Tennessee 4-H Foundation News Archives

Successful Picnic at the Fair Funds 4-H Camp Scholarships

The Tennessee 4-H Foundation hosted the second annual Picnic at the Fair at the Tennessee State Fair/Wilson County Fair in Lebanon on Aug. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair With nearly 350 tickets sold, the celebratory fundraiser garnered more than $45,000 to support 4-H youth programs and, more specifically, 4-H summer camp scholarships for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Fundraising at the Fair “The inaugural Picnic at the Fair in 2022 allowed for a total of 100 4-H camp

Hannah Lewis2023-12-12T15:02:54-06:00

Meet Carol Coley McDonald

Carol Coley McDonald is a lifelong 4-H’er. She joined as a young girl, following in the footsteps of her older siblings and becoming active in the organization in fourth grade. Her experience growing up paved the way for a career in agriculture, and today, she is the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Legislation as well as a Tennessee 4-H Foundation Board member. An Early Start “I grew up on a Hereford cattle farm in Lafayette, Tennessee, in

Hannah Lewis2023-12-12T14:07:54-06:00

Jamie Harris is the New Interim Director of Tennessee 4-H

A veteran leader with an extensive history in 4-H has taken the reins of the organization. Jamie Harris is now the Interim Director of Tennessee 4-H Youth Development. In her role, Harris will oversee all aspects of the organization, including continuing work on a strategic plan. “It’s been several years since Tennessee 4-H has done a strategic plan, so it’s important that we continue to move forward by forming committees to look at the future of the 4-H program,” she says. Areas

Hannah Lewis2023-12-07T10:00:52-06:00

Meet Tennessee 4-H Alumna Phyllis Ferguson

When Phyllis Ferguson talks 4-H, the love she has for the program is evident in her enthusiasm and excitement. And rightfully so, as Phyllis has been involved with 4-H for over 45 years, starting at the young age of nine, then as a 4-H agent and a volunteer leader and through many related work experiences. She continues to be involved through her role with the Tennessee Pork Producers Association. A True 4-H Family “I grew up on a beef and tobacco farm,”

Hannah Lewis2023-12-07T14:26:05-06:00

Chicken Barbeque is Rich in History and Flavor

The story of the Tennessee 4-H chicken barbeque recipe is rich in history and traditions between cooking contests and the fair.

Hannah Lewis2023-12-06T14:08:39-06:00

Tennessee 4-H Offers New Projects

Two new disciplines have been added to the group of nearly 30 4-H projects in Tennessee, offering a wide variety of activities to enjoy while learning important life skills. Photo credit: Michael D. Tedesco Developing Ideas for Business The entrepreneurship project is so new the subject matter’s curriculum is still in the review process. That hasn’t stopped Extension agents and other leaders from introducing youth to entrepreneurship activities. For example, students in grades six through eight attending Junior High 4-H

Hannah Lewis2023-12-06T14:26:00-06:00

Co-op Round-N-Raise Campaign Supports Tennessee 4-H

“Would you like to round your total up to the nearest dollar?” Customers in Tennessee Farmers Co-op stores across Tennessee heard this question at the close of every purchase for nearly a month. The occasion was the first-ever “Round-N-Raise” Campaign held by the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation (TFCF). What is Co-op Round-N-Raise? The Co-op Round-N-Raise is a fundraising campaign that provides opportunities for local Co-op store customers to further support their communities by rounding up their purchases or giving a set donation

Hannah Lewis2023-12-07T10:19:16-06:00

4-H Volunteers Gather at the Volunteer Jam

4-H volunteers are a key part of the success of the program, serving as the backbone of the organization. The 4-H VOLS State Committee hosts an annual leadership forum each year to help continue development for volunteers, provide networking opportunities and share ideas. “The volunteer leadership forum – with the official name Volunteer Jam – is an annual event for volunteers across the state where we host workshops, displays and more, allowing them to get together and learn new ideas, share successes

Hannah Lewis2023-12-06T14:33:47-06:00

Alumni Reunion Meets Volunteer Jam

4-H transcends generations, and the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends Reunion serves as proof. The 2023 annual event, held in March at the Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon, honored National 4-H Congress delegates from 1973, 1983 and 1993 and presented Martha Jo Tolley this year’s 4-H Alumni Leadership Award. Tolley is a professor emeritus and a former state 4-H leader who now serves on the Tennessee 4-H Foundation board. Trousdale County Mayor Jack McCall, a former 4-H participant and longtime program

Hannah Lewis2023-08-29T09:03:46-05:00

UT System President Randy Boyd Is a Friend of 4-H

Before becoming president of the University of Tennessee (UT) System, Randy Boyd was familiar with 4-H but didn’t have a true grasp of the breadth and size of the state’s program or its impact on Tennessee youth. “When I became president, I made a commitment to visit all Extension offices across the state’s 95 counties and got to visit with the 4-H leader at each one,” Boyd says. “I became fascinated with all the incredible programs 4-H offered.” Agriculture Is Just the

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T12:25:59-05:00