“Look, cows!”, the young child exclaims to her parents as they walk through the livestock exhibits at the agricultural fair. Her eyes are wide with excitement as she asks if she, too, can raise a cow. As her parents search for a response, the 4-H agent, who overheard this exchange, steps in and offers information about the 4-H Youth Development Program. “Yes, you can, when you are older. How about you start with a rabbit or poultry project first and then work your way up to owning a cow?” he replies.
This exchange and many more like it happen each year at the county fair. Children get excited to see the animals and want access to this great program. As a 4-H agent and a 4-H alumnus, that makes me excited because I love sharing the 4-H program with new people.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization that engages young people in hands-on programs and activities to help them build skills, develop leadership, and contribute positively to their communities. We offer a wide range of activities in other areas, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), civics and leadership, and nutrition and healthy living, even though our organization is often associated only with agriculture.
The Martin County 4-H Youth Development Program is housed by a partnership between the University of Florida IFAS Extension and the Martin County Government. With the support of our local government and state land grant university, along with our giving volunteers, we teach youth ages 5-18 across all of Martin County. Through our community outreach programs, in-school programs, and 4-H community clubs, we teach life skills to youth and help prepare them for the workforce and a successful life.
We offer many programs in Martin County 4-H. These programs include embryology, livestock, fishing, equine, poultry, archery, STEM, canine, gardening, poultry, rifle, environmental studies, and leadership. This list is limited only by the interests of our members and the availability of volunteers to help lead programs.
Learn more about 4-H- as a youth member or as an adult volunteer- by visiting our website.
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