"4-H taught me life skills like public speaking, taking constructive criticism, self directed learning and how to use parliamentary procedure."
B.S. '63 Animal Sciences, University of Illinois
Owner/Operator, Farm
Favorite 4-H Projects: Swine
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
Giving talks and demonstrations at the local club was the first step. That lead to involvement at the county level. After college I was involved with FB Young Farmers, was selected to the Kane County FB board, served as County FB president and then elected to the IL FB Board. That led to the IL Corn Marketing Board, eventually to serve as Chairman. That provided an opportunity to represent IL on the board of the US Grains Council and in 1994 - 95 served as Chairman. All those organizations often had missions to Washington DC which was interesting to me and soon felt comfortable in the political area. In 2005 I was appointed to a position in the USDA as Administrator of the Risk Management Agency which provides crop insurance to US producers. After retiring from that position in 2009, I returned to the farm and am active in St. Gall church activities and remain an officer on the Kane County Fair Board.
Did 4-H instill a career path for you?
Yes. Interest in swine started in 4-H and have continued in commercial swine production in one form or another since 1957.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in your career path?
My career really started with, and now ended in production agriculture. However that is only one aspect of the big picture of agriculture. Almost any area of interest can be related to agriculture and since Covid-19 that fact has been highlighted even more. I would suggest someone to pursue their interest but don't "burn any bridges behind them" any sooner than necessary. It's big world full of opportunity for those interested to explore.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
There is a vast array of projects available. Select a project(s) that suits your interest and do your best. Learn from others and get involved.
Why should young people join 4-H today?
4-H provides an opportunity to explore interests, learn new skills, develop leadership skills, develop new friends, learn responsibility, and maybe most important - to develop a good work ethic of "Making the Best Better."