Richland County Youth Prepare for the Future Through Involvement in 4-H

Published: 2022
By Josie Evenson

“The 4-H program has equipped me with the skills I need to excel in my future no matter what path or career I choose”. – Richland County 4-H Member 4-H offers opportunities for youth to participate in activities where they can learn skills that will aid them in their future. During the most recent 4-H year in Richland County, 241 youth were engaged in learning life skills through involvement in 4-H. Youth gain skills by participating in hands-on projects like beef, swine, foods and nutrition, wood science and photography. The most popular project, market beef, continued to gain in popularity and drew new members to the 4-H program. In 2022, 106 members participated, meaning the Richland County Fair and Rodeo had the largest exhibition of market steers in their history and the most market beef projects on exhibit for a single county fair in the state. Through this learn-by-doing project, members learn responsibility, determination, confidence, patience and good animal husbandry skills. By partnering with 107 certified volunteers in 4-H projects and clubs, members participated in club meetings, service-learning projects, and a variety of activities and events to aid in their personal growth and development.