   4-H is Alive and Well in Yavapai County - May 2, 2007 Jeff Schalau, Associate Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County As a County Agent, I like to promote the 4-H Youth Development Program as often as possible. Besides, this is the week of the Verde Valley Fair and many 4-H youth from the Verde Valley will be showcasing their projects there. Some people may think that 4-H is outdated or only for "farm kids". This view is far from the truth. 4-H not only teaches practical, hands-on skills, it also teaches life skills and community leadership to make our youth better citizens of tomorrow. For these reasons, 4-H is more important today than ever. The roots of 4-H cannot be traced back to any one individual. However, the setting of rural America in the early 1900's was one of changing 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, swine, calves, canning, sewing, and other agricultural projects. During this early period, emphasis was focused on the project rather than the club itself. Adult volunteers and educators provided the educational materials and expertise. Along with the project, educational demonstrations and exhibits were also encouraged to communicate the principles learned to other youth and community members. Club leaders looked to Land Grant universities for technical information and assistance. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which provided for Cooperative Extension under the direction of the Land Grant institutions, a natural partnership was formed between the clubs and local Extension Agents. In addition to the project emphasis, Cooperative Extension increased the prominence of building leadership skills by instituting regularly scheduled meetings, elections of officers, and conduction of business. During the 1920's, the familiar green four-leaf clover with a white "H" superimposed on each leaf began to gain popularity. This 4-H emblem gained popularity and was increasingly used to represent these clubs. In 1927, the 4-H Pledge was adopted: I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my Club, my Community, and my Country. The 4-H Motto, "To Make the Best Better", also came into use at that time. Trivia question: before "Health" what was the fourth "H"? Read on for the answer. 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. If youth are the same today as then, I'm sure they challenged the adults to try and keep up with them. 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. Yavapai County has had many 4-H Agents over the years. To the best of my knowledge, the first 4-H Agent in Yavapai County was Roy Holland. He was followed by Lonnie Clanton, George Groseta, Jan Norquest, Valdasue Steele, and Matt Summers. 
Camp Verde Boys 4-H Club at the State Fair in 1931.Now, Yavapai County has a new 4-H Agent: Stephanie Shank. Stephanie joined us in February and comes to us from Idaho Cooperative Extension. She is housed in the Cottonwood Cooperative Extension office and I am really pleased that she has joined us at Yavapai County Cooperative Extension. For more information about Yavapai County 4-H, contact Stephanie at 646-9113 ext. 16 or E-mail her at sshank@cals.arizona.edu. Also, don’t forget to attend the Verde Valley Fair May 2 through 6. For more information, call 928-634-3290. Oh yeah, the answer to the trivia question is “Hustle”. If you have gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 ext. 14 or E-mail us at cottonwoodmg@yahoo.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/. |