MCGA recognized with “Friend of 4-H” award
Photo: Minnesota 4-H launched its agronomy program to connect Minnesota youth to the crops grown throughout the state and career opportunities available in crop production.
Written by Jonathan Eisenthal
At this year’s 4-H YOUth & U conference, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) was honored with the 2021 “Friend of 4-H” Award for its support of the MN 4-H agronomy program.
The award recognizes an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the effectiveness of 4-H Youth Development in reaching Minnesota young people.
“Support from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association was essential for our success,” said Brian McNeill, Extension educator and 4-H Agriculture & Horticulture program lead. “Their investments jump-started our work and helped us see the wide range of ways we could connect more youth with hands-on ag learning opportunities.”
4-H offers out-of-school, hands-on learning for youth age 5 through 19, and works to increase volunteerism and positive connections in communities. The story of corn and other row crops is being told in very engaging ways to thousands of Minnesota youth thanks to the 4-H Agronomy & Horticulture program.
Over the past four years, MCGA provided funding and encouragement to grow a small collection of ideas into a multifaceted 4-H program that reaches youth statewide.
Last year alone, the 4-H Ag & Hort team reached nearly 1,500 youth in a 17-week virtual learning summer series, and also offered an 8-month afternoon adventure series that reached 400 young people as well as a special 4-month ag exploration learning community for high school aged youth.
Engaging youth, developing young leaders, promoting modern agriculture and building connections through agricultural education continues to be a key priority for MCGA and the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. With support from Minnesota corn farmers’ check-off investment, outreach and education efforts continue to make an impact through innovative programs.
“There are a whole bunch of programs that are doing really good work in reaching out to kids and teaching youth about what farmers do and why they do it,” said Jim Kanten, MCGA board member. “Programs like 4-H are vital in helping to build that better understanding of modern agriculture with a younger generation.”
Learn more about 4-H at z.umn.edu/mn4h.
