Lina Lue, the new cooperative extension agent with 4-H Youth Development in Vance County, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide listeners with a better understanding of the mission of “the nation’s largest youth group.”

Lue, an Oxford native, was a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) while in high school. Her love of these programs led her to the decision to major in extension education while attending NC State University. “I became a leader in 4-H when I was a youth member,” said Lue. “I realized I loved agriculture and had a passion for educating youth, so I went to school for extension education so I could work directly in cooperative extension.”

According to Lue, 4-H teaches youth ages 5-18 its motto of “learn by doing and how to make the best better.” Children must be five years of age by January 1 of the current year to participate.

Based on the four “H’s” of head, heart, hands and health, 4-H activities range from showing livestock to sewing classes and public speaking. “Hands stands for service to others, so we do service projects such as food drives; something that helps other people. Head refers to the knowledge you gain from participating in hands-on activities. Health demonstrates the 4-H focus on healthy living, healthy cooking and exercising. Heart is the passion you have for what you are learning,” Lue said.

While certainly not the only aspect of 4-H, agriculture makes up a larger portion of the focus. As youth have aged out of the program over the last few years, the participation in the livestock program has diminished. “We currently do not have any kids showing livestock right now,” said Lue. “I’m working on that.”

To participate in livestock shows, interested youth are paired with local farmers who volunteer their sheep, goats and cattle. “Kids work with the farmer and the animals typically once a week and then they get to show the animal and keep any prize money or awards given. The farmers are happy to do it,” Lue said.

Lue is currently trying to stir up enough interest in the community to start both an equine and a livestock club for local youth. “We need an adult leader who would commit to having nine meetings a year and then we need at least five members from three different families to be considered a club.”

Lue is also working on a parliamentary procedure and leadership program to help youth learn how to conduct a meeting, how to work together in a group setting and how to best prepare for public speaking engagements. Her goal is to begin the program in spring 2019.

In her short tenure with the Vance County Cooperative Extension Office, Lue has been busy working on new ideas for 4-H while trying to maintain established programs such as livestock. “What we really need right now are members and club leaders. The more clubs we have, the more youth we serve and the more we expand 4-H’s outreach.”

If interested in signing your child up for 4-H, to become a volunteer or if you have general questions, please contact Lue at (252) 438-8188 or lelue@ncsu.edu. The enrollment form and additional 4-H information may be found by clicking here.