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Spotlight on Youth - January 3, 2018

Elkhart Farm Bureau earns award for Cowboy Ethics program

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana’s Elkhart County Farm Bureau was selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation as one of last year’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards program winners. Elkhart County Farm Bureau won for its involvement in a robust Cowboy Ethics program.

The CAE Awards celebrate unique, volunteer-driven programming at the local level. Elkhart County’s Cowboy Ethics program is coordinated by volunteer Dwight Moudy and has been an active program in that area for nearly five years.

“I learned that James Owen, a retired Wall Street professional, had created a program based on years of research that focuses on what he called ‘The Code of the West,’” explained Moudy. “Knowing that children are often fascinated by stories of cowboys, we created a local program with that theme to teach youth about principles, values and self-sufficiency.”

With Elkhart County Farm Bureau’s support, he coordinates 25 elementary and middle school classes in the county each year. But the program’s reach continues to grow. “All told, we will have about 95 classes in the area this year,” estimated Moudy. “Neighboring counties are adapting the program for the children.”

But the program doesn’t stop with ethics. County Farm Bureau leadership and volunteers also use the time in the classroom to teach students about agriculture.

“We speak to Elkhart Community School students who have no farming background to teach them about farming and to show them how important math and science are in our line of work,” explained Bert Egging, Elkhart County Farm Bureau president.

As Egging explains, many of the children seem surprised to hear the farmers speaking about the math involved in milk production or the science of caring for animals.

“Over the years, we’ve created a lot of opportunities for the kids to experience farming without leaving school grounds,” he explained. “We bring baby farm animals to the school and this year we are hoping to help them grow vegetables that they can harvest at the end of the year. The farming side of the program is mostly about teaching them where their food comes from.”

Elkhart County Farm Bureau competed against county Farm Bureaus across the country for the annual award. Elkhart County is the only Indiana county winner. Submissions were grouped by membership size. Cowboy Ethics won in the 5,000-and-more member group, the largest single-county award grouping.

Elkhart County Farm Bureau will be recognized and will exhibit its program during AFBF’s 99th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, Jan. 5-10, in Nashville. Winning counties receive a $2,250 stipend to apply toward the cost of travel and exhibition.

Hoosier Ag Today awards 4-H communications scholarship

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — For the 12th consecutive year, Hoosier Ag Today (HAT) has awarded a scholarship to a high-achieving Indiana 4-H member for their communications skills.

Presented at the Scholarship Recognition Luncheon at the 2017 Indiana 4-H Congress, the award was made to Crystal Xue of Hamilton County. She is a senior at Carmel High School who plans on a career in public service. Xue was the 2016 Public Speaking Achievement Award winner in Hamilton County and was the Professional Persuasive Presentation Sweepstakes winner at the 2016 Indiana State Fair.

Xue said good communication skills, both oral and written, are vital in both one’s personal and professional lives. She said her 4-H experience given her the chance to develop her communications skills and the self-confidence to use them. “She is a very impressive young woman who has the talent and drive to do great things,” said Gary Truitt, president of HAT.

Forty-two 4-Hers received scholarships during the program, held Oct. 14 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The scholarship luncheon was sponsored by CountryMark and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Tractor Supply fundraiser raises nearly $1 million for 4-H

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — More than 14,500 4-H youth will have the opportunity to attend county-level development programs, camps and leadership conferences as the result of Tractor Supply’s fall Paper Clover campaign. The 12-day initiative raised more than $980,000 and is now the most successful fundraiser in the company’s history.

“Our partnership with National 4-H Council is extremely important to us and we can’t thank our customers enough for contributing to the unparalleled success of this fundraiser,” said Jessica Holmes, marketing manager at Tractor Supply Co.

Between Oct. 4-15, Tractor Supply stores across the country accepted donations on behalf of 4-H. The money raised will provide members with countless opportunities to learn valuable skills in the areas of agriculture, science, technology, outdoor recreation and more.

“The Paper Clover campaign has always served as a great source of camaraderie in our stores,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply. “Both our team members and customers have seen the impact 4-H programs can have on youth and by supporting the Paper Clover fundraiser, they have helped ensure more kids will have an opportunity to experience the incredible benefits 4-H has to offer.”

This marks the eighth consecutive year of the semi-annual campaign. The combined donations from this year’s spring and fall fundraisers totaled more than $1.8 million. Since 2010, Tractor Supply and its customers have generated more than $13 million, which has impacted 4-H groups throughout the country.

“Thanks to the generous support from Tractor Supply Company and their customers, thousands of youth across the country have access to hands-on, interactive 4-H programming,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council.

Sale of Champions celebrates youth exhibitors at NAILE

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Sale of Champions raised $64,500 during a live auction on Nov. 16 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion steers, hogs and lambs in the junior show division are auctioned off to the highest bidder during the sale. Ten percent of the sales are donated to charitable organizations. The remaining 90 percent are split, with 10 percent going to promote the expo and 80 percent given to the youth exhibitors.

More than $1.75 million has been raised through the auction to further promote youth involvement in agribusiness and fund charitable endeavors. The 2017 NAILE Sale of Champions exhibitors, purchasers and sale prices are:

•Grand Champion Steer: $16,500, exhibited by Mikala Grady of Grandview, Texas, and purchased by Kentucky Cattleman’s and Cox’s Shavings

•Reserve Grand Champion Steer: $14,000, exhibited by Jesse Hoblyn of York, Neb., and purchased by Levy Restaurants, Agribusiness Industry Network and Farm Credit Mid-America

•Grand Champion Market Hog: $10,000, exhibited by Kylie Barnard of Von Ormy, Texas, and purchased by Kentucky Pork Producers and Ehrler’s Ice Cream

•Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog: $7,500, exhibited by Lucia Abreu of St. Helena, Calif., and purchased by Farm Credit Mid-America and Louisville Ag Club

•Grand Champion Market Lamb: $9,000, exhibited by Alexandra Raute of Carmel, Ind., and purchased by Feeders Supply, Top Bedding Richmond Quebec and Smith Creek

•Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: $7,500, exhibited by Sam Schmillen of Marcus, Iowa, and purchased by Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Kentucky Aquaculture and Ruth’s Catering

 

1/11/2018