It has been a difficult month in rural America. The rain is relentless. Levies are breaking. What crops were planted are washing away. We're all tired and hoping for a break in the weather.
Farming is filled with opportunities for life lessons, but that's nothing new to farm families. We have...
They do it because someone did it for them.
They do it because their parents modeled the behavior and created a mindset in them that helping others is important.
Mainly, they do it for Deb. Debra Hagstrom has led the Illinois 4-H equine program for years as Extension equine specialist. In...
For 1,347 4-H members, the next few days will bring the end of high school and the beginning of what comes next.
What comes next may mean new homes, new friends, new jobs, new pursuits, new lives. Wherever and whatever next means for you, let 4-H carry you through the challenging days....
Sometimes learning comes in thundering waves; other times as tiny nuggets of wisdom.
More than 500 4-H members studied through the winter and early spring to learn as much as they could about the horse industry. They competed in four regional contests until the best of the best remained to compete...
Never doubt how hard Katelyn Hamilton is willing to work. The Randolph County 4-H member has faced serious challenges, yet she has emerged stronger and more determined in spite of them.
Katelyn spent the first 28 days of her life in a neonatal intensive care unit. Doctors said she would likely be...
Aaron Dufelmeier is living the dream, just down the road from where his Extension journey began.
Dufelmeier manages the Extension program in Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, and Scott counties. In April, he hosted Dr. Kim Kidwell, dean of the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer...
The benefits of overnight camping extend far beyond the simple joys that come from eating roasted marshmallows and jumping into a cool lake on a hot day. Overnight camping is a valued part of the 4-H experience for thousands of children each year and teaches valuable lessons, whether campers...
It's that time of year when the minds of 4-H storytellers turn to impact reports.
My understanding of impact has changed in the years since I first studied ag communications in the basement of Mumford Hall. It took real life to show me what my professors tried so hard to teach me.
Impact isn't...
On Purpose. With Purpose.
There is a difference.
Many of us do great things with purpose. We are amazing employees. We conquer difficult tasks. We study with purpose, work with purpose, live with purpose, but how much of what we do with purpose is on purpose...
Peter and Isaac didn't know each other before arriving at 4-H Memorial Camp, but two days in, each has found his new best friend. There's something about fresh air, campfires, starry nights, and lake water that brings out the best in humanity.
Isaac and Peter run to the beachfront and hold up each...
