4-H originally started in Oregon in 1916. It was a program that began for the purpose of educating boys and girls how to better grow crops and livestock.
Here in Oregon, the 4-H programs recently have changed. Local leaders had been feeling some of these changes for the past five years but had found a way to still educate kids and work in conjunction with these new rules – until now.
Some of the ways 4-H tried to change here locally was taking the competition out of our livestock market shows, making sure that every age group could win not only the purple ribbon but a belt buckle. Some might think that doesn’t sound so bad, but I disagree. There are valuable lessons taught through competition whether through academics, sports, or 4-H. In those moments it’s not whether we win or lose, it’s how we respond.
The most recent and significant change to 4-H in the state of Oregon is the Religious Neutrality policies and procedures.
OSU recently hired a new 4-H liaison. OSU staff invited leaders, superintendents and community members to be a part of that interview process for the two applicants they brought before us. One applicant grew up in 4-H and FFA, had a degree in Ag Science from OSU and really brought a lot to the table to help push Josephine County 4-H and FFA in the right direction. The second had never been a part of a 4-H or FFA and expressed during her interview that she did not know much about either program. The leaders that night were strongly in favor of one over the other and expressed that fact – but OSU chose to go another direction.
We all went into the next year’s program with open minds, hopeful we could all work together. During the 2022 Josephine County Fair, we found this not to be the case. Multiple things took place during the week of fair, specifically with the livestock portion, and these things had to do with the new Religious Neutrality policy. One club, “Faithful Farmers,” has a cross on their shirt. There is no 4-H emblem on their shirt, so this did not break 4-H policy. However, the kids were told by 4-H they must wear their shirts inside out.
Also, Joe’s Place started a livestock club for their youth, but were told by the 4-H liaison that the Joe’s Place kids would not be able to participate this year. When I asked why, she stated because the group’s name stands for “Jesus Over Everything.” This same liaison stated that 4-H was trying to be more inclusive, just as 4-H was about to exclude the club that accepts everyone.
As parents and leaders, we decided we need to give all parents in Josephine County an option, an option for their kids to go back to learning to grow crops and raise livestock. We wanted an option for ALL kids to have the chance to be a part of something, excluding no one. So, we started Youth & Ag of Josephine County. We are incorporating life lessons, like profit and loss statements, to show the participants how this community continues to support them year after year. The kids are required to do community service, to give of themselves.
These young people must meet the same requirements 4-H and FFA do in order to qualify for the auction. There are currently 284 livestock youth enrolled in Horse, Beef, Sheep, Swine and Goats. Last year in 4-H alone there were fewer than 200 livestock participants.
I am excited to see this program grow and look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s County Fair Aug. 9-13 and at the “4 the kids” livestock auction on Aug. 12, 2023.
Jen McGowan’s 4H journey began in 1986 when she was 9 years old. Later she began volunteering during the week of fair to help out with the day-to-day operations and shows. She has now been a 4-H leader for 16 years and has worked closely with 4-H, FFA and the Fairgrounds to ensure that everything runs smooth during fair each year.