4-H Canada, John Deere invest $175K for youth in ag

4-H Canada is partnering with the John Deere Foundation to invest $175,000 to help about 2,000 youth acquire critical skills in the ag sector.

The partnership, which includes local dealers in Brandon, will aid participants’ skills in ag innovation, sustainability, leadership, and well-being experiences that build a stronger future for both national and regional ag.

Sponsorships such as this are important to the grassroots of 4-H programming, Manitoba 4-H executive director Shannon Carvey, who is based in Brandon, told the Sun on Tuesday.

“It will allow us to continue to enhance several of our provincial events that provide programming for members from across the province,” she said. “Western Manitoba is home to approximately 1,000 4-H Manitoba members, and for us, finding financial support to assist in delivering quality programming is always a challenge.”

Carvey said the group is grateful for the commitment that Enns Brothers, John Deere and Greenvalley Equipment have made to 4-H in the province. “We offer six provincial events annually, and the funds will enhance the delivery of these events across the province,” she said.

The partnership is about investing in young people who will drive the future of agriculture and rural communities across the country, 4-H Canada chief executive officer Hugh Maynard said.

Carvey said the program has evolved over the last 112 years, offering more than 80 projects to members, and while many are still directly rooted in agriculture production, several are offshoots that all tie back to agriculture.

“Whether you are learning about cooking, sewing, welding or business planning, they all have a connection to ag. We have something for everyone,” she said, adding that senior members, ages 15-17, have opportunities to explore careers in agriculture through the Agri Career Quest and senior member events.

The innovation builds on results from 4-H Canada’s recent alumni survey.

At least eight-in-10 alumni reported that 4-H helped them develop skills, including public speaking, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, meeting management and a sense of responsibility.

The survey also found that seven-in-10 alumni reported improvements in interpersonal skills, decision-making, self-esteem, positive values and record-keeping.

On average, alumni identified 14 different skills, attitudes and attributes gained through 4-H, with responsibility, positive values, teamwork and planning ranking highest.

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