spread of disease and gives producers time to observe animals. Make sure the isolation area is separate from high-traffic areas and has its own feed and water sources. Another option is attending a terminal show, where the livestock will not return to the home herd.

Set a quarantine protocol. Keep new or returning animals separate from the herd for at least two weeks (four weeks is even better), and watch for any signs of illness. This helps prevent the spread of disease to animals that are currently healthy animals. Work with your quarantined after working with the home herd.

Sanitize. Keep housing, feeding and watering areas clean. Regularly disinfect these spaces and remove manure frequently to reduce cross contamination. Avoid bringing home feed, shavings or manure from the event. Wash the trailer to clean off manure, and always wash your hands after interacting with animals.

Clean your equipment. This is especially important for those attending fairs this summer or frequently moving animals. Always clean your equipment before you leave the farm and as soon as you return. If you’re bringing new equipment, such as a stock trailer, to the farm, stop at a truck wash on the way home to clean and disinfect it. Don’t forget to scrub buckets, fans, panels, shovels and any other objects that have traveled with your animal or may have encountered other animals or animal products.

Limit farm access. Create designated areas for visitors. If you frequently have people who visit your farm, create zones for them — preferably away from animal areas. Require visitors to wear disposable footwear covers (like plastic boots) to limit disease spread. Designate parking and foot traffic areas to keep a barrier from your herd. Consider posting “Personnel Only” signs and establish protocols for high-risk areas, such as feed storage and highly trafficked zones.

Develop a written biosecurity plan unique to your farm. First, figure out what risks you already face with visitors, moving equipment on and off the farm and other animals that could be potential disease vectors. Plan how to mitigate animal contact and minimize risks.

Your next read: Remember Biosecurity Practices As You Exhibit Animals at Shows and Fairs

Don’t Let Activists Spoil the Fun this Fair Season

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:25:46 GMT

As we move into fair season this year, there are so many reasons to be excited! It’s a time to get out and visit with friends and neighbors, eat delicious snacks, and celebrate the hard work that youth put into raising livestock for shows. As a member of the agricultural community, this is also an invaluable time to reach outside the bubble and engage with the public about agriculture and where our food comes from. However, there are often detractors attempting to sway public opinion and, in some cases, even protest these events.

In recent years, animal rights groups have been known to protest with a variety of tactics, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) bringing their “Hell on Wheels” vehicle to the fairgrounds. This initiative from PETA is a large truck that is meant to look like it is transporting pigs – it also claims to be loud, playing “the screams of panicked animals.” Last year, this truck made an appearance at several Midwest state fairs and is currently circling the U.S. with recent stops in Nebraska, Indiana and Illinois.

Other tactics seen at fairs and expos last year include animal rights groups handing out stickers and other pamphlets. It was reported that a group of animal rights supporters previously handed out what seemed like coupons to fair attendees. These coupons claimed to be for free fair food, like turkey legs and pulled pork sandwiches, but when you scanned the QR code, it would take you to a website in support of their vegan cause.

Fairs have also been the target of animal rights groups protesting birthing centers, specifically those highlighting pork production. While this is a great experience for fair attendees to potentially see piglets born up close (and the care that goes into this practice), animal rights groups have used this as an opportunity to protest sow housing and farrowing stalls.

Unfortunately, animal rights activist organizations see fairs as a major opportunity to spread misinformation about our industry and to diminish the great work done in the agricultural community. The good news? There are some steps fair organizers and exhibitors can take to keep security top of mind and keep the fun times rolling:

• All events should have a crisis plan outlining who should do what in various scenarios – protests, disruptions, etc. Crisis plans can also address natural disasters, accidents and other issues that may arise during the event. During this planning process, local law enforcement should be consulted about how to handle activist activity at fairs.

• Keep an eye out for suspicious activity: people carrying signs or other protest materials, someone taking a strange amount of photos/videos or recording with their phone (livestreaming is a common practice), individuals asking very direct questions, etc. Report any concerns immediately to fair management.

