4-H News

Monsanto Representative Addresses 4-H Families at Illinois State Fair

Monsanto representative Doug Butler brought greetings from the company to approximately 475 people in attendance at the 4-H Illinois State Fair Family Event on Aug. 15. The audience members included 4-H volunteers who benefit from Monsanto's sponsorship nationally of 4-H volunteer development programs in 49 states, three US territories and the four Regional 4-H Volunteer Forums.

Butler is joined by Darlene Curry. She is the Illinois 4-H Volunteer coordinator for the delegation traveling to the North Central 4-H Volunteer Forum in Lincoln, Nebraska October 1-3.

The nationwide Monsanto support shows the company's commitment to ag and to the development of young people. Monsanto has committed $500,000 per year to 4-H volunteerism, including the sponsorship of one 4-H volunteer forum or equivalent volunteer development activity for each state and the regional events as well. In Illinois, the support underwrites expenses for the VALUED volunteer online training, and for the North Central 4-H Volunteer Forum which Illinois volunteers attend.

"University of Illinois 4-H certainly appreciates the support of the Monsanto Company for 4-H volunteer training. We appreciate that they help to support the North Central Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum as well as the VALUED Volunteer Orientation and Training Program for 4-H leaders in Illinois," said Sheri Seibold, Extension Specialist – 4-H Youth Development at University of Illinois Extension. "To date, more than 400 Illinois 4-H volunteers from 54 counties participated in the program. These two series help 4-H leaders develop the skills and competencies necessary to be effective in their role. Caring adults play a vital part in positive youth development programs such as 4-H."