Followed
by God and my Parents, 4-H has had a great influence on me throughout
my life. As a young boy of 10, my parents signed me up to become a
member of the LaSalle 4-H Club. My first project was a red-horned
shorthorn steer. Taking care of that animal taught me responsibility,
because I knew that animal depended on me for its daily food and overall
care. With the following years there came more steers and heifers,
which helped start my small beef herd. Then there was 4-H judging,
taught by Virginia Painter and Paul Hoshiko. Their teachings set the way
for my learning how to speak in front of an audience and defend my
placing of the animals. Most importantly, judging taught me how to make a
decision! Sometimes you’re wrong, but – you learn by these mistakes and
therefore march forward trying not to repeat them. Without a doubt, my
interest in and fondness for livestock, is what encouraged me to attend
Colorado A & M…now known as Colorado State University. This is where
I received my undergraduate in Animal Science, followed years later
with a master’s in Ag economics. This foundation of formal education and
boots on the ground work gave me the opportunity to engage in the truly
rewarding job as an extension agent – working with 4-H youth. One good
Ag related job led to another, until I was able to enjoy 25 years
surrounded with 4-H and FFA youth, and everything else ag related from
livestock to beans at the National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo.