JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson proclaimed Oct. 2-8 as National 4-H Week in Missouri. 4-H State Council President Emily Taylor, Vice President Lynn Dyer and council adviser Erin Stanley received the proclamation at the governor’s office from Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe.

This year’s “Opportunity4All” campaign rallies support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, according to an Extension news release.

Growing up on a farm, Clayton Ferguson was drawn to 4-H for as long as he can remember. He loved being around cattle and was eager to compete at the county fair. It wasn’t until 3rd grade, though, that his parents gave the OK for him to enroll.

“I think they were scared of me being around a big calf,” he joked.

URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is proud of the rich history of 4-H and the network of 4-H alums near and far — over 25 million Americans across the country.

Illinois 4-H has launched a new initiative for the Illinois 4-H History project and is seeking to reconnect with Illinois 4-H alumni to hear their 4-H stories and share their 4-H memories, according to a news release.

Elias Mullinax is carrying on a family tradition.

The 15-year-old is in the middle of a long stint in 4-H. The student at Mount Vernon Township High School in Illinois follows his mother, Jana, who also spent 10 years in the organization. She now is a 4-H leader.

AMES, Iowa — Iowa 4-H youth were eager to showcase their animals at the 2022 Iowa State Fair. They exhibited over 5,500 4-H livestock and horticulture entries this year, according to a news release.

A record number of swine and meat goats were exhibited in 4-H livestock shows. Youth exhibited over 1,500 animals in the 4-H Swine shows on Aug. 15 and 16, and 369 animals in the 4-H Meat Goat shows on Aug. 18.

TABOR, Iowa — 4-H has always been an important part of Angie Alley’s life, and it’s an experience she wants to make sure her club members enjoy.

Alley is the leader of the Riverside Rockets 4-H club based in Fremont County, Iowa. Club membership is approaching 50, with about 60% of the youths coming from the communities of Tabor, Thurman and Randolph. She says about 40% of the members live on farms.