SOUTH WHITLEY, Ind. – Whitley County 4-H member Amy Brown shows dairy steer feeder calves, competes in photography, and raises sheep commercially. She’s also involved with Junior Leaders through 4-H, and participates in FFA.

The Junior Leaders run a concession stand during the county fair but also do other projects throughout the year. Brown said she needs to plan her days well to fit everything in.

“(The sheep have) been an extreme learning experience and very time consuming, but it has been one of the best things I have done,” she explained. “I have definitely had to learn time management, as well as problem solving. I have also learned that things are not always in my control and I have to roll with what’s given to me sometimes.”

Brown grew up on a farm – her family grows grain and raises livestock. She started 4-H in third grade and her older brother joined at the same time. Her two younger siblings joined when they were old enough. Brown is a year away from completing 10 years in 4-H.

“I was always more interested in the animal side, and I have actually begun my own sheep business raising Katahdin ewes and lambs,” she said. “I have enjoyed showing feeder calves the most, just because I love livestock and raising them. Seeing them go from a little skittish to walking on halter is always fun, and calves are really sweet animals.”

The Junior Leaders have a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) team, which partners with elementary schools to help the students learn STEM activities.

“4-H has been an amazing experience and I would not be the same person without it,” Brown said. “Raising, showing and selling calves is very rewarding and I love doing it, but 4-H has also provided me with relationships and connections that I would not have had before joining. I have definitely learned how to work with others that I don’t know very well, and I have had more opportunities to work with my siblings too because of 4-H, which is always fun.”

Brown is in the 11th grade and while she plans to go to college after graduation, she doesn’t know where or what she wants to study. She does have some ideas about the kind of career path she’d like to take.

“I have always loved agriculture, so a career in ag business or ag marketing would be something I would be interested in,” Brown said. “Something along the lines of communications might be something I would like as well. All I know is that I want to work with people and serve others.”

Brown said she would recommend 4-H to others.

“There are so many opportunities for leadership and growth, as well as it is a good way to make some money while you are younger,” she noted. “It takes a lot of responsibility, but also is very beneficial to create a good work ethic, and fair week is so fun. Make sure to ask questions and do not be afraid to get your hands dirty.”