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About Us
County Impact Statements - St. Francis County
4-H Youth Development
Finding adults who will serve as 4-H leaders is a very difficult
problem in St. Francis County. Youth who want to join a 4-H club are
usually easy to find. But to have a 4-H Community Club there has to
be a dedicated adult willing to put in time and effort and take
responsibility.
I contacted school administrators in the schools about starting
4-H School clubs. I was given permission to work with 4th grade
teachers in all three schools (Stewart Elementary,
Palestine/Wheatley and Hughes Elementary). Six teachers became 4-H
leaders to about 90 4-H’ers. Officers were elected, and monthly
sessions were held in each school.
The students also participated in “Ag Day,” a joint activity
conducted with Farm Bureau, St. Francis County Fair Board and the
Extension Service. The day-long activity was held at the St. Francis
County Fairgrounds in Forrest City; it covered cotton gin, rice
mill, milking cow, ATV safety and a simulated combine cab that
showed a short video on harvesting cotton, rice, wheat, soybean and
baling hay.
Towns served in St. Francis County were Forrest City, Hughes and
Palestine/Wheatley.
Election of officers at Stewart Elementary
School.
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Impacts
- 90 students have learned about parliamentary procedure, environment,
health, water quality, raising pumpkins and watermelons and insect control.
- Students have a better understanding of agriculture and its importance
in St. Francis County. They now know where much of their food and fiber come
from. Students also learned to follow ATV safety rules.
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