Episode 30: Getting to Know the Youth with Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors

On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, we have a special treat. On November 11, 2024, the University of Maine campus in Orono hosted a group of Maine 4-H Ag Ambassadors. On their tour of campus, they stopped