Greene County 4-H Member Named to State Council

Nora McCarty, a member of the Greene Team 4-H Club, was recently selected to serve on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) for the 2025-2026 4-H Year!

This statewide group of 4-H teens and young 4-H alumni provides youth perspective in planning, implementing, and evaluating Ohio 4-H. This process encourages the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for future success. Council members share advice and recommendations to 4-H professionals to strengthen and expand Ohio 4-H.

Emily Haines, a member of the Clover Valley 4-H Club and current 4-H Assembly Building Ambassador, is currently concluding her term on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council.

Greene County 4-H is proud to have such strong representation on this statewide committee! Congratulations!

4-H Global Immersion Project – Greece

April 19-30, 2026

Who:                  Ohio 4-H Teens 15-18 (Teens are nominated by Ohio 4-H Professionals)

Where:              American Farm School (https://www.afs.edu.gr/) – Thessaloniki, Greece.  It was established in 1904, is renowned for its innovative approach to agricultural education. https://www.afs.edu.gr/afs-at-a-glance/

How:               Teens must be nominated by the county 4-H professional, so please contact the Extension Office! 

What:                Participants will engage in a variety of educational classroom and field activities, including sensory analysis workshops with products such as feta cheese, honey, and olive oil.   They will tour the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its experimental farms and research centers. Teens will be part of a “Work Internship” with AFS high school students working in cohorts focused on different program units that include:  Animal and Plant Production, Food Science & Technology, and more.  Youth will also participate in a cross-cultural and agricultural career field exploration program designed to help youth learn about careers in agriculture, cross-cultural interactions, workforce preparation and leadership skills.

In addition, youth will help facilitate teambuilding and problem-solving activities through a Leadership Workshop with Greek high school and Jr. high students.  By engaging with these students, the teen leaders will expand their leadership skill development and gain insights into teaching an international audience.

Two off-site cultural experiences include an overnight experience in the historical town of Xanthi.  Youth will have the opportunity Kayak and experience the beautiful landscape.   There will also be a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Meteora, which features monasteries built in the 11th century atop of limestone pillars. A Greek cooking class, city history tour, and local farmers market activity are included.

 Cost:     To be determined – based on Grants received (Estimate- $3,000 – includes airfare, all lodging, most meals, ground transportation, translation services, park entrance and program fees.)

Participant Selection:  After receiving your nomination, youth will be emailed an application and complete a short online Qualtrics application that includes the submission of a short video due by October 24.  Final selection will be based on geographic characteristics and the below criteria:

  • Have an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture.
  • Can embrace unique and different cultures beyond their local communities.
  • Willing to share their experiences through presentations, newsletters, etc. at the local and state level.
  • A good representation of the local 4-H program

Deadline for 4-H Teen Nomination:    October 1, 2025     

Learn more by clicking the flyer – 2026 GIP Flyer

Ohio 4-H & FFA Hockey Night

Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) on Thursday, February 27 from 4:30-6:30pm in Columbus, this unique event connects 4-H and FFA Members with CFAES!

Pre-game Activities and tours include:

  • CFAES Campus Tour from student ambassadors.
  • Academic Program Fair, Majors & Careers Game: Connect with campus-based students and staff.

Grab some supper before the Buckeyes face Michigan at 8pm!

Space is limited, so register early! Use the following link to sign up: Register Now!

 

Ohio Beef Youth Council Saturday February 1, 2025

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet is scheduled for February 1 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. This event will launch the new Ohio Beef Youth Council (OBYC.) The council is a youth education initiative created to serve the families and youth of Ohio’s beef industry and invest in the next generation of industry leaders. Funded by Beef Checkoff and OCA, this initiative will equip youth with the tools to become effective industry leaders and inspire them to continue their engagement in the beef industry.

Registration will open at 9am and the program begins at 10am. The council and its programs are open to all youth between the ages of 8 and 21 years old. No cost is involved to participate in the council, although educational contests and events may have registration fees.

FMI – https://www.ohiocattle.org/events-programs/annual-meeting-awards-banquet

4-H Teen Horse Committee Meeting

Sunday, December 1st at 2pm at the Extension Office!
Teens enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project are invited to participate in this planning meeting for the 2025 Horse Project and Fair. Updates and information regarding the 2025 Horse Show Schedule, Educational Opportunities, Rules, and Communication conversations are on the agenda.

FMI – Contact Megan.

See you there!

National Ignite by 4-H Summit 2025

Application Deadline for the Ignite 4-H is November 1st, 2024.

What it is: A national summit designed to explore the best 4-H has to offer in Agriscience, Healthy Living, and STEM.

Ohio 4-H Teens (13 to 18 years old) interested in the above projects are eligible. Roughly 15 delegates will be selected to attend this summit, conducted in Washington DC, March 12-16, 2025. Successful applicants will have their fees covered!

Apply at Apply at go.osu.edu/4Hignite

Interested Ohio 4-H members must complete an online application via Qualtrics at go.osu.edu/4Hignite by November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be high school aged (between 13-18 as of January 1, 2025) and enrolled as an Ohio 4-H member. Any questions or concerns may be emailed to Cynthia Canan at canan.20@osu.edu Interested Ohio 4-H members must complete an online application via Qualtrics at go.osu.edu/4Hignite by November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be high school aged (between 13-18 as of January 1, 2025) and enrolled as an Ohio 4-H member.
Any questions or concerns may be emailed to Cynthia Canan at canan.20@osu.edu

 

Ohio 4-H Capital Day

What is Ohio 4-H Capital Day?

This one-day event will give current high school students an opportunity to will join discussions covering current issues youth face, learn about advocacy, gain an understanding of the legislative process, and have the opportunity to meet with individuals involved with State Government.

When is Ohio 4-H Capital Day?

Join us in Columbus, our state capital, on Wednesday, June 15! Programming will begin at 9:00 AM and the day will conclude by 5:00 PM.

What is included in registration?

The day will include programming hosted at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, followed by a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, including a tour! Transportation for students will be provided from the 4-H Center to the Statehouse and back. Lunch will be provided to all attendees.

How can I register?

Registration is open through June 6! The cost is $10.00 to attend, which can be paid via credit card or by check – see these details in the online registration. Visit go.osu.edu/4Hcapital to get signed up!

Who can I reach for questions?

Contact Kayla Oberstadt, 4-H Older Youth Leadership Specialist at 614-292-3758 or Oberstadt.1@osu.edu.

Farm Forum Scholarship Available

The Greene County Farm Forum will award $6000 in scholarships to deserving current year graduating high school students or college freshmen pursuing higher education in a field related to agriculture.  Applications are due April 15, 2021.

The Farm Forum is an organization promoting fellowship among citizens of Greene County with programs emphasizing subjects pertinent to agriculture.

Here is the application.