We recently shared an article about 4-H participation on our Bogle LTD Facebook page – and we got a stunning response! While we’re many years past the founding of the 4H program, supporters across the United States still believe in what the program represents.
4-H began over 100 years ago, as a program to introduce new farming and agriculture ideas to children. Since adults can sometimes be set in their ways, the founders thought educating children could be an innovative way to get these ideas in use. Now, there are 4-5 clubs across the United States – still educating kids – backed by our country’s land grant universities and cooperative extension offices.
Although it’s not as difficult to get farmers to take advantage of new agriculture innovation, 4-H still offers many benefits to those who participate. A recent article in Beef Magazine discussed a study that showed “4-H youth are four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities and two times more likely to be civically active.”
Here are some fun facts you may not know about 4-H:
While most participants are from rural areas, 30% are from urban areas and 27% are from suburban areas.
4-H uses the talents and skills of over 500,000 volunteers.
In 1902, the first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club”.