My 4-H Story: Angela Grant
By Angela Grant, Field Sales Representative, North Iowa District
Growing Up In 4-H
I grew up on my family’s beef cattle and forage production farm in the small town of Bargersville, Indiana. Many people in my community were involved in 4-H, and I first became interested in the program through my neighbor. My neighbor was a 4-H Ambassador and she came to speak to my elementary school class about the benefits of joining 4-H. She spoke so passionately about her experiences in the program and I immediately knew I wanted to join. Shortly after, my parents enrolled me in the Johnson County mini 4-H program, which is the program offered to children in kindergarten through second grade. After two years, I was old enough to join 4-H, and I spent ten wonderful years in the program. During my time in 4-H, I worked on a variety of projects. I gained experience with livestock and showing different animals including beef cattle, pigs and chickens. I also worked on photography projects, learned cake decorating and gained experience with floriculture and crops.
Memories and Life Lessons
I gained important life skills through 4-H and it helped shape me into the person I am today. Taking care of livestock year-round taught me responsibility. Each morning, it was my job to wake up and feed the animals (they ate before I even did!). I was also in charge of watering, walking and training the livestock in addition to washing, clipping and working their hair. My 4-H projects also gave me time management skills. After my first year-long project, I learned the importance of completing projects early so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed closer to the deadline.
The awards I won for my 4-H projects helped me gain confidence. I will never forget winning Reserve Grand Champion Poultry with my black Cochin bantam rooster named Don Juan. I also won the Don Smock Livestock, which is only awarded to one person in the entire county! After my success in 4-H, I became involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), and both organizations pushed me to pursue higher education in an agriculture-focused career.
My time in 4-H provided me numerous fond memories and life-long friendships. Each year I looked forward to the county fair when I could spend the entire week with my friends. The county fair also happens to be where I met my husband!
Life After 4-H
After my 4-H retirement, I continued to stay involved because my sister and brother were still in the program. My family has been directly involved with 4-H for over 20 years, and my dad is still an active volunteer for our local club. For everyone who lives in a county that offers a 4-H program, I highly encourage you to sign your children up. 4-H is so much more than just agriculture. Any child can find something they are passionate about, and have access to leadership and scholarship opportunities, group trips, and resources. I am excited that Bayer is giving back to such a positive youth organization and I am excited to see this partnership grow.
Are you a 4-H alum? Be sure to join the National 4-H Alumni Community today! You’ll receive information about the benefits of being a 4-H alum and opportunities to foster the next generation of 4-H youth leaders.
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