We are embarking on 4H Achievement Days in several South Dakota counties this week in culmination of a year’s preparation for many participants and in anticipation of this year’s State Fair. 4-H is an important activity for young people, agriculture and our nation.
In 1935 there were about seven million farms in the United States. Today there are approximately two million farms and ranches feeding even more people than those seven million outfits ever did back in the Dirty Thirties. According to the US Census, 10.9% of the US population are employed in an agricultural related industry with 1.3% of the US population actually doing the hard work of farming and ranching on the land. That’s 2.6 million of 333 million people feeding us and the rest of the world on fewer acres than in the past.
American farmers are an aging bunch; 34% are over 65 with only 37% younger than 55 according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. The average age of an American farmer is 58 and they’ve been on their land an average of 21 years. I don’t know about you, but I like and need to eat, so the future of agriculture is of great interest to me. With all of the housing developments swallowing up ag property, we may need federal legislation to safeguard land used for food production much like we protect land in our national parks system. We also need the next generations to take up agriculture as a way of life.
4-H is a gateway to agricultural pursuits. It takes young people and teaches them skills that are useful in the perpetuation of farm life. 4-H projects can include an interview with an adult or a written report. It may involve teaching a skill and/or mentoring another person. Of course, there are the various 4H skill exhibits, animal shows and various performances. 4-Hers also demonstrate relevant technology applications which is crucial in this day in age when one no longer mounts the old Allis Chalmers open to the elements and guesstimates plowing rows and planting densities.
The list of famous former 4-H participants is long and this one isn’t inclusive, but it is interesting and instructive; Julia Roberts, Nancy Grace, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Shepard, Roy Rogers, Al Gore, Walter Mondale, David Letterman, Johnny Carson, Jimmy & Roslyn Carter, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Herschel Walker, Reggie White, Luke Bryan, Randy Owen and Orville Redenbacher. Orville Redenbacher said “4-H is about building better citizens, teaching values and developing skills…It doesn’t matter if you’re from a farm environment or a big city. 4-H worked for me and I’ve continued to work for it.”
4-H is work, rewarding work and one that teaches valuable skills but work nonetheless. Take some time to support the 4-Hers of your county, stop by and see their exhibits, performances, displays and animal shows. Their interest in and dedication to agriculture today is your ticket to a bountiful harvest and full stomach tomorrow.