Next week, April 21-27, is National Volunteer Week where we will celebrate volunteers service to our organization.  With our limited staff it is amazing how our programs and events are extended to many more people and agencies through our volunteers!  Last evening we had an appreciation dinner for our volunteers in our four county area.  What a great group of people who volunteer their time and efforts for University of Illinois Extension and 4-H. 

Our volunteers are an inspiration on how much they contribute to their communities, youth and local programs and events.  They are some of the most creative people I know and can do the most amazing things!  I'm so proud to say that I get to work with them on a daily basis.  I have so much respect for how much they contribute to the youth we serve in our programs. 

So, if and when you get the chance, please say thank you to those who you know who volunteer without pay but provide the best opportunities for others to gain new skills and knowledge.  They are a rich resource in our communities who make life better for so many other people. 

Shelby Ledbetter from Rock Island County gave an inspiring speech about how 4-H had touched her life and how much it had impacted her from being a shy child to one who can speak in front of others easily like she did last night.  I just love how 4-H has helped grow into wonderful and capable adults!  Thank you volunteers! 

In each of the four counties in our unit of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark, 4-H scholarships are being awarded to youth who have made 4-H a part of their life.  How great it is to talk with youth who continued with 4-H for a long time. 

The benefits are truly amazing!  To see youth who can speak in front of others without being nervous, speak intelligently about a topic they are passionate about and have learned about through 4-H as well as running a meeting, making motions and being leaders is really a joy.  Until the end of a 4-H career it may not be known how much of an impact has had on their life until later when the light bulb goes on! 

Of course, we the adults see it and appreciate it.  In the end, they will thank us for helping them along the way.  It may be difficult to expand their horizons and nudge a little toward a new area they are not familiar with but that is what 4-H is all about.  Learning new things while having fun! 

While sitting at a scholarship presentation, the nice lady next to me reminisced about 4-H and what she had learned.  She had a great time learning and had quite a laugh about their Share-the-Fun skits, too!  When I talk with 4-H alums, most likely they talk about 4-H camp, Share-the-Fun, and showing at the fair!  The joy on their faces explains it all!

So, to all of the members and adults who see the benefits - thanks!

Recently the State 4-H Office released statements about the research project we participated in last spring.  One of the studies asked high school graduation seniors in Illinois to share how 4-H had impacted their lives and future careers.  Here are some of the results.

As a result of participating in the 4-H project experience...

• 94% know of careers that are related to their 4-H project and 56% are looking to a related career
• 91% can think of ways in which their 4-H project could be a business and 13% have already started a business
• 76% know a college major related to their 4-H project and 57% are likely to choose a related major
• 75% have already talked to people who work in a career related to their 4-H project

Of interest is that more males than females are looking into a career and college major related to their 4-H project

The influence of a caring adult increases with years in 4-H and more females report having spent time talking with 4-H staff/leaders. Between 63% and 66% of graduating seniors report that their 4-H staff or leader...

• Took an active interest in their studies
• Helped them identify their strengths and weaknesses
• Have talked to them about what skills they need to achieve future goals
• Have spent time talking to them about what they want to do in the future

Nearly all of the 144 seniors interviewed have had an in-depth 4-H experience...

• 93% have been in 4-H for more than 4 years and 56% for the full 10 years of eligibility
• 92% have held leadership roles and 97% have participated in project related events and activities

4-Hers reported that their 4-H experience –

• Exposed them to areas of interest
• Helped them develop leadership skills
• Instilled in them a work ethic and sense of responsibility
• Helped them to grow and develop- becoming more confident
• 97% reported they are learning skills through 4-H that they can use in a future job

On March 9 we will be taking high school age students to the University of Illinois College of ACES Open House.  It would be a great opportunity to visit campus and look into possible career paths.  We hope you can join us!

Every fall 4-H members, leaders and friends of 4-H are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the 4-H youth development program. Recognition is an integral component of the 4-H program where youth know their efforts are valued to prepare them for the future. Volunteers from one year of experience to as many as forty six were recognized for valued contributions to 4-H.

Three events were held in our unit in Mercer, Rock Island and Henry/Stark being held together. At every event youth leaders presented awards to their peers and volunteers. In Henry/Stark, Emily DeSchepper was the keynote speaker from the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and Tyson Schulte, Milan, presented how 4-H had impacted his life at the Rock Island event.

Highlights of awards presented were:

International 4-H Youth Exchange: Betty Gavin, Kewanee; and Duane and Nellie Goderis, Aledo.

Electricity Achievement: Michael Seabloom, Lynn Center; Courtney Weidenmann, Coal Valley; and Trent Zwicker, Orion.

Marvin Kottman Memorial Award: McCala Miller, Aledo

I Dare You Leadership Awards: Katie Miller, Cambridge; and Cody Scott, Bradford.

