4-H EXTENSION CORNER
JACKSON COUNTY 4-H
NEW PEOPLE-NEW PROGRAM-NEW START B Y C A R O LY N D R I N K A R D In less than two years, Vanessa Roberts and Matt Webb have breathed new life into the Jackson County 4-H program. Enrollment is up and innovation is booming. Vanessa serves as the 4-H Regional Extension Agent, and Matt is the County Extension Coordinator. Working together, they have sparked something of a renaissance in Jackson County. “Extension provides unbiased information for our farmers, families and 4-H kids,” Matt explained. “I believe that it is very important to recognize that our 4-H kids are our present and future clientele. 4-H provides so many opportunities to develop these kids to become productive citizens and leaders and help to prepare them for a career.” After visiting the schools, Vanessa established in-school 4-H programs in almost all schools in Jackson County. She also started special interest out-of-school programs, like a shotgun club and a livestock club. Other programs included archery, rabbits, forestry and wildlife. Both in-school and after-school involvement and participation have increased markedly. Vanessa provides curriculum-based lessons each month for in-school meetings. She also includes fun activities, like fishing, in which 4-H members practice casting a line, something that many Matt Webb (l) and Vanessa Roberts (r) have breathed new life into the Jackson County 4-H program. Matt serves as the County Extension Coordinator. Vanessa is the 4-H Regional Extension Coordinator.
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Cooperative Farming News
