Tag Archives: 4-H

Media Group to Shoot Film About Local Livestock Exhibitor

While Covid-19 may have created a new normal, in some instances it has also offered new opportunities to Clinton County students. The Current Ag Concerns Media Group (CAC) is comprised of Beth Lamp, Brooklyn Kucera, and Kesley Holdgrafer, all from Northeast, along with Megan Clark from DeWitt. These four ladies do a weekly ag radio program live on Friday mornings, run interviews with ag professionals across the country, and do a variety of print and social media like the weekly publication of “Kesley’s Corral.” They also specialize in conference and event coverage including the PBR Finals in Las Vegas this past November.

Having canceled several of their travel opportunities for the summer, CAC members were looking to embark on a project a little closer to home. Inspired by Megan Clark’s appearance on Paula Sands Live where she discussed her upcoming TEDx Talk on animal agriculture, they decided they wanted to try a new outlet with video production. The idea of producing a piece focused on ag is something the team had discussed before, but never truly had the time to pursue.

Once a professional film crew was secured, the girls reached out to area 4-H and FFA members who are involved in the livestock industry. DeWitt 4-Her Caleb Kruse responded and the idea for the piece started to take shape. The video will detail Kruse’s story about the exhibiting hogs and the process involved in preparing his pigs for the show ring.

The trailer for the video is scheduled to be released in early July along with a variety of social media campaigns on Current Ag Concern’s accounts and on their website. The show feed company Sunglo, fed by Kruse, is partnering with CAC on this project and will also be showcasing the piece on their social media platforms. They have already started sharing out about the project and the response has been incredible.

“It means a lot to know that Sunglo is behind this project and I am happy that I can work with the company that provides my show feed resources,” said Kruse. “It adds a cool dimension to the video and has helped focus the message we want to share.”

The goal for the project is to tell the story of the livestock industry in a positive manner and feature the individuals who spend their time working with these show animals. “People need to know that there are other things in the world than sports and video games,” said Kruse. “They need to know who grows our food and makes our everyday lives possible and that is farmers, ranchers, and the livestock industry.”

Filming for the piece is scheduled to start in July with final production in late August. For more information about this process, be sure to check out the Current Ag Concerns page on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.

Jenna Stevens
Current Ag Concerns Executive Director and Clinton County Ag in the Classroom Consultant

Salute to Volunteers

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Iowa donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. Thirty-three percent (33%) of Iowans volunteer, ranking Iowa tenth among the 50 states (Source Corporation for National Community Service). These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, 2017.

Clinton County and DeWitt volunteers pay it forward by dedicating their time and talents to the next generation – an investment that cycles back into our community while building relationships that nourish future generations.  Look around and you’ll see the impact our volunteers make – through the smiles and successes of our youth.  They are rewarded by sharing their experiences, learning new things, and building partnerships, not to mention the fun and fulfillment that volunteering brings to their life.

One group that relies heavily on volunteer support is the 4-H Youth Development Program. Last year in Clinton County, 112 volunteers serve in many roles including 4-H and Clover Kids club leaders, project leaders, and committee members for the 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H volunteers serve as caring adults who help young people develop communication, citizenship, and leadership skills through 4-H projects and community service opportunities. Volunteers create safe environments for youth to learn, thrive, and grow.

I am truly impressed by the work of the 4-H Club Leaders, many who have been volunteering for over ten years, some over 40 years!  They meet individually with youth to help them with projects, in addition to providing guidance at monthly club meetings.  It is a requirement that 4-H volunteers who work directly with youth attend annual trainings, to network and learn new skills in positive youth development and risk management.

The 4-H program has helped many youth in Clinton County to achieve goals outside of the classroom, while working with a caring adult.  Volunteers in the 4-H program help youth to become engaged in their community, make new friends, and accomplish their goals, which ultimately can deter at-risk youth from making a bad decision.

With an ever-changing world, the 4-H Youth Development program is adapting and offering more opportunities for youth and volunteers in areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; Communications and the Arts; Citizenship and Leadership; and Healthy Living. The expanding programming reflects new opportunities for youth and volunteers alike.

The Clinton County Club Show at the fair is a showcase of what projects youth have completed throughout the year  and you will see many animals being showcased during the fair.  Animals are just one of over 150 project areas that youth may participate in.  In every 4-H project you see exhibited at the fair, there is most often an adult volunteer that has mentored the youth along the way with the project — paying it forward to the next generation!

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us and I encourage you to explore more about Clinton County 4-H Program and volunteer opportunities!

Brianne Johnson – Clinton County 4-H Program Manager with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach –Clinton County