State Award in Food, Nutrition & Health: Hamlet Handy Helpers, Mercer County.

The following 4-H clubs achieved the Standards of Excellence:

Mercer County

County Kids

Hamlet Handy Helpers

Kimel

Saddle Teens

Sunton Achievers

Henry/Stark

Cambridge Champs

Lynox Loyals

Red Rangers

Stark County Century Clovers

Western Jr Farmers

Rock Island

4-H in the City

Edgington Go Getters

Rural Go Getters

Rural True Blues

It has been an exciting fall for members of our livestock judging teams in Rock Island and Henry/Stark!  The Rock Island team won the national event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Kudos to the team and coaches for getting first place overall! 

The Henry/Stark livestock judging team traveled to Kansas City for the American Royal contest November 2.  The team placed sixth overall! 

Two members of the Henry/Stark team went on to compete at Louisville, Kentucky this week taking third overall!  Members of the Illinois team were Elizabeth Heaton and Tyler Gradert. 

Livestock judging is a great way for youth to learn more about livestock but much more!  They learn about decision making, speaking in front of others by giving reasons, organizational skills, and time management.  Hours are spent practicing for the contests locally as well as across the midwest. 

Congratulations to all of our 4-H members for their outstanding accomplishments in livestock judging!  It's been a terrific year for our unit of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark!

One of our 4-H members from Stark County, Carol Baumann, was rewarded for her efforts in the dairy project to attend the National Dairy Conference.  I was able to attend as a chaperon.  It was four days of tours, speakers, dancing, getting acquainted with others, attending the World Dairy Expo, and learning so much about the dairy industry.  I didn't realize the dairy industry was worth 126 billion dollars.  The best thing the dairy industry has done is to incorporate dairy products into existing products.  Have you noticed any on the shelves at the grocery store?  A granola bar was introduced that was delicious!

On our farm tours, you could see how much the cows are cared for and treated with so much dignity.  On some farms, most everything is recycled and reused.  Manure is sent to a digester and used to make electricity and other remaining parts are used to bed the cows down. 

It was made clear to me that organic milk is the same as milk.  There are no differences only in the farm management practices so milk is milk.  Margarine is one molecule away from being formaldehyde so real butter has some attributes to it to think about. 

Did you know there is lactose free yogurt, cheese and milk?  For those who are lactose intolerant, what a great way to still obtain calcium in your diet. 

All in all, I learned so much about dairy products, the industry and cow and farm management!  The youth were so impressive that I met to be the next generation to develop the dairy industry.  I can't wait to see what happens next!    

You may be interested to learn what is happening in other states regarding 4-H: 

http://www.collegian.com/2012/09/11/4-h-and-petas-ideas-about-animal-agriculture/

It's been a pleasure to meet with the 4-H Leaders from our unit to help them prepare for the new 4-H year in Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark counties.  To see their enthusiasm and willingness to help youth achieve their goals, learn something new and new twists to the 4-H year has been exciting!  These volunteers are very much appreciated for their work they do. 

I can still remember how much my 4-H Leader worked with our club to advise us and see that things were done correctly.  She just retired from being a 4-H Leader so many youth had to have had a great experience like I did!  What an impact she had on my life and had us learning valuable skills when I didn't even know it!  Isn't that the beauty of 4-H?  Learning such great knowledge and skills while having a great time with our friends is what 4-H youth development is all about.  Having that caring adult makes it even better. 

Adults today who volunteer make life special for everyone around them, especially the youth in their club.  Be sure to thank your 4-H club leader when you get the chance! 

I came across this blog that I think would help those who think 4-H is only for those who farm and take care of animals. 
Enjoy!  4-H is 4 geeks

It's time to begin recruitment of new 4-H members and families for the new year that starts September 1.  Feel free to share your 4-H story with others!

It has been an exciting time here at the Extension office with the Illinois State Fair wrapping up this week!  Member exhibited livestock and general exhibits at the fair to showcase what they have learned and how hard they have worked on projects throughout the year! 

Congratulations to all of those who represented our unit and did very well!  Of course, I can't mention everyone here but wish that I could.  A. J. Line from Mercer County had a standout year while having his crossbred steer selected as Grand Champion on Saturday!  What an accomplishment that is really tough to win!  Also from Mercer County, Gretchen Simpson, had the Land of Lincoln Champion wether.  She and A. J. will sell the animals in the Sale of Champions tomorrow evening.  Sully Frick was named Beef Division winner in the Master Showmanship Contest and was fifth overall.  He is from Mercer County as well. 

If you go the following web site you can find more results from the Illinois State Fair:  Competition Results.

Stay tuned!  We may more announcements as results are still being published!