College of Agriculture, University of Arizona,
Arizona Land and People, Vol. 47, Number 2
A Long Tradition4-H clubs and the Hualapai Nation have a long tradition in northwestern Arizona-almost half-a-century of continuous activity. It's a winning tradition, says Joel J. Querta, agriculture extension program manager for the Hualapai Nation. In 1998, Hualapai Nation 4-H member Donovan Patrick won the Grand Champion in Market Beef and the Reserve Champion in Showmanship at the Mohave County Fair. Mike Patrick, Jr. received the Steer of Merit Championship Award at the carcass (meat) contest in Tucson. Buck-n-Doe 4-H club member Deanna Best earned the Grand Champion Showman-Junior Sheep award, and Kristine Best was the Reserve Champion Showman for Junior Sheep at the Mohave County Fair. "Every family has children in 4-H, including mine" says Joel, who has had four club members; another 9-year-old is about to start. "I'd like to see 4-H members stay in the club until they're 18 or 19. And, I'd like to see more parent involvement." Hualapai Nation 4-H tends to be traditional, with projects usually involving livestock, says Jerry Olson, Mohave County Extension 4-HYD agent. That's understandable since cattle ranching is the main Nation industry. Lamb, sheep, and rabbit projects also are common. Home economics projects are also popular, such as sewing, cooking, and arts and crafts. Artie Vaughn leads a second Hualapai 4-H club, the Buck-n-Does. Artie's husband raises cattle and is teaching youngsters how to feed, tame, and control the animals. Artie teaches caring for lambs. "I like to see clubs give community service," Artie says. Already 4-H'ers are involved in a Christmas program and distribute turkeys at the Senior Center. They observe Earth Day, Clean-up Day, give a banquet for honored school graduates and take part in the Easter Egg Hunt for Head Start children. She believes children learn responsibility from 4-H. Jerry Olson says 4-H club members are more outgoing, have higher self-esteem, and are more involved in the community. Document part of 1999 Native American Programs in the College of Agriculture |