The Trials and Tribulations of 4H
4H is a positive youth development organization that is cultivating a growing number of America's youth. The 4 H's in 4H stand for head, heart, hands and health. With an expansive network reaching every corner of the country, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. More than 6 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities stand out among their peers: building revolutionary opportunities and implementing community-wide change at an early age. So, my research intention is to see how 4H impacts the lives of today's youth through agriculture. To get an insight into a way a life that seems so backwoods and foreign today.
Most of the people that are in 4H have been in it all their lives. In fact, most of the children involved in 4H had parents that were involved in it too. This show that its a way of life handed down through generations. There are many ways to get involved in 4H. You can choose from one of the many still projects, which can be anything from weaving a basket to growing the tallest sun flower. There are many prizes to be one from still project and even money, however the majority of kids in 4H would rather show their animals. Showing animals is the primary "bread winner" so to speak. You can sell you animals to bring in revenue for the upcoming year or even college. Along with still projects and showing animals they're are even collage scholarships to be won.
I was raised in a rural area of Ohio. I've been exposed to 4H and the way of life that comes with it. My perspective is that these people think that farming is in their blood. They wait all year for the fair, just to show their animals. Its just the way of life out here. When interviewing my 4H member, they said that "Everyone lives on a farm or wishes they did.". When I asked him why he didn't want to comment about that on camera, he replied "Not everyone gets how hard it is to work on a farm. The toll it takes on you emotionally and physically is beyond imaginable. However after you look back on all that you've accomplished being apart of 4H you suddenly realize why it was worth it.".
Emily a sophomore at Cloverleaf sold her 1,336 pound steer for $2.50 per pound which is about $3,350 total.
Rachel 17 rests with her dairy cows.
It was interesting to read about how the two presidential nominees could have huge impacts on the farming industry. I liked how you put the two different perspectives from people on your street, it really showed how both Obama, and Mitt Romney could impact the farming industry in different ways. Hopefully whoever is chosen will keep the farmers of America in mind and make the best decisions to keep them economically stable.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's really interesting that many parents do 4H with their children. It's really cool that 4H is passed down to new gerneration, I think that really makes a strong culture! Your blog has a lot of great information and the pictures are cool too!
ReplyDelete