4-H and FFA prepare young people for success as adults

    Recently there was a social media post floating around spreading false information about the 4-H and FFA programs. The post was specifically targeting young members who chose to raise and show livestock through these two programs. This is not the first social media attack and, unfortunately, probably won’t be the last. While it’s incredibly frustrating to see and listen to someone attacking two outstanding programs, 4-H and FFA members and alumni can use these situations as an avenue for telling their story… the true story of what being a 4-H or FFA member means to them and the lessons they are learning. It’s time for all 4-H and FFA members and agriculturalists to stand united and tell their stories!
    As an 11-year 4-H member and four-year FFA member, here are the biggest impacts these programs have had on my life.
    
Responsibility
    During my 4-H and FFA career, I showed horses, breeding beef, market beef and market hogs. I also participated in leathercraft, leadership, veterinary science and photography. While my parents supported me in each of these project areas, it was very clear that these were my projects and it was my job to complete my project-related tasks. I was taught early in life that you finish what you start. I was responsible for feeding and caring for my animals; they were dependent upon me to provide what they needed to survive. It was the same for my general 4-H projects. I got help from 4-H leaders and my parents, but ultimately it was my responsibility to finish my project and the record book that went with it.
    Not only did I learn responsibility from my projects, but I also learned that I had a responsibility toward my 4-H club and FFA chapter.  Serving on committees and in officer positions taught me that I had to be accountable for my actions and take my obligations seriously. If I said I would take on a job, I had to follow through!
    My livestock projects taught me financial responsibility. Most members grumble about having to keep records and complete a record book (I was one of those “grumblers”), but putting pen to paper really opened my eyes about the cost of raising and caring for livestock. The dollar amounts received during the Junior Livestock Sale sound tremendous, but once you start subtracting your expenses, you realize very quickly that you need to create a budget and stick to it!

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