In August 2021, we reflected on how the community could encourage more young people in Champaign County to become involved with agriculture through 4-H work. Later that year, local farmer, Dan Bline and 4-H Youth Development Educator, Melinda Ryan, Champaign County Extension Office, came together with me - Todd Woodruff, to create a new 4-H program called: New Beginnings. The program was created for youth and their families to participate with 4-H livestock that didn't have the resources or support to get started. The following year, the club signed up 32 young people with lamb and goat projects. These animals were housed at The Woodruff Farm in Urbana, Ohio, and the young participants worked on their projects throughout the summer of 2022 under the supervision of Lane Hollingsworth. These girls and boys gathered livestock knowledge, gained confidence, and became a 4-H family. nI the following year we had a total of 40 participants ni lamb and goat projects with intern Brayden Brown. This year we have 51 participants signed up for lamb, goat, and heifer projects with intern Anika Stehlik.

4-H is more than showing an animal at the fair. Through 4-H, kids learn responsibility, accountability, and build character that helps prepare them for their adult lives. In an effort to involve our community and help make the program sustainable, we created the 4-H Roundup Fundraising event. It was a huge success. We had over 400 attendees from around several counties that enjoyed a night of cocktails, auctions, and celebrating with the community. Auction items such as clippers, trimming stand, and a goat were donated back to the program (THANK YOU!). With the success of the Roundup, this will allow us to not only help grow our program, but also spread the wealth in other counties to help kids that might not be as fortunate as some. Our club accomplishments in 2023 include Junior Skillathon Winner, Champ Junior Showmanship, Res Champ Dress AGoat, Champ Rookie Showman, Champ intermediate showman, Champ born and raised Div., and Rookie Champ Lamb Judging Contest.

The impact on these young people and their families has been inspiring and we appreciate your help to expand our mission and keep their passion growing. Our goal for the future of the program is to continue to make a difference in young people's lives. We want to continue to improve the skills of participants and do their best with what they have to work with. Central areas we concentrate on is standing and showing the proper respect of our countries national anthem and respect for our flag, aproper handshake, and overal respect for others.

Save the date: September 7, 2024 @ 6pm! Please join us for our second annual 4-H Round Up. This special event wil feature a golf outing at Woodland Golf Course during the day, and an evening, farm-to-table dinner at The Woodruff Farm. The dinner will include live and silent auctions, entertainment, and more. This will be a night to remember! Below are opportunities for you to become engaged with our mission and help to support our local 4-Hers at the 2025 Champaign County Fair and other counties.

With sincere thanks,

Todd Woodruff