La Plata County 4-H Kicks Off New Year with Major Achievements
UPDATE: October 1 marked a significant new beginning for 4-H in La Plata County, igniting excitement within the community as the new 4-H year officially commenced. With enrollment now open for new members and returning members selecting projects for the 2025-26 year, there has never been a better time for families to join.
Parents interested in hands-on learning opportunities for their children are encouraged to explore the benefits of 4-H. This dynamic program fosters leadership skills, community involvement, and personal growth. Interested families can get more information at laplatacounty4h.org or contact the La Plata County Extension Office. Please note that due to maintenance, the office at the La Plata County Fairgrounds will remain closed to the public until December 1.
In addition to the exciting start of the new year, the La Plata County 4-H community is celebrating remarkable achievements. The La Plata County/Montezuma Livestock Judging Team recently triumphed at the prestigious American Royal Livestock Judging Contest in Kansas City, earning a commendable third place. This elite competition invites only one team from each state, making their accomplishment a testament to years of dedication, teamwork, and skill development.
Livestock judging equips youth with vital skills, enhancing their ability to evaluate quality and conformation in animals. More importantly, it cultivates critical thinking, communication, and decision-making capabilities that benefit participants throughout their lives.
Another highlight for La Plata County 4-H is the recognition of Piper Lang, who qualified for the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Lang is one of just three youths from Colorado to be selected for this prestigious program, hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation.
To secure her spot, Piper authored an extensive research paper addressing food insecurity in Ecuador, focusing on the impact of Cuy farming in enhancing local nutrition and sustainability. Her groundbreaking research proposes innovative solutions to improve access to nutritious food sources. During her time in Iowa, she will present her findings to a panel of international experts, gaining invaluable feedback on agricultural development.
The accomplishments of La Plata County’s 4-H youth are a source of immense pride. Their dedication and curiosity exemplify the true spirit of 4-H, where each success story—be it a blue ribbon at the fair, a research paper tackling global food systems, or a new member discovering their passion—underscores the importance of youth development in today’s world.
As the new 4-H year unfolds, families across La Plata County are invited to engage with the program. Opportunities abound for joining clubs, volunteering, or sponsoring events, all of which contribute to nurturing a strong, caring, and innovative generation of leaders.
For inquiries, contact Angela Fountain, the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent, at [email protected] or (970) 382-6460. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant community!
