Tennessee 4-H Foundation News Archives

Family Footsteps Lead to 4-H Leadership Roles

Officially, Jim Jenkins joined 4-H when he was in fourth grade. Unofficially, Jenkins feels like he’s always been in 4-H. That’s because the Rogersville resident has three older siblings who were 4-H’ers, including his sister, Laura Grace, who served as State Council president. His cousin, Jennifer Lawson, has worked in the Hawkins County Extension Office “for as long as I’ve lived,” Jenkins says. He says it was Lawson who taught him no job or activity was too small or insignificant. “She would

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T14:50:57-05:00

UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture Bears the Name of 4-H Alumni

The University of Tennessee announced the naming of the Herbert College of Agriculture after James L. (Jim) Herbert and his wife, Judi, made a transformational gift to the college. Their generosity will serve to enhance programs and benefit students and faculty of the former College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for generations to come. From an early age, Jim was involved in 4-H and agriculture. He grew up on a farm in Shelby Co Photo credit: Adam Brimer / University

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T14:44:45-05:00

Tennessee’s Legislature Supports 4-H in More Ways Than One

In 2021, leaders of the Tennessee State Senate and House of Representatives were influential in making positive changes for Tennessee 4-H’ers and rural counties. Throughout their careers, 4-H’ers have many opportunities to compete, attend conferences, and grow in their skills and leadership abilities. Photo credit: Michael D. Tedesco However, occasionally these activities take place during the school day. In many school districts, active members would have to take an unexcused absence to participate and often were not even afforded the

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T14:32:21-05:00

Electric Camp Inspires Young Scientists and Engineers

STEM has become a trendy buzzword in the education world in recent years, but Tennessee's 4-H Electric Camp was sparking excitement in STEM subject areas long before it was cool. A fun and educational tradition among 4-H members since it began in 1992, 4-H Electric Camp happens every June on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville. “The overall goal of the 4-H Electric Camp is to improve young 4-H members’ knowledge and excitement in STEM subjects such as electricity, energy conservation,

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T13:58:20-05:00

Partner Spotlight: Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Service Companies

The year 2021 marked 100 years since a group of farmers formed Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation (TFBF) with the desire to provide a better way of life for farmers and rural people of Tennessee. A century later, the organization stands strong, but with the same purpose – to serve as the voice of agriculture. Now, what else has remained the same? No doubt, the organization’s commitment and investment in Tennessee 4-H. “We understand we wouldn’t be where we are today – 100

Hannah Lewis2023-07-18T13:37:21-05:00

Meet the 2022 Level II State 4-H Project Winners

Meet the winners of the Level II State Projects in 2022. Landin Brock, Level II Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Winner One of the level II state winners in the forestry, wildlife and fisheries project is Loudon County’s Landin Brock. Over the past six years in this project, he has participated in forestry camp, wildlife judging and forestry judging, in which he was the high individual of the contest last year! He has enjoyed serving and leading 4-H’ers as state council junior representative,

Hannah Lewis2023-02-16T08:46:41-06:00

Meet the 2022 Level I State 4-H Project Winners

Join us in congratulating the 2022 Level I project winners. Rachel Ahlheit, Level I Swine Winner The Level I state winner in the swine project is Dickson County’s Rachel Ahlheit. Rachel competes in speech contests and exhibits hogs at several shows across the state. Through these experiences, she has learned responsibility, determination and hard work. Along with being an excellent agriculturalist, she is also an outstanding leader, as she is currently the State 4-H Congress governor. In this role, she will represent

Hannah Lewis2023-02-14T16:43:35-06:00

Meet Matt Fennel, Tennessee 4-H Foundation President

Tennessee 4-H Foundation President Matt Fennel is feeling optimistic about what’s ahead for the organization. “Thanks to good financial investments, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the past few years, and we’re more sizable than we were even five or ten years ago,” Fennel says. “I’m hoping that we can continue to build on the strong foundation we have.” One big item on Fennel’s agenda is the results of the five-year strategic planning that’s underway at 4-H headquarters. “We’re anxiously anticipating them, and

Hannah Lewis2023-02-16T09:21:10-06:00

Martha Jo Tolley Wins 2023 4-H Alumni Leadership Award

Congratulations to Martha Jo Tolley for being the 2023 4-H Alumni Leadership Award recipient. She will be awarded at the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends Reunion on March 4, 2023. Martha Jo Tolley is Professor Emeritus and former Tennessee State 4-H Leader. She retired from the University of Tennessee Extension after a thirty-three career that included service as a county 4-H Agent in Hawkins and Anderson counties before moving to Knoxville as a state specialist in 4-H Youth Development. Responsibilities in the

Hannah Lewis2023-02-10T09:58:14-06:00

75th Tennessee 4-H Congress Celebrated a Diamond Anniversary

In 2022, the Tennessee 4-H celebrated a milestone with its premier citizenship event, and it was definitely one to remember. “As always, mock legislative sessions are the highlight of the event,” says Ryan Hensley, Tennessee 4-H Foundation executive director. “This year though, Governor Bill Lee addressed the delegation, and we had a museum to help commemorate the 75th Congress.” Cade Simmons from Van Buren County says this is a must-go-to event for all 4-H members and supporters. “Any 4-H event provides tons

Hannah Lewis2023-01-19T13:06:58-06:00