Both were good programs when I was young. Helped my brother get into college.
I was in 4-H and found it to be a very worthwhile experience.
The Poland Plow Boys (real township and club name) met at the home of Lyle Crocodile (no names are real) for their monthly meeting. Glisenda Johnderson gave an enlightening talk on organizing chickens into a bell choir. Hernia Anderquist and her mother served a delicious lunch of groat clusters and raw milk.
I was in both. Got my first feel of the female anatomy on a 4-H hayride, maybe a half second's worth. Both are only as good as the effort you want to put forth. My son was in FFA, and now so is his oldest daughter. Girls in FFA......wasn't going to happen back when I was in school. But now, if not for the girls, the local FFA chapter would be almost non-existent.
"There is a fire in the waste basket; what should we do?" "Well, we need to proceed through Robert's Rules of Order to determine that."
I was in both. Had a great time. Learned to make decisions, and back them up, giving reasons on the livestock judging team. Had my daughters in them as well. Youngest Daughter received the American FFA Degree. I took her to the National FFA convention in Lexington Ky . She was on livestock judging teams in 4-H an FFA. She and won a national judging contest, when in college. She was recruited by Texas A&M. They are great learning experiences. We need more young people in these clubs.
Both are worthwhile, and a good way for youngsters to learn responsibility as well as explore agriculture as a possible career.
Went to state a couple times for judging dairy in 4-H. Joined FFA in high school and again qualified for state in both 4-H and FFA. There was some controversy between the leaders as to who I was going to judge for, but I opted for entering for 4-H for the last time.
I remember the whole team piling into the back of a pickup to travel across the state to another competition. They told us to just bring a pillow to sit on for the ride.
Fun (and not so fun) times!
My kids are in 4H. I like the program a lot. It is even better when kids, parents, and leaders remember that 4H is about helping kids grow into responsible adults, not just winning shows and ribbons.
My kids were in 4H here. It was great for them. The things they learned are life long lessons. Wife and I were leaders for some programs and barn supervisors at the fair.
The lessons my kids learned from 4H helped them to go to college debt free. Leadership, inner personal skills, raising and caring for an animal, dealing with the public and doing community projects were just some of the "stuff" they learned.
However the program is only as good as the parent volunteers - if you want a great learning experience for you kids be prepared to be part of the program by volunteering and taking that responsibility seriously.
Both turn out some outstanding youth - well worth the time and effort.
They are both excellent programs and absolutely worth the time/effort. I was very involved in FFA in High School and it had a huge impact on my life. My daughters are both involved in 4-H, and my oldest was just elected to County Office. This allows her to attend leadership training, take trips to the state Capitol to see government in action, and begin to learn about leading people. I'm a supporter of both. Sure beats sitting at home playing video games.
I was in both programs. Raised chickens in 4-H and showed them at the county fair. Didn't win anything, but it was a good experience. IIRC, that was about the 5th or 6th grade.
In FFA during high school. Raised hogs and cattle. Won several awards and would recommend it to anyone.
Several of my grandkids are in 4-H. Great program!!!
I was in both. Was in 4H for 10 or 11 years and FFA for 3 years. I think both are very worth while for kids to be involved in.
I recently donate all my trophies that I won over the years. They were just collecting dust.
When we moved to Boerne my youngest joined the 22 RF 3 Position group, the Skeet group and the Archery group. Every one did an incredible job coaching him. He thoroughly enjoyed it all and is the one that sorts his elder brothers when shooting a rifle. "Find your natural position" rang loud from the local rancher that taught his rimfire work. Sadly the latter passed a couple of years ago.
Went with Postoak Cowboy and picked up baby chicks at the 4-H office this morning. Least two of the grandkids got their work cut out for em now!!!
Kids have been very active 4Hers for about 5 years now. My kids show cattle and hogs quite competitively in the region. Daughter is in 8th grade now and in FFA also. Just competed as an FFAer in a statewide livestock judging contest this past weekend.
Lots of opportunities in both organizations. Daughter is going to New Zealand this summer on a 4H exchange program. Wonderful opportunity for a young kid that has only ever been to Canada.
Grandson showing his birds over in Lee county this morning! Hope he does good!!
Edit! Just saw ribbon in pic! He took overall 3rd! His first time to show! We are proud of him!
Thanks Richard!
A proud Grammy!
Bob, I was going to ask if the the one on the left, in the first picture was your Grandson, and you go and edit crap about a ribbon. Ruined the whole thing. Seriously, Congratulations to your Grandson, and the Parents and Grandparents that make it happen. miles
Congrats to that very happy young man!
Thanks guys! Miles, Michael says howdy!!! He still talks about you teaching him how to shoot the tent stakes off a bungee cord at me!!
Tell Him that I said Hi, back. I really enjoyed that young fellow. miles
I learned a ton of stuff from 4-H. From speaking in public, being a leader, taking pride in ones accomplishments, to making out with girls at the 4-H camp, to fighting other boys and becoming lifelong friends after. Did me nothing but good to be part of 4-H. Even learned a little about pigs and chickens!
I am an Eagle Scout, but will not recommend scouting to my son due to its moral decay. We did not have FFA or 4H in my schools. I will highly encouarage 4H- the program is very strong in the town we about to move to.
Brings a tear to my eye Bob.....great deal.
Tell the young'uns fine work!