Tennessee 4-H thrives thanks to the persistent efforts of members, agents, sponsors, volunteers and so many others who comprise the lifeblood of the organization. Since the early days of its existence, the Tennessee 4-H Foundation has bestowed the annual Friend of 4-H Award to an outstanding community member who has dedicated their time, energy and resources to furthering the 4-H mission and promoting the organization.
This year, Phyllis Ferguson of Rockvale was honored for her lifelong participation in 4-H, from fourth grade all the way through her collegiate and professional careers.
Growing up in Cookeville, Ferguson was exposed to the thriving 4-H program in Putnam County at an early age through her parents’ participation in UT Extension programs. At that time in the Upper Cumberland area, beef and tobacco flourished, so her parents often attended beef meetings and home economics activities and later volunteered for 4-H programs.
“We are fortunate in Tennessee that all of the parts of UT Extension work together so well,” Ferguson says.
Phyllis Ferguson has Known 4-H From the Start
For Ferguson, starting 4-H in the fourth grade was a logical choice after growing up in an agricultural environment.
“It was just natural – fourth grade came along, the 4-H agents came to the classroom, and I was in 4-H,” Ferguson says.
Reflecting on her 4-H memories, Ferguson recalls 4-H camp, judging team trips, and a term as State 4-H Council Secretary, which allowed her to connect with 4-H’ers in other states and bond over their shared experiences.
“This was my childhood,” Ferguson says.
Yet her 4-H career extended beyond childhood – her first job after graduating high school was working at the Clyde M. York 4-H Camp in Crossville, which she had attended growing up. Her experience on judging teams influenced her decision to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) to study agriculture. The 4-H connection continued as she interned at the Jackson County Extension office over the summer, then received a graduate assistantship and profiled 4-H donors as part of her master’s thesis.
After graduating from UTK, Ferguson went on to work as a 4-H agent in Franklin County, mentoring the youth in her community. Today, Ferguson serves as Executive Vice President for the Tennessee Pork Producers Association and the Tennessee Feed and Grain Association. The influence that 4-H had on her career path is undeniable, and yet Ferguson has made an effort to give back to the organization throughout her career.
“Our volunteer boards in agriculture understand that our mission is to promote agriculture and to share with the general public that we want to help our community,” Ferguson says. “And that’s the citizenship skill we learned in 4-H.”
Ferguson has channeled her passion for supporting 4-H into an annual statewide fundraiser at the Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair. The Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair will enter its fourth year in August, featuring a traditional chicken barbecue dinner and sides.
“The 4-H Picnic at the Fair is such a fun activity to be involved with. It benefits 4-H camping programs in all 95 counties,” Ferguson says. “It’s a way for so many 4-H alums from across the state to gather, share some 4-H memories and also see the fair.”
An Earned Award
The Friend of 4-H Award is given out each year at State 4-H Congress. For winners like Ferguson, the recognition is a reminder of their role in a larger mission.
“I was so honored, grateful and humbled to receive this because there are so many people out there that do so much for Tennessee 4-H, and I’m just one of all of those,” Ferguson says.
While she continues to promote 4-H in her own work, she has also passed down the tradition within her own family; her daughter Haylee was a regional 4-H All Star officer and a state project winner and continues to volunteer with 4-H Meat Judging activities. A recent UTK graduate, Haylee was named a Haslam Leadership Scholar, a highly selective and prestigious leadership program, due in part to her accomplishments in the program.
As Ferguson’s 4-H legacy continues to be written through her volunteer work on the Picnic at the State Fair and the many other ways she gives back, she can reflect back on all the ways that 4-H has touched her life and the lives of those around her.
“I hope that I highlight Tennessee 4-H to all of the groups that I volunteer and work with,” she says. “It is so encouraging to visit with today’s 4-H’ers because these youth are the positive future for all of us.”
Save The Date
Don’t miss the annual Picnic at the Fair. Mark your calendar for Aug. 15. To learn more and register for the event, visit tn4hfoundation.org/picnic.