Happy National 4-H Week!

AGCO joins 4-H clubs in honoring young people taking the lead in celebration of National 4-H Week, October 3 – 9. Local 4-H clubs address today’s challenges by encouraging youth to explore, learn and discover in a safe environment. Kids find their true passions, gain confidence and give back to their communities. AGCO is a long-time sponsor of youth programs such as 4-H and FFA.

4-H has changed a lot since I was a 10-year member and national award winner growing up on a dairy farm in Minnesota. While the 4-H club I was involved in focused on farm activities, such as showing and judging cattle, and milking contests like the one I won I (see picture to the right), today’s 4-H programs are broader and involve science, citizenship and healthy living, whether you live on a farm, in the suburbs or in the city.

“According to the findings in the second annual report from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD), youth have the capacity to thrive when presented with resources for healthy development found in families, schools, and communities—regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, race, and gender. Specifically, 4-H youth are:

• 25 percent more likely to contribute to their families, themselves, and their communities,
• More likely to see themselves going to college compared to other youth,
• 41 percent less likely to engage in risky/problem behavior, and
• Higher scores on goal setting and goal management.”

So, congratulations 4-Hers, enjoy your week!

Tell us how you celebrate the 4-Hers, and all the youth, in your community?