• Avoid confrontation. Activists want attention – please avoid giving it to them. Keep your cool and let law enforcement or event management handle any issues.

I hope that this is truly a great fair season for everyone and that you don’t let the actions of animal rights groups stand in the way of this great opportunity to interact with the public and share what truly supports pig farming in the U.S. – great farm families, starting with youth!

Abby Kornegay is the manager of issues and engagement for the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Dan Hoge Opens Up About 55-Year Career Training Future Stock Show Judges

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 20:23:52 GMT

What will the champions in the show ring look like in five years? That’s a question Dan Hoge, one of the winningest livestock judging coaches in history, thinks about constantly. Trends come and trends go. It’s not easy to stay relevant while being nimble enough to see what’s coming and evolve to get there.

But Hoge’s ability to do just that as a coach, judge and breeder for decades is what sets him apart from others, says Blake Bloomberg, professor and head livestock judging team coach at Black Hawk College East Campus.

“Dan has been at the top of his profession for over 50 years, and is still sought after for his input,” Bloomberg adds. “His impact on his students and his influence beyond the classroom is undeniable.”

Hoge says his interest and passion in the livestock industry keeps him constantly learning and searching for what’s next. He’s an avid scholar – always reading about livestock, studying photos of champions and talking about trends in the industry with people he admires.

“The miles never made any difference to me,” Hoge says. “If there was a symposium going on or if Dr. Harlan Ritchie was speaking about the cattle industry, I found a way to be there. I pay attention to what legendary breeders like Chuck Olson and Earl Cain are doing in the swine industry. Of course, there are always new breeders coming along who are going to dictate, to a necessary extent, where the industry will go next.”

At the end of the day, good livestock will always be in vogue, he says. There will be changes in priorities. Trends will shift. But the best stockmen are open-minded and always looking to see what is coming in the future. He believes the ability to evaluate livestock and read differences in phenotype is essential to it all.

What Coaching Is and What It’s Not
That’s why coaching young adults in livestock judging has been Hoge’s passion .What’s the secret to his coaching success? He says there’s no curriculum to teach you how to be a livestock judging coach, it’s a lot of learning as you go and caring about who you coach.

“Coaching is 80% what’s in your heart and 20% what’s in your mind,” Hoge says. “It’s really believing in the young people who are involved in your program. It’s reaching out and knowing their goals, interests and expectations.”

Dan Hoge’s ability to connect with every audience is one of greatest strengths.

(Jennifer Shike)

Livestock judging is a very inexact art, he points out. It is not a science, it’s a skill developed over time that is subject to the opinion of someone else.

“It’s important the student feels good about themselves at every step of their development,” he says. “It’s about inching along and making progress.”

When it comes to coaching kids to excel in livestock judging competitions, Hoge believes in helping young people finish strong.

“It’s not a question of where you start, it’s a question of where you finish,” Hoge says. “That has always been the mindset I have instilled in our student judges over the years. It’s one of the real values you can take with you in life.”

When You Step Out into the Ring
There’s no shortage of ways to use the skills developed judging livestock and describing them, Hoge adds. For many young people he mentors, their end goal is to judge a livestock show.

Dan Hoge at the Oklahoma Youth Expo

(Oklahoma Youth Expo)

“I remind young judges that every show is important, regardless of how small it may be,” Hoge says. “If there are two head of livestock at an event, that’s a livestock show. Go give it your best.”

As livestock judging has grown in popularity and more contests have popped up across the country, the level of talent has grown, too.

“I often tell our younger judging generation that, believe me, no one is interested in how smart you are and how poor their livestock are,” Hoge says. “They’re interested in your positivity, how you work with the youth, and how you make sure every youth involved in that show felt they had a fair look and an opportunity to feel good about their project and themselves. I don’t know if we have enough of that today.”

