This week is National 4-H Week. In the early weeks of the new 4-H year, my social media feed was sprinkled with memories of my kids’ 4-H state livestock shows.
4-H is where we learned about sheep, hogs, rabbits, leadership, horses and cattle. It’s a program where I still participate as an adult adviser and have developed lifelong friendships as a result.
For the past six years, as part of my job at the Star Herald, I’ve volunteered to take pictures and organize the results from each of the county fairs. I then made a point of following up with the publication of state fair results.
The 2020 fair season, however, was entirely different, but I was determined to provide the same coverage for the local 4-H program.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the program that offered so much for me as a former 4-H’er. I still see that benefit carried on through my own children and developing in current members.
I’ve gotten to know many members over the past six years, and one member, Halle Hough, I especially commend for her dedication.
This year was her last year in 4-H, and it didn’t end as she anticipated. But Hough participated in both the local county fair and the state fair showcases. The latter showcase was completed virtually through a submitted video of her with her show pig.
I recently messaged her about her state fair “experience” and asked why she participated when many of her peers declined.
“I went ahead and participated in the virtual showcase because it was my last year as a 4-H’er, and although it really broke my heart that I wasn’t able to end my 4-H career at the Minnesota State Fair, I found that this was the next best opportunity,” Hough wrote.
“… It was one last opportunity to be a part of the Minnesota 4-H State Fair with my show pigs. Recording the actual video was hard, knowing in my mind it was technically the last show I would ever take part in as a 4-H’er.
“Show pigs are my strongest passion and 4-H has taught me a ton of valuable lessons over the years, but this stood as the most challenging and heartbreaking thing COVID-19 took from me. I am extremely grateful we were still given the opportunity to present what we worked extremely hard on all summer, even though it was difficult. It will definitely be something I will remember forever.”
Decades after my own participation in 4-H, many of the ideals and passions still remain, and I still enjoy working with my hands and being a caretaker of animals.
While Hough’s passion is show pigs, my passion has been horses. Even though I could give up the horseback-riding hobby for a less demanding activity, horses are one lifelong experience that 4-H afforded me in my youth.
I encourage any youth along with families with young children to join a 4-H club during this National 4-H Week and the start of another 4-H year.
In addition to livestock, 4-H offers a wide variety of programs that explore dozens of other projects and introduce members to numerous leadership opportunities.
Right now many 4-H opportunities are conducted virtually. This opens exploration on any topic much earlier than when I was a 4-H’er.
Regardless of the format, the 4-H pledge remains the same: to inspire the youth to use his or her hands, heart, head and health for better living for everyone.