4-H Canada announced a landmark partnership with the John Deere Foundation of Canada and participating John Deere dealers across the country yesterday. This collaboration is aimed at developing youth to take on leadership roles throughout the ag industry and in communities across the country.
This initiative brings a total of $175,000 in funding, including $100,000 from the John Deere Foundation of Canada and an additional $75,000 from 11 regional dealers.
In Manitoba, this investment is strengthened through the support of local John Deere dealers Enns Brothers, with 9 locations across the province, and Greenvalley Equipment with 4 locations in Manitoba.
Mentorship, education programs, and hands-on learning through the national 4-H programs reach between 1500-2000 youth across 7 provinces. Participants gain critical skills in ag innovation, sustainability, leadership and wellbeing - experiences that build a strong future for Canadian agriculture.
This impact builds on compelling evidence from 4-H Canada's recent alumni survey that at least 8-10 alumni reported that 4-H helped them develop skills including public speaking, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, meeting management and a sense of responsibility.
On average, alumni identified 14 different skills, attitudes and attributes gained through 4-H with responsibility, positive values, teamwork, leadership, and planning/decision-making ranking the highest.
For over 111 years 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. 4-H in Canada has over 19,0000 members and more than 7,000 volunteer leaders. The program started in Roland, MB.
'Learn To Do By Doing' is the 4-H motto and that has inspired the learning of many skills in hundreds of thousands of young people since 1914.
44% of 4-H alumni report working in agriculture today, compared to just 1% of the general population. This demonstrated the program's powerful influence in building a talent pipeline for Canada's ag sector. 75% of 4-H alumni agree that the program helped them master skills they continue to use both professionally and personally.
"This partnership is about investing in young people who will drive the future of agriculture and rural communities in Canada," said Hugh Maynard, CEO of 4-H Canada. "By working together, we are giving youth the tools, networks and the confidence to lead in a rapidly evolving sector."
'The backing of Enns Brothers and Greenvalley Equipment directly supports the continued growth and development of young Manitobans, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, values and leadership skills to contribute meaningfully to their home clubs, communities and the future of agriculture in our province, stated Tuesday's Media Release from 4-H Canada.
"Supporting 4-H means supporting the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders," said Karen DeBreau, Communications and CSR Lead at John Deere Canada. "The John Deere Foundation of Canada is proud to stand behind this vision for a thriving agricultural sector."
Beyond financial support, the partnership will be creating opportunities for mentorship, volunteering opportunities and stronger connections between local 4-H clubs in Manitoba and John Deere dealer community, thus reinforcing shared values around rural prosperity and empowering our young Manitobans.
