LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – Here in East Texas, the push for agricultural education is growing, and a big part of that proof comes from the increasing enrollment in 4-H programs.<\/p>\n
In just eight years, enrollment has grown by nearly 70%, and officials only expect that trend to continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo have 557 4-H members in our Gregg County 4-H program is amazing, because eight years ago we started with zero,\u201d Arvitta Scott, County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development, said.<\/p>\n
Just like a crop \u2014 the number of students becoming involved with their local 4-H programs is growing.<\/p>\n
Scott said since the start of the 4-H year, which was September 1st, there has been a boom in interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe numbers are increasing; kids are enrolling every day. We\u2019re already a little bit over 100 kids enrolled, and so by the end of the year I\u2019m sure we\u2019re gonna surpass over 500 kids,\u201d said Scott.<\/p>\n
A prediction that could possibly match and exceed last year\u2019s participation, which was nearly 560.<\/p>\n
Scott said she believes a large reason for the flourishing involvement comes from what the AgriLife Extension team can offer students.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no longer just livestock,\u201d Scott said. \u201cWe\u2019re talking about leadership, we\u2019re talking about public speaking, nutrition, robotics, it\u2019s community service… so we have a wealth of projects the students can engage in and I think that\u2019s why we\u2019re thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Gregg County Commissioners recognized a proclamation designating October 5th – 11th as National 4-H Week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole 4-h program gives kids an experience they can deal with throughout life for all kinds of issues,\u201d Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said. \u201cWhether it be bow hunting, planting crops or getting to know animals. It\u2019s just overall a big part of the education system we\u2019re trying to put together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVegetables and beef and produce does not grow in stores,\u201d Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 1, Ronnie McKinney, said. \u201cIt grows out in the public and so many kids have no idea where it comes from. They\u2019ll get knowledge gained that can\u2019t be replaced later on in life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also on Tuesday, the Gregg County Commissioner\u2019s approved a new addition for an archery range at the incoming AgriLife Extension building.<\/p>\n
The archery project will cost around $106,000.<\/p>\n
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