From 4-H to Farm Bureau: A Firm Foundation for My Passion in Agriculture

By _Amaya_Collins_ July 25, 2017

4-H Alumni nationwide have a story to tell and a testimony to share when it comes to how 4-H has changed their lives, shaped their personalities, and opened up doors, getting them to where they are today. As we continue our celebration of successful women and men who are proud to say they are 4-H Grown, we highlight the 4-H alum who are now members of American Farm Bureau Federation, a proud partner and advocate for 4-H!

Amy Halterman Johnson, Virginia 4-H

“4-H has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From early livestock projects to share the fun to public speaking or camp, all of my experiences taught me valuable life lessons. I had the opportunity to serve as a state 4-H officer, go to National Congress and Conference and represent the US at the Canadian National 4-H Conference. Through these experiences, I learned leadership, citizenship, communication, organization and responsibility skills that helped me to get where I am today. I believe in this organization so much that I am currently serving as the President of the Board of the State 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association. I want to continue to share the 4-H experience with today’s youth.”

Julie White, Mississippi 4-H

“My 4-H experience made me the person I am today and gave me a firm foundation for my passion in agriculture. It taught me responsibility, sportsmanship, to be self-driven, honesty, and integrity while in the background preparing me for what would be my future career. I have spent the past 16 years teaching other youth the same traits that my Extension Agent taught me. The youth are our future!! #livingoutmydream”

Hillary Maricle, Nebraska 4-H
“4-H is what helped me become who I am today! Spending hours working on our calves and home environment projects taught us commitment and perseverance. I wouldn’t have fallen in love with agriculture without 4-H. I was a member from 8-18 years old and became a Club leader in 2004. Today we have the largest 4-H Club in the County because of the awesome young leaders we have! Having served on the 4-H Council and Extension Boards helped me see the programming from a different angle and has made me a better leader. Today’s 4-H still has cows and sewing, but I love the continuous improvement shown by offering programming that matches the needs of today such as robotics and entrepreneurship.”

Learn more about the 4-H and American Farm Bureau Federation partnership.