URBANA, Ill. –  Four Illinois 4-H members will put their leadership skills into action while they build strong agricultural foundations for the future on the Youth Education in Agriculture (YEA) Committee through the Illinois Farm Bureau. 

This committee not only helps provide quality programs for agricultural education in Illinois, but also helps prepare youth for careers in the agriculture industry. The committee is made up of 4-H and FFA members as well as representatives from the members of the Illinois Farm Bureau Family of Companies. 

This year’s 4-H representatives include Brady Clark of Clay County, Nicole Hill of Lee County, Janella Neary of Monroe County, and Ross Vancil of Henderson County.

The committee plans and organizes programs throughout the year to benefit 4-H and FFA members across the state of Illinois and emphasizes personal and professional development skills for youth members.

Members kicked off their service by attending the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting at the Palmer house in Chicago in early December to share their perspectives on the future of agriculture. Ross Vancil of Henderson County led the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening session of the meeting.

Committee members are appointed for one-year commitments. To learn more about leadership opportunities with Illinois 4-H, head to the 4-H website. To learn more about the Youth Education in Agriculture Committee, please visit the Illinois Farm Bureau site.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 

About Extension:  Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. 

Source: Katie Duitsman, 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist, pilcher3@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu