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,” Phyllis says, “and my family was very involved in our Putnam County Extension programs. My dad attended the beef producer and beekeeping meetings, and my mom was an active volunteer when I became involved. She helped with everything from sewing to serving as a judging team coach, and all the good life-skill activities that 4-H offers.”
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Looking back over her span with 4-H, Phyllis has fond memories and gratitude for the lessons she learned, along with the lifelong 4-H friends she made. The inspiration she received from the fourth to 12th grades led her to pursue a career in agriculture.
“I love what 4-H is all about – leadership, hands-on experiences, learning to be a good citizen and giving back to the communities we live in,” Phyllis says. “My favorite activities were the Honor Club and serving on the All Star Council. I served as the State Council Secretary and State All Star Lesser Chief and attended National 4-H Congress as the state safety project winner, and the friends I made along the way who are still my friends today are the best.”
Phyllis graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville earning a degree in Agriculture Economics. She was also awarded an internship in the Jackson County Extension office, and the experiences there encouraged her to further her education, earning a master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from her alma mater. Her first job out of college was as a 4-H agent in Franklin County, Tennessee.
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Phyllis and her husband, Kevin, have one daughter, Haylee. Kevin was also involved in 4-H growing up, and Haylee became the next generation of 4-H’ers in the family, continuing the legacy of serving as a 4-H officer.
“One of the highlights for me in 4-H is having the opportunity to be a volunteer 4-H leader and seeing our daughter’s involvement,” Phyllis says. “Haylee’s experiences and what she learned in 4-H are carrying over as she is a junior and Haslam Scholar at UT Knoxville majoring in Food and Agriculture Business.”
Pork Promotion
Phyllis is the executive vice president for the Tennessee Pork Producers Association, and one of their projects supports the annual State 4-H Youth Swine Show.
“I work with a volunteer board of directors, and many participated in 4-H, and we all support the program,” Phyllis says. “This credits a well-rounded board with strong leadership. And they know what it means to give back. We assist in raising funds for the state swine show, and we do a lot of marketing to raise awareness for the program. We see a great number of youth participating in the show from all over the state.”
Meet Me at the Fair
A new activity introduced to 4-H in 2022 is the State Fair 4-H Picnic, and it has quickly become near and dear to Phyllis’ heart.
“A few of us 4-H alumni were asked to coordinate the activity,” Phyllis says. “We eagerly agreed. 4-H has been such a part of our youth, careers and now seeing our own children participate – we definitely wanted to give back. The Picnic raised more than $50,000 for 2023, and we look forward to future growth.”
Funds raised from the picnic benefit 4-H camps and conferences. In 2023, with the funds raised from the inaugural picnic in 2022, a camp scholarship was provided to a 4-H’er in all of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“I am honored to have been asked to serve on this committee and look forward to 2024,” Phyllis says. “The 4-H Picnic at the Fair is yet another way to visit with friends and promote the Tennessee 4-H program that gave so much to our futures.”