He reminds young judges to stop and take a breath before they step out of their vehicle when they arrive at a show.

“Ask yourself, ‘Why am I here?’” Hoge says. “The smartest thing you can do as a show judge at a county fair, and I’ve judged many, is study the atmosphere as you walk to the show ring. When you walk into that ring and meet the superintendents for the first time, that awareness of the atmosphere will provide a pretty good handle on what the show is going to be like.”

The most important thing a show judge brings to any event is their opinion and comfort in knowing what they are looking for in a champion. Although judges can only use what’s brought to them to evaluate, knowing where you want to finish is necessary, Hoge adds.

The little things matter, he says, from how you speak to people working in the ring to how you connect with the crowd. Judges have the opportunity to serve as another bridge between the showmen and their projects and the spectators.

“You can’t expect the urban sector to understand the care and management people put into their livestock or how great of a life their show livestock have,” Hoge says. “When you judge or show livestock, make a commitment to do things right and always be a voice of positivity in the industry. Be proud of what we do.”

Go watch The PORK Podcast Episode 17 with Dan Hoge to learn more about his perspective on the misconceptions people have about the stock show industry today, what he’s most proud of in his life, teaching students for 55 years and counting, and how he anticipates the livestock industry changing in the future.

Your Next Read: Thank You Mr. Hoge

An 11-Year Old's Idea Sparked An Idea That's Grown Into an Annual Toy Drive Giving Out 13,000 Toys Each Year

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:02:30 GMT

The season of giving for Reed Marcum doesn’t just happen during Christmas. For this 19-year, the season of giving is year-round.

“I came up with the idea back in 2016 when I realized that I wanted to help put another toy under someone’s tree that year,” says Marcum, who’s now a Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador.

At just 11 years-old, this 4-H member had an idea: Collect toys and give them out to children in his local community.

“He came home one day, he talked to me and his stepfather, and he said, ‘Mom, I want to help some kiddos in my class for Christmas,” remembers Angie Miller, Reed’s mother. “I said, ‘OK, what can we do?’ I told him he could do a little work, and he was like, ‘No, I want to give out toys.”

Reed Marcum at 11-Years-Old

(Angie Miller)

Started Out As a Small Idea
That first year, Reed’s small idea turned into a huge success, giving out around 5,000 toys at his stepfather’s law office. Little did this family know that was just the start of something grand.

“It was something we didn’t expect to do, especially have that much success and community reaction. They really loved it. We did not expect that,” Reed says.

J Michael Miller Toy Drive
What’s called the J Michael Miller Toy Drive has grown each year, even during COVID.

“What happened was COVID hit, and we had told Reed that it just can’t happen that year. And he said, ‘It can happen, Mom,’” Angie says.

And it did. With the help of the community, Reed moved the toy drive to Ragan’s Auto, a decision that helped this drive grow even more.

“He spoke with Mr. Ragan, and he told Reed we can do this. They moved all their cars out by noon that day. We moved in around 1:00, and we would set up all night long, and then we open the doors, they would start driving through,” Angie says.

The annual J. Michael Miller Toy Drive gave out 13,000 toys this year.

(SUNUP)

Within a couple years, they even outgrew that space. Last year, Reed moved his toy drive again, this time, to the McAlester Expo Center.

“We are orchestrating with the local Expo Center here in McAlester for people to come, and it’s just an amazing venue for what we’re doing here. And it’s an amazing process that we have to set up and do,” Reed says.

Biggest Toy Giveaway Yet
On Dec. 7,2024, Reed had his biggest giveaway yet.

“We collected a ton, but we were able to give out around 13,000 this year, that day,” Reed says.

What started as one small idea has brought generosity through toys that touched 13,000 lives this year alone.

“It’s a year-long process,” Angie says. “The entire year we’re looking for toys, collecting them and getting donations from people. But when the day gets near and close, it really starts to ramp up.”

Cars line up 3 to 4 miles long for the annual toy drive.

