Leadership program: 4-H is designed for agriculture education

4-H offers youth in New Mexico many opportunities for growth.

The Valencia County 4-H office offers several programs ranging from youth leadership opportunities, health and nutrition education, shooting sports, livestock and crafts. While our county livestock program is robust, we pride ourselves on the opportunities in and outside of raising animals, meaning, you do not have to show an animal to gain the benefits of our county 4-H program.

4-H began more than 100 years ago! In it’s beginning, 4-H was designed to connect agricultural education and advancements to youth and adults. While we still thrive with our agriculture programs, leadership opportunities and “learn by doing” programs have complimented our initiatives for positive youth development.

The first clubs were named “The Tomato Club” and the “Corn Growing Club,” and focused on after school agriculture education. The clover was formed with H’s on each of the four leaves that stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

4-H is housed under the Cooperative Extension Service that was developed through the Smith-Lever Act, which was passed in 1914. Extension services are tied to land-grant universities. In New Mexico, our land grant university is New Mexico State University. The NMSU Cooperative Extension Service is present in all the counties of New Mexico and serves our community through educational programs. 4-H is of course, one of these awesome programs.

I may be biased, but we have one of the best 4-H programs in New Mexico here in Valencia County. I truly believe in our 4-H motto “to make the best better.” I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness youth improve themselves and chase their dreams. On many occasions, I have even seen them conquer them.

Our program consists of a county council and county council officer team. These youth serve the entire program and help run meetings, manage county funds, and guide our program through events and community service opportunities. We also have seven 4-H clubs that are located throughout the county.

Our 4-H clubs also have leadership teams that serve as club officers but focus on their club members and club initiatives. Our 4-H clubs are where children and families co-mingle and help decide what they would like to participate in. This environment is great for families to learn about the opportunities of the club and county 4-H programs and start their leadership journey.

The following are the specific age requirements per group:

Cloverbud: Ages 5 (and in kindergarten) to 8 years old.

Novice: Ages 9 to 11 or age 8 and in the third grade prior to Jan. 1 of the current 4-H year.

Junior: Ages 12 to 13. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 12th birthday or be 11 years old and in the sixth grade but not have passed his/her 14th birthday prior to Jan. 1 of the current 4-H program year.

Senior: Ages 14 to 19. A 4-H member must have passed his/her 14th birthday or be 13 years old and in the eight grade, but not have passed their 19th birthday prior to Jan. 1 of the current 4-H program year.

We had such a successful 4-H year through our county and state fairs and look forward to completing our 4-H record books, awards banquet, upcoming state events, and electing an officer team!

Please see program offerings through the Valencia County 4-H Program, Valencia County Extension Service, and ICAN program below.

If you want further information on our 4-H program, you can visit our website, follow our Facebook page (NMSU Valencia County 4-H) or call our office to speak with us at 505-565-3002.