"4-H was my first exposure to parliamentary procedure and the role of club officers which is a skill I have used numerous times during my involvement with various boards over the last 50 years."
B.S. '70 Agriculture, Illinois State University
Owner/Operator, Farmer
Favorite 4-H Projects: Dairy & Crops
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
Public Speaking, organizational skills, parliamentary procedure, and leadership are all skills I first developed in 4-H.
Did 4-H instill a career path for you?
I suppose I could say I started farming when I joined 4-H as a 10 year old but I have farmed full time since I graduated college in 1970.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in your career path?
Farming today is a capital intensive business. Get a very good understanding of finance, marketing, and general business skills and no matter whether it is farming or any career choose your friends and mentors wisely.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
The years go by fast so take advantage of he opportunities you have. And from my 4-H leader Clarence Ropp - "Win without boasting, lose without whining."
Why should young people join 4-H today?
4-H provides lots of opportunities to develop basic skills and knowledge. A young person can take one project from a wide variety of options from livestock and crops to rockets and robotics. There is literally something for everyone but the real value is learning by doing and making the best better.