North Carolina 4-H names four “Partners in Excellence”

Four organizations were recently named 2010 North Carolina 4-H Partners in Excellence: Carolina Farm Credit, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, NC SPIN and the North Carolina State Grange.

“The spirit of service and unselfish leadership of these organizations allows 4-H to tackle real-world issues like hunger, environmental stewardship, sustainable energy, youth health and obesity, and locally grown, safe, affordable food,” said Dr. Marshall Stewart, state 4-H program leader. “We are very grateful for their efforts and are proud to call them our partners.”

Carolina Farm Credit is instrumental in the success of 4-H county programs, providing support for the North Carolina 4-H Youth Livestock Program and the North Carolina 4-H Horse Program. Along with Cape Fear Farm Credit and Ag Carolina Financial, Carolina Farm Credit also provides statewide annual support of the 4-H Communication Program, including National 4-H Congress. Most recently, Carolina Farm Credit was the signature sponsor for the centennial alumni reunion reception during the 2009 State Congress.

The North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation is committed to growing the next generation of citizen-leaders and has provided unparalleled support of 4-H initiatives. An early partner in planning the 4-H centennial celebration, the Farm Bureau provided a number of marketing opportunities that might not otherwise have been possible. The Farm Bureau also served as signature sponsor of the 4-H homecoming celebration, and Farm Bureau president Larry Wooten participated with 4-H youth in a public service announcement that aired on public television throughout the centennial year. Wooten also leads the steering committee for the newest 4-H endeavor, an $11.5 million fundraising effort called “Campaign for the Clover.”

Since 2005, NC SPIN has partnered with 4-H to empower young people to improve their debate skills and to become more aware of the world around them through current event- and issue-driven discussions. Each year at North Carolina 4-H Citizenship Focus and at State Congress, Tom Campbell with NC SPIN brings together panelists to engage 4-H youth. NC SPIN also provides opportunities for 4-H’ers to serve as panelists on the program and debate alongside other guests as the youth voice of our state.

The North Carolina State Grange and N.C. 4-H have been partners for more than 100 years in the development of the future leaders of North Carolina. The Grange provided signature sponsorship of the North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame, chartering the first class at the 4-H centennial celebration last year. Through this sponsorship and in many other ways, the State Grange continues to serve as an invaluable partner to N.C. 4-H.

The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State universities. More than 240,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 21,000 adult and youth volunteers.

Written by:
Suzanne Stanard, 919-513-3126 or suzanne_stanard@ncsu.edu