Local Youth Joins Teens from Across the U.S. at National 4-H Youth Summit on Agri-Science in Washington, D.C.

With increased challenges facing our communities and the agriculture industry, it is essential to design youth-driven programs dedicated to identifying ways to improve health, agriculture and food. One local innovator of tomorrow; Rachaell Suhr, a senior at Lavina High School, recently got the chance to hone her Agri-science skills at the National 4-H Youth Summit on Agri-Science in Washington, D.C.

For three dynamically engaging days Rachaell participated in a variety of sessions on topics focused around precision agriculture, food security, hydroponics, biotechnology, animal science and health. With support from industry leaders, youth had the opportunity not only build skills and knowledge, but also explore careers in the Agri-science industry.

Some of the things shown to this group of 4H youth: Genetics and its impact breeding cows is no longer just a bull and cows' job. We simulated an outbreak of a disease among a herd of animals. We learned how to find patient zero and create a biosecurity plan to minimize the risk of outbreaks in the future.

The 2020 National 4-H Youth Summit on Agri-Science was sponsored by Bayer, The CHS Foundation, ADM and Microsoft.

About 4-H

4‑H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4‑H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4‑H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4‑H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4‑H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.