State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Kicks Off Montana Ag Week
Visits with Silver Bow County 4-H members
BUTTE, Mont. – Governor Gianforte visited with Silver Bow County 4-H members today to kick off Montana Agriculture Week and hear from young Montanans on how the program has impacted their lives.
"Montana 4-H has earned a well-deserved reputation for nurturing the potential of our youth and strengthening our communities for generations to come,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Ag Week, we recognize the vital importance of agriculture in our communities and the essential role that 4-H plays in preparing the next generation of leaders to sustain and innovate in this critical field."
Gov. Gianforte visiting with Silver Bow County 4-H members in Butte
Hearing from students and touring the farm, the governor learned about the animals they are raising to show at the county fair, and of the impact 4-H has had on their lives and in their community.
“I started in 4-H when I was six years old. I was very shy when I first started, and since then I’ve come out of my shell. It’s helped me be a team leader and to help other kids with their projects, from sheering to showmanship skills,” said Abby Swoboda, Silver Bow County 4-H member and high school junior.
Serving nearly 25,000 Montana kids in all 56 counties each year, Montana 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state. Youth participate in a variety of program projects, from raising animals, to gardening, to robotics.
Development opportunities are also offered to youth members in the form of leadership programs, public speaking opportunities, and mentorship to younger members.
4-H offers more than 200 different projects and experiences that actively engage youth in learning and developing the life skills needed to prepare for meaningful employment, make a positive impact as leaders in their communities, and become well-informed citizens who actively engage in their communities and the world.
“The biggest thing that kids take away from 4-H is leadership, responsibility, and work ethic. They work really hard on all of their projects, and we try to relate life skills back into those 4-H projects instead of just focusing on the project skill itself – from public speaking, to record keeping, to time management,” said Kellie Kahtani, Silver Bow County 4-H agent.
Speaking to the importance of programs like 4-H to ensure the future generations are interested and prepared to continue the tradition and economic vitality of the agriculture industry in Montana, the governor added, “By creating opportunities for the next generation, we cultivate a future where Montana producers can not only feed the world but also grow our economy and create good-paying jobs.”
To learn more about Montana 4-H and how to get involved with a local chapter, see here.
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