   4-H in Yavapai County - April 28, 2004 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County 4-H is the youth education component of Cooperative Extension, which is conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, The University of Arizona (Arizona’s Land Grant University), and Yavapai County Government. Some people may think that 4-H is only for "farm kids". However, this view is far from the truth. 4-H teaches life skills and community leadership to make our youth (boys and girls) better citizens of tomorrow. 4-H is also the largest youth-serving organization in the world. Think about rural America in the early 1900's. Many things were changing: including agricultural practices. Agricultural research was advancing new technology related to crop and animal genetics, soil chemistry, food preservation, and sanitation. The first 4-H Clubs were formed in 1902. These were corn clubs for boys and canning tomato clubs for girls. 4-H projects gradually expanded into other areas such as poultry, pigs, calves, cooking, sewing, and other agricultural projects. During this early period, emphasis was focused on the project rather than the club itself. Along with the project, educational demonstrations and exhibits were also encouraged to communicate the principles learned to other youth and community members. In 1907 or 1908, the first emblem used nationally was designed by O. H. Benson as a three-leaf clover. The three leaves stood for head, heart, and hands. In 1911, Benson suggested that the fourth H should be “hustle”, and the 4-H design was adopted. Later health replace hustle. The 4-H emblem, a green four leaf clover with white H’s, has stood for head, heart, hands, and health ever since. 4-H Clubs often were directly responsible for adoption of new agricultural practices by farmers and ranchers. In the past, as now, many people resisted new ideas and technology. 4-H youth often were the first to adopt new crop varieties and agricultural technologies. Their parents and other community members observed the project results at demonstration plots and county fairs. After seeing the proof, adults would begin to adopt some of the new practices and technologies. 4-H has been and important element in Yavapai County and Verde Valley communities. My records are sketchy at best, but I have researched a few facts. For instance, in 1931, Camp Verde had the first 4-H beef club in Arizona. In both 1951 and 1954, Elva Wingfield of Camp Verde raised the Grand Champion 4-H Fat Steer at the Yavapai County Fair. Vicki Beaver, also of Camp Verde, had three reserve champion steers at the County Fair between 1955 and 1959. 4-H steer projects are still popular throughout Yavapai County and cattle are still the primary agricultural product of Yavapai County. In 2003, Yavapai County had 507 youth members and 79 adult volunteer leaders. The ten most popular projects in Yavapai County were horse, swine, rabbits, poultry, livestock judging, shooting sports, market lamb, communication arts, leadership development, and dog. Each of these 4-H members also contributed at least six hours of community service. Don’t take my word for it; go to the Verde Valley Fair between April 28 and May 2 to see for yourself. 4-H youth will be exhibiting and showing steers, swine, lambs, goats, rabbits, poultry, indoor exhibits, homemaking arts, and more. You can also support 4-H members by purchasing one of their projects at the Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday May 1 and remember the 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better.” The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on gardening and pest control. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 ext. 14 or E-mail us at mgardener@verdeonline.com and be sure to include your address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or submit column ideas at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. |