I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving (and at lots of yummy agricultural products!
The topic for this week’s discussion… 4-H
So, as a child my first experience with Penn State did not involve the Blue and White, but rather Green and White. Many people have heard of the worlds largest youth organization, 4-H, but not many know that in Pennsylvania, the 4-H is greatly helped by Penn State Extension. Crazy right! So lets talk a little bit about 4-H.
Here is the Pledge,
The pledge clearly demonstrates this organizations commitment to helping others and advancing their club members. The 4-H mission includes “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.” The organization has over 6.5 million members in the United States, from ages five to nineteen, in approximately 90,000 clubs. Also, the 4-H is international, with clubs in numerous countries. The clubs vary from different agricultural fields (Dairy, Beef, Poultry, etc) to other things like sewing and photography and cooking! Neat right!
Two of my sisters and I were part of the Lancaster County Dairy 4-H Club (Also knows as the Milk Duds, ha ha) We learned about roper book-keeping, and were given opportunities like leadership positions and public speaking. Probably the biggest (and best) parts of the club was showing our calves, heifers, and cows at Fairs! Lancaster County has many local fairs, and people also showed at bigger events like the Farm Show. “Showing” a cow might sound strange to you, but basically, we find the best animal (as in not just pretty, but the most ideal cow in appearance, milk production, genetics, etc) and show them at fairs. We put a lot of time into walking our animals, making sure they are calm and willing to walk with us in a show ring. We also groom them, trim their hair, and get them all pretty for show day. Here are some pictures of us showing. Oh and Rosie, my cow you met earlier, she was my show cow : )
My Dad showing one of our cows at the Fair! 🙂
This is me and Rosie at our hometown fair, The Elizabethtown Fair!
The 4-H is a truly incredible organization. This club represents so many incredible people I know, and great memories with friends, and my family!
Check out some current stories about PA 4-H at http://extension.psu.edu/4-h/news
Have a great day! : )
I knew nothing about 4H before now, it sounds really interesting and I loved learning about it. 4H and cow showing are really unique hobbies to have, it’s awesome that you’re really passionate about it and you seem to be really good at what you do!:)
I’ve never heard of 4-H (which I suppose is kind of ridiculous), so this blog taught me something new and I really enjoyed it. Every week this blog gives me a new way of looking at agriculture and just how important it is. Before this year I knew nothing about it and cared even less, but now I realize how interesting and important it is. It really is breath of fresh air to gain a new perspective every Friday. I really enjoy this blog a lot. Thanks
You’re so awesome! I just love reading your blogs, Sarabeth! When I read all about agriculture in your blogs, I feel so informed, and it gives me an entirely different perspective on it. My respect for agriculture rises to a whole different level every time I read one of your posts. Again, fantastic job!
4h is huge where I live! I’ve never been a part if it but I was in the USPC (U.S. Pony Club) which sounds silly but it’s basically the horse-specific version of 4H. I love cows, and I’m happy you posted pictures because yours are adorable! I have a lot of friends who show as well, and I usually go to the fairs to visit them and the livestock they’re showing. Anyway, I like your blog a lot!
Wow I didn’t realize that 4-H was such an extensive organization! I guess I do know a bunch of people involved in it–my friend Molly also raises cows, and my neighbors raise sheep and rabbits. They show them in the Allentown fair which is our biggest local fair, and other smaller events nearby. Your cow is adorable 🙂