July 26, 2002

4-H Recognized at N.D. State Fair for 100 Years of Service

4-H members and others had a birthday party at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot July 22. A cake-cutting ceremony celebrated 100 years of service through the 4-H program. North Dakota State University President Joseph Chapman, NDSU Extension Service Director Sharon Anderson, N.D. Commissioner of Agriculture Roger Johnson and North Dakota State Fair Board President Jerry Effertz led the celebration.

"Not only is this a time to celebrate 4-H’s birthday, but it is a time to give back to our community and our county," said Anderson , who also serves as vice chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees. "The gift of time is very valuable and gives us an opportunity to help others."

Anderson urged individuals across the state to volunteer their time and to give back during the birthday year. Those attending the state fair celebration pledged hours of service to their communities and dropped the pledges into a large wooden birthday cake.

NDSU President Chapman said, "It’s remarkable the impact 4-H has on the future of not only this state, but the whole country."

In the late 1890s and early 1900s, 4-H programs were started in response to young people and their need for better agricultural education. A.B. Graham, an Ohio superintendent of schools, began 4-H in 1902 by teaching good practices for growing corn, planting gardens and testing soil. Students then took the new ideas to their parents to be implemented on their farms and homesteads. Other boys and girls clubs were established to meet this need. They followed the model of learning by doing.

"I learned a lot through 4-H and have many fond memories of my years spent in the program," said Roger Johnson, N.D. Commissioner of Agriculture. "Whatever role you play in 4-H, it gives you the opportunity to build character, responsibility and leadership skills."

A three-leaf clover was the original emblem of the program, standing for head for clearer thinking, heart for greater loyalty and hands for larger service. A fourth leaf was added for hustle in 1911 but was later changed to health for better living. The name and emblem are protected by Congress and can only be used through authorization from the United States Department of Agriculture.

This year 4-H members brought about 9,800 static exhibits and showed more than 660 livestock entries at the state fair. In addition, more than 245 4-H’ers participated in Project Expo, Clothing Revue, Consumer Choices, horse judging and other events.

"We are privileged to have the premier fair in the upper Midwest. This is possible only through the help and support of 4-H and the outstanding 4-H program here in North Dakota," said North Dakota State Fair Manager Jerry Iverson.

North Dakota’s first 4-H club was started in Traill County in 1904 as a corn club. Currently, North Dakota 4-H serves about 50,000 youth and has more than 6,000 club members. Today 4-H has grown to encompass more than 6 million young people in the United States and has spread to 83 countries.

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Writer: Jennifer L. Dobrowski, State Fair 4-H Communication Director, jd_ski@hotmail.com 
Editor: Becky Koch, (701) 231-7875, bkoch@ndsuext.nodak.edu