(Bryan Fuller)

Recipients Come From Surrounding States
Since 2016, this toy drive has given away more than 64,000 toys, an annual event that people wait in line for hours to receive. And as the event grows each year, lines of cars that now stretch three to four miles long, all with kids eager to receive toys that year.

“I was working the line this year, and we did see license plates from Texas and Arkansas. That’s normal,” says Greg Owen, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H educator. “I would ask the people in the line, ‘What was the experience like?’ And this year, I heard the comment ‘It was literally perfect.’”

Vital Volunteers
But for Reed, this wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, all 100 of them.

“They can help us move the toys from point A to point B when we’re holding them or in help, give the toys, help, walk the line, be dressed up in costumes to help entertain the kids, give out small items that go through the lines. The kids aren’t just sitting there bored,” Reed says.

Loss Turned Into Love
Reed’s toy drive has become a beloved experience attracting thousands of people from miles away. But this kid who has brought so much joy to others has also seen heartache along the way.

“He had the most difficult year of his life his junior year,” Angie says. “We were moving to Ragan’s that year, and on July 28, he lost his grandmother that he was extremely close to.”

Reed’s brother, Sergeant Miles Tarron

(SUNUP)

Not even four months later, Reed suffered another devastating loss, just weeks away from his toy drive in 2021.

“We were notified by soldiers that Reed’s brother had passed in the military,” Angie says. “I talked with Reed and I told him I didn’t think we can do the toy giveaway. And he said, ‘Mom, brother would want us to do the toy giveaway, so we’re going to do the toy giveaway.’”

And he did, with an entire community rallying around Reed as a way to give back to one of their own who had done so much.

“They helped us get it over to Ragan’s. We got it all set up. And then they just helped us all the way through it,” Angie says. “After that, Reed had already created the Hudson Strong Foundation for a little boy that had cancer. And they provided some help with the costs of the storage buildings. Then after his brother passed, Reed created the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation, and that supports his toy giveaway, his backpack giveaway and his silent auction. His brother always had a hand in supporting him and sending money. So, now the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation and the Hudson Strong Foundation support those storage buildings.”

Reed has nine storage buildings, all bursting with donated toys each year. But this success is also because of one lady Reed deeply admired: his 4-H leader, Miss Donna Curry.

“After he lost his brother, June 28, 2022, he lost Miss Donna Curry, who was like a second mother to him, who got him into 4-H, and she supported this project thoroughly,” Angie says.

Today, Reed doesn’t just give away toys. Miss Donna had another idea two years before she died: to give out pajamas, socks and undergarments to those in need.

“We named it Miss Donna’s Closet. And when they drive through the toy giveaway, they get the pajamas, they get socks, they get undergarments all through the toy line. They get snacks. And so when we lost Miss Donna, Reed promised at that point that he would carry her tradition on.”

Reed is Now Inspiring Others
Reed’s heart of service is always on display, and it’s now inspiring others.

“It’s literally the goal that we try to set for our 4-H members. We hope that they’ll develop a level of mastery in their project work, and for Reed, his project has been civic engagement,” Greg says. “And when they get to that point, we’ll hope we hope that they’ll utilize that to teach and impact others to follow in their footsteps, which is exactly what Reed has done.”

“That’s the best thing with 4-H; they always want you to strive to be the best version of yourself. And that’s something this project really does every year,” Reed says. “It’s not just staying the same or leveling out each year. It’s getting bigger and better than the last.”

True Gift of Giving
Reed’s one idea in 2016 continues to spread joy year-round, as it showcases the true gift of giving.

“Little 11-year-old Reed could never see such a thing happening, especially when I was so young and couldn’t even talk to a group of ten people, let alone do something like this. I never thought it would reach this,” Reed says.

“I always share this. That came from the idea of an 11-year-old child. That shows the impact of the 4-H program. That shows the impact of a student that wants to give, that wants to make a difference and wants to make a positive impact on their community,” Greg says.

