With increased challenges facing our communities and the agriculture industry, it is essential to design youth-driven programs dedicated to identifying ways to improve health, agriculture and food. Four NH 4-H youth, Kristen Kish and Kelsie Pittman of Rockingham County and Trinity Bond and Hayden Gardner of Merrimack County, recently had the chance to hone their agri-science skills at the National 4-H Youth Summit on Agri-Science in Washington, D.C.
For three dynamically engaging days, these youth participated in a variety of sessions on topics focused around precision agriculture, food and health, animal science, wildlife biology, biobased products and bioenergy. With support from industry leaders, youth had the opportunity not only build skills and knowledge, but also explore careers in the agri-science industry.
The 4-H members, who were selected based on their submission of a resume and successful completion of two interviews, were given the opportunity to hear Ted McKinney, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs, speak at the opening ceremony. Inspired by McKinney’s words, the youth took part in community action planning. During this process, they assessed the needs of New Hampshire and proposed an action plan to address these needs. Their action plan includes expanding the diversity of non-animal agricultural programming available to youth in the state through the development of the 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors.
“I had a lot of fun on the 2019 National Agri-summit. In addition to making some new friends from other states, I also learned a lot more about sustainable agriculture, problems with farming today and what the future of farming might look more like,” said Hayden Gardner of Merrimack County.
“I learned so much on this trip! I feel more prepared to advocate for agriculture in the future. I loved the unique out of state collaboration opportunities that were available to us during this conference. I am excited to be a part of the foundation of the 4-H Ag Ambassadors program starting in our state!” said Kristen Kish of Rockingham County.
The trip was sponsored by the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire. The 2019 National 4-H Youth Summit on Agri-Science was sponsored by Bayer, The CHS Foundation and ADM.
About 4-H
4‑H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
