As the photos of 4-H members and their projects rolled during Farm Journal’s #FarmON Benefit Concert, you couldn’t help but get excited about the future of agriculture. Despite the challenges that the pandemic has caused our young people, they have found a way to persevere and farm on.
Still, the reality of how COVID-19 is impacting young people, especially in rural communities without reliable access to the internet during a time when virtual learning is critical, is hard to ignore.
“COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it and millions of young people are facing enormous challenges in this world of uncertainty,” Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, said during the #FarmON concert. “This pandemic has exposed gaps in educational resources and opportunities, especially for young people in rural and farming communities.”
Without access to learning opportunities and social and emotional support, many young people are at risk of falling behind, Sirangelo shared.
Lee Brice kicked off the #FarmON concert, the final event of Farm Journal Field Days, a three-day farm show that combined live, in-person and virtual events hosted on farms in Iowa and Ohio.
“Our next generation of farmers and ranchers need our help, too,” said Lee Brice during the concert. “Help our kids by supporting 4-H’s Fourward Fund to provide learning resources, mentors and sense of community they need to thrive no matter what the circumstances are.”
Jennifer Nettles, GRAMMY Award-winning entertainer and lead vocalist of the duo Sugarland, shared with concertgoers that 4-H literally laid the foundation for her music career.
“Growing up in 4-H had a huge impact on my life and career. It instilled important life skills and values like leadership, compassion and responsibility and so much more,” Nettles said during the concert. “It continues to make a huge difference in lives of millions of kids across the country who will ultimately shape our future.”
Watch a replay of the #FarmON concert from Farm Journal and benefiting the 4-H FOURWARD Fund featuring Lee Brice, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins and Justin Moore along with a host of other country stars.
To support the 4-H Fourward Fund, visit https://4-h.org/FarmONBenefitConcert or text CLOVER to 243725.
More from Farm Journal:
A Conflicted Mom’s Take on Showing Livestock During COVID
State Fairs in 2020: Decisions No One Wants to Make
Overhe(a)rd: Screenhouses and the State of State Fairs
Read original article: https://cattlemensharrison.com/farmon-benefit-concert-showcases-4-h-and-americas-farm-families/
By: Drovers