INDIANAPOLIS — Careers in farming can start at a very young age, and 4-H programs help students learn more about what it takes to work in the industry.
The youth-based organization teaches kids of all ages about raising live stock, farming and business.
Students involved in the program, like Tobyn Smith, say it has had a major impact on who they are and what they plan to do with their futures.
"It's been a family tradition and there are very good aspects of 4-H that I enjoy," Smith said.
Smith has been involved in 4-H for the past 10 years and he says it's taught him a lot of very important and valuable life skills.
"Patience, responsibility, learning to deal with loss and learning to deal with winning," he said.
The 4-H livestock program teaches youth about agriculture and sportsmanship while building character and discipline. Teens involved in the program are completely responsible for their livestock and showing them at their state or local fair.
Students can get involved in 4-H when they're as young as third grade. Along with the livestock program, there are several other projects that students can be involved in including arts and crafts, environmental science and engineering.
To learn more about local 4-H programs visit the 4-H Purdue Extension Office website.