Reed Accepts Donations Year-Round
In order to make the annual toy drive possible, Reed accepts donations year-round. If you’d like to contribute to the annual toy drive or Reed’s other service projects, you can donate here .

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The Growing Crisis in Our Communities: Can 4-H Answer the Call?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:46:44 GMT

Did you know that 52% of Gen Z kids feel like they are failing at life goals? And that 53% of Gen Z’s report feeling lonely?

“Recent years have only intensified these challenges. Chronic absenteeism has doubled since the 2018-2019 school year, and math and reading scores have plummeted, marking the largest declines in student performance in 50 years. As academic achievement continues to drop, youth feel disconnected, less confident, and unsure of how to navigate the future,” Jill Bramble, president and CEO of 4-H said in a release .

Gen Z’s challenges aren’t just academic; they’re personal, she adds. Many young people say they are falling short, unable to envision a successful future where they feel connected to their friends, families, and communities.

“Without the essential skills they need to adapt and succeed, they face an uncertain path. The result is a growing crisis in our communities—a crisis that requires immediate action,” Bramble said.

For many youth, the road ahead may be challenging, yet 4-H says its members are succeeding. Why? Data from a Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development shows that compared to their peers they’re:

2x more likely to have the goal of being a leader
3x more likely to participate in community service
2x more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose

“While schools play a critical role in education, they cannot do it alone. Employers are increasingly focusing on skills that extend beyond traditional subjects, with 77% stating the need for analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, and adaptability. That’s where 4-H comes in,” Bramble said.

On Oct. 9, companies like Georgia Boot and others announced support of the “Beyond Ready” initiative that seeks to expand the reach of 4-H to 10 million youth by 2030 by addressing critical issues such as community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for inclusion.

“4-H is an incredible program that directly benefits kids on a local and national scale,” Libby Hosler, marketing manager for Georgia Boot said in a release. “As a long-term partner, we are committed to supporting the Beyond Ready campaign to amplify the reach of 4-H to more youth across the country through hands-on learning experiences that help build life skills like confidence, creativity, leadership and resiliency.”

Through Cooperative Extension’s network of over 100 land-grant universities, 4-H’s research-backed programs reach young people through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, online through CLOVER by 4-H, and 4-H camps. The life-changing 4-H experience is delivered by 3,500 4-H professionals and 500,000 volunteers who serve every county and parish in the country. 4-H programs are peer-led, hands-on and community-focused with programming that is often customized to fit the needs of the local community.

Visit 4-h.org to learn more.

Your Next Read: 5 Things No One Tells You About 4-H

Blue Ribbon Memories: A Journey Through 4-H

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:30:36 GMT

Hearing clipper blades buzz and seeing cows in the chute as my kids prepare for the county fair certainly brings back memories. This is the fifteenth year that my daughter, Cassie, has shown cows. Eleven of those are as a 4-H member.

The memories run deep. It seems like yesterday that I strapped her baby brother, Jacob, in a front pack while I helped her and her older brother, Tyler, walk show heifers when she was just four years old. Cassie cried that her heifer was going to step on her toes and I told Cassie to sing to her heifer – that would calm her down. So, Cassie sang “You Are My Sunshine” while we walked heifers. I swear, now when I hear that song, I bawl like a baby. While that song calmed down her heifer, it reminds me just how fast time goes by.

We had years that county fair coincided with triple-digit temperatures and years when kids sported rubber boots because the rain was nonstop. We are thankful this year’s weather was fabulous.

Creating Champion Memories
The majority of the years captured champion memories. Not just because the kids sported a lot of hardware and took home purple ribbons. It was more about their attitude that exemplified leadership, strong work ethic and commitment. Years when I witnessed the kids washing and clipping their show string by themselves and working together when it was fair time—feeding, haying, bedding down, washing, and milking the cows. This provided me with a token of hope and reminded me “Yes, they do know how to work together and get along.”

