4-H set me on a path to future success

It seems like ages ago when I wore the green jacket and attended events such as 4-H camp, livestock judging contests and horse shows. But even now, the lessons learned, and relationships developed in my youth years in 4-H are still with me today in my personal life and through my career as a journalist in the agriculture industry. I’m grateful to the four-leafed clover for all of it.

I grew up on a farm and had already learned the responsibilities required for owning livestock such as horses and cattle, but 4-H was my introduction to a new species—sheep. I purchased a show lamb as soon as I could join 4-H and learned the ins and outs of feeding, exercising, and practicing showmanship with my lamb in preparation for our time in the ring. It was a transformative time for me, preparing me for future success in the show ring that would continue until I graduated high school.

These types of projects not only provide much needed structure and responsibility for young people, they also develop a goal-setting attitude, the desire to improve oneself, an appreciation for hard work, anticipation for future projects, and the understanding of how to work with others. These are the life experiences our youth desperately need right now, and 4-H is the ideal organization to put our young people on the right track to bright futures. Just like the 4-H motto states, “To make the best better.”

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].