Holmes County 4-H graduate mentors next generation at fair

Holmes County 4-H is one of those institutions that teaches young people responsibility, teamwork, hard work and so much more.

It teaches young people how to become leaders in their communities.

During the Holmes County Fair, many such moments were viewed, with many examples of young adults stepping into the ring to display everything they’ve learned over the years.

But in one instance, it was outside the ring, with nobody watching or judging, that the full value of 4-H for young people’s character took place.

Far removed from the ring, West Holmes High School recent graduate Andi Schuch found Grayson Kaufman exploring the cattle. Kaufman had never touched a steer and was curious, so Schuch was more than willing to take him into the pen to get up close with her steer.

Not only did she do that, she also took the time to get face to face with Kaufman to share about the steer and 4-H in general.

Schuch said she recalls her younger days when she too was curious about such things, and she had others step up to help her learn and grow into raising animals for 4-H projects.

“I remember when I used to come in here as a youngster and look at the animals,” Schuch said. “That was always a highlight, and it was always neat when older members would invite us in to pet their animals. It really helps strike an interest in younger kids, and I think it’s very important to help build that curiosity and get them excited about everything 4-H is all about. You never know when something like this might inspire a kid to want to get involved in 4-H.”

Schuch answered all of Kaufman’s questions and pointed out various parts of the steer, taking on the adviser role she has seen so many adults do throughout her 4-H career.

She said it is important for experienced 4-H young adults to learn how to pass along the joy of 4-H and in showing animals at the fair. She said there are many important qualities a young person learns when raising animals because it takes a great deal of commitment and hard work.

“There are some kids who don’t have an agricultural background, so getting them this type of information and helping them understand a little better about everything that goes into raising animals might inspire them,” she said.

She said she got to teach Kaufman a few of the basics when it comes to raising a steer and encouraged him to continue to explore all the possibilities one can have in 4-H.

She said having come from a family who never raised beef, it took the effort of others to teach her about that aspect of raising animals for the fair.

“We were always a sheep family, so coming to the fair and learning something outside my comfort zone was fun,” Schuch said.

Branching out into different animals led her to show poultry, rabbits and other animals including the steer this year.

She said doing so challenged her to talk to a variety of people who were in each of those worlds, which helped her learn not only about the animals, but also about connecting with new people.

“It’s been really fun learning about ducks and chickens and experimenting with a variety of animals we might want to keep on the farm,” Schuch said, noting she also has raised lambs and beef feeders.

Now in her last year of 4-H, it marks a new chapter in her life, a life that has pretty much always included 4-H and FFA.

“I’m going to miss this a lot,” Schuch said. “I look back at my 4-H career and realize that almost all of my close friends are fair people too. I guess in Holmes County that isn’t all that unique, but not every kid grows up in the world of agriculture, so it was fun to get a chance to share with a younger kid about how much fun this is.”

She said her time in 4-H has made a remarkable impact in her life, from her close friendships to the animals, learning how to become a better leader and increasing her community service mindset.

She said all of that experience has become a big part of who she is.

“I know a lot of other kids can say the same thing,” she said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”

Schuch will attend Ohio State University, where she will pursue a degree in agricultural communications.

Serving as a mentor and teacher in this instance seems quite appropriate for a young adult preparing for a life in communication.