I jokingly say that dairy farmers who show must be passionate—or crazy—to spend your free time showing cows, but truthfully, I think it takes an equal amount of both. When I look over at ringside on show day, my heart widens with gratitude. Older generations are smiling big cheering the younger generations on. For a few moments it seemed like all is well with the world.

Future Leaders in the Making
The county fair reminds many of us just how special farm kids are. For my kids, it’s the one of the few times that they are able to gather with kids who also have to rise early and care for livestock. Despite being in the land of John Deere and thousands of acres of corn rows surrounding us, they are one of the very few farm kids that attend their school.

Last weekend, Cassie was awarded a leadership award by Rock Island County 4-H. Someone asked her what she did to deserve that award, and she replied, “I don’t know. I guess I just showed up and worked hard.” The reason behind her award had a lot to do with leadership and good sportsmanship over the years. I smiled because I’ve always told my kids that half of success is showing up and the other half is hard work. If you know how to do both – the sky is the limit on future success.

A Bittersweet Farewell
One thing I’m extremely proud of is that despite what placing Cassie stood over the years, she always kept her poise. One year her cow, Gillie, was a knucklehead and didn’t cooperate at the State Fair. Cassie fought back tears, although she never cried in the ring. Later she told me she was so disappointed in Gillie. “She knows how to behave, mom!” I jokingly asked if she sang to Gille. Cassie replied with a grin.

“You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when the skies are gray. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”

And, just like that, my sunshine is done showing in 4-H. I hope my daughter realizes just how much enjoyment she brought both her mom and dad when she had a leather show halter in her hand. She illustrated superb showmanship skills, true commitment and strong work ethic. She deserves to end her 4-H career with purple ribbons and to be honored in front of a crowd, illustrating what the program is all about.

Let’s continue to applaud all the kids who participate in 4-H and FFA and exhibit at the county fair. The lessons they learn are difficult to duplicate anywhere else and the memories will be cherished for a lifetime.

New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:03:09 GMT

Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 3814 into law at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 14, allowing students attending work-based learning events like 4-H and FFA programs to count their participation towards school attendance.

“ House Bill 3814 will allow students attending agricultural learning events to count that towards their school attendance. These learning opportunities cultivate professional development and responsibility in our youth, and their hands-on experiences ought to count towards their education. This new law is a major win not just for our students—but for the future of our agriculture industry,” Gov. Pritzker says.

FFA and 4-H programs encourage both urban and rural Illinois students to participate in hands-on projects across agricultural, STEM and business development sectors. Students who participate in work-based programs have been shown to make healthier and safer choices and give back to their communities long-term, fostering a culture of collaboration and hard work at a young age.

“Agriculture is our number one industry, and it’s the pride of Illinois. But in order to ensure its prosperous future, we must invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Gov. Pritzker adds.

This bill amends the Illinois School Code to allow students who miss traditional classroom days for events in work-based learning programs to have those events counted towards overall school attendance. The student’s parent or legal guardian are to be responsible for obtaining assignments missed while the student was participating in an eligible program.

Livestock Industry Responds

The barns at the Illinois State Fair were buzzing with the good news on Tuesday.

“Participation in livestock projects through 4-H and FFA, takes lessons learned in the school classroom and applies them into real life. Livestock kids learn at a very young age how to manage their time; apply math, reading and science skills to feed and care for their projects; as well as how to compete no matter the outcome,” says Sarah Reedy, livestock breeder, show mom and field sales representative for DEKALB/Asgrow Seed.

This piece of legislation is exciting because it impacts so many young people, Reedy adds.

For Maci Brooks, a 13-year-old cattle showman from Abingdon-Avon Middle School in Avon, Ill., this new legislation provides support and validation for the 4-H and FFA events she attends.

“We just started a new ag program in our middle school,” Brooks says. “I’m excited this will mean we can be excused to attend livestock judging contests and other educational events.”

