Drought assistance programs AG BENTON Loss of hearing is not an obstacle for future Benton County 4-H’er

BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER

All youth need opportunities to be involved in activities that showcase their talents.

Programs like 4-H empower disabled youth. They also build unique friendships.

by Ryan Brunn, executive director

Benton and Mille Lacs counties

With the extremely dry weather we have been experiencing in central Minnesota, we have now triggered additional Farm Service Agency programs to assist livestock producers.

All producers in Benton, Mille Lacs, Sherburne and Anoka counties can apply for the following programs if applicable to their farming operation. Please read about the below programs and see if FSA can help.

Livestock forage losses

Producers are eligible to apply for the 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program bene ts on small grain, native pasture, improved pasture, annual ryegrass and forage sorghum intended for grazing.

Programs page 3B

Five-year old Stella Mielke did not hear the cheers when she participated at the Benton County Fair as an open class novice during the Aug. 1 swine judging.

“Stella has to overcome barriers because she’s deaf,” said her mother, Jade. “Having a disability isn’t an obstacle to 4-H. Stella and sister, Hailey, have lots of gumption.”

The girls’ swine-showing received a helping hand from Corey, Vicky, Morgan and Austin Molitor.

Next year’s goal is having Stella become a fully bloomed 4-H Cloverbud, joining Hailey at the fair showing pigs.

“Don’t forget that 4-H is for everybody,” Vicky said. “It allows anyone to participate. That’s the message.”

Austin agreed with his mother’s assessment regarding Stella’s participation and her impact upon others.

“She should get the same opportunities as everyone else,” he said. “A disability should not be a barrier. Stella makes me work harder to be better with my 4-H involvement, and she has a lot of fun doing it.”

Jade, Hailey and Stella participated in a school event that featured Tank, the Molitor’s crossbred calico market barrow. It was not long before Tank and Hailey formed a bond.

When Austin applied for a job at the Mielke family’s dairy farm and was hired, he was asked about the process of getting involved in 4-H.

“Hailey got us involved