4-H Goes Viral

Published: 2020
By Adriane Good

With the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, in-person activities were cancelled. MSU Extension Pondera County created daily Facebook Live videos to keep youth engaged. The focus of the videos was 4-H, although all youth were welcome to watch. A total of 30 educational videos were made over 6 weeks, with topics ranging from animal anatomy to soil health. Twelve MSU Extension Agents from across the state helped make videos to engage youth, as did Miss Rodeo Montana and three current 4-H members. Altogether, the live videos had over 11,000 views, and most included more than one person watching. The Facebook videos were viewed across Montana, in seven other U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. The video series encouraged viewers to explore new projects in 4-H, join 4-H, learn more about healthy eating and food production, and do things to benefit their mental health during the pandemic. Overall, viewers rated the video series as excellent and comments were overwhelmingly positive.