For show families across the country, the opportunities gained through 4-H and FFA and showing livestock in particular, have been life-changing experiences.

“In the past, the unexcused absence limited our children’s participation at national livestock shows,” says Dale Hummel, livestock breeder, show dad and co-host of Beyond the Ring, a podcast centering around the youth livestock show industry. “The experience gained is invaluable on many levels. This new legislation was desperately needed and greatly appreciated.”

Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) agrees.

“As a strong supporter of ag education, I advocated for FFA and 4-H students whose attendance standing has been jeopardized for missing class to participate in competitions,” Turner says. “Learning through hands-on experiences, especially in the agriculture industry, is a great way for students to expand their wealth of knowledge.”

Read More:

How Illinois Legislators are Removing Obstacles for 4-H and FFA Youth

Could Activists Carry Away Your Dairy?

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Activist-led ballot initiatives and other legislative measures have been at the forefront of the news. Timely, the Animal Agriculture Alliance spoke about animal activism and the negative impact it could have on your dairy operation during a World Dairy Expo seminar. Abby Kornegay with the Animal Agriculture Alliance said that animal welfare and animal rights can be misconstrued by activists.

“Animal Welfare is what we all strive to achieve. It is how we take care of our animals. It is science-based, it’s providing them with everything they need,” she says. “That’s something we all strive for. Animal rights is just the idea that animals should have rights analogous to that of a human, and when we talk about an activist, that’s what they want - animal rights.”

Kornegay shares that the activist agenda is ultimately to eliminate the use of animals from the food chain. She also shares that while there are different activists groups, they are all connected.

“They work together to create a voice for their mission of animal rights,” she says.

As we have come to learn over the years, animal activists are extreme with their messaging and make bold statements.

Tactics Targeting Animal Ag

Undercover videos. “This is kind of a tried-and-true tactic for activists. We’ve been seeing this for a long time,” Kornegay says. A prime example is the fairlife undercover video that had an employee document animal abuse negligent behavior. Also, during these kinds of undercover videos, employees can create scenarios or take things out of context.

Kornegay says the downside for activist groups to conduct undercover videos is that it takes a long time. The employee generally needs to work long enough to have established trust before conducting the videos.

Install cameras & recording. This is when someone comes to the farm, installs a camera and monitors the footage. While this has occurred more with swine and poultry, Kornegay says it could happen with dairy, too. She recommends looking at your Wi-Fi signal on your farm. “If you see a weird Wi-Fi, that could be a camera,” she says.

Drones. An activist can be using frontline surveillance to look for any weak spots in a dairy.

“Maybe they want to have an undercover worker and they are trying to see what your schedule is and when people come and go what did they wear,” Kornegay says.

Mass Protests. These happen at farms, but also in production facilities when large groups camp out. “This is very intense, but something we watch out for,” she says.

Home Protests. Taking protests off the farm but targeting the management of your brand. One example that recently happened is an activist group dumping manure on Starbuck’s management lawn, protesting that the company charges for milk alternatives.

Animal Agriculture Alliance monitors all activist activity in agriculture, not just in dairy.

Producer Tips

Work with legislation. “Working with policy actually starts on the local level,” Kornegay says. “It has been recommended from many other groups that the best way to advocate for yourself and your farm is to start being more involved with your local legislative activity.”
Keep Your Farm Safe. Kornegay encourages producers to create a plan to help protect your farm. “A great way to start figuring out a plan for your farm is to consult professionals,” Kornegay advised. “Whether that be industry professionals, academia, or another farmer with a plan already in place, it is good to receive advice on how to protect your farm.”

For more information on how to continue to advocate for the dairy industry, visit animalagalliance.org.

To listen to the full recording of the Expo seminar of “Could Activists Carry Away Your Dairy?” go to: https://worlddairyexpo.com/pages/Expo-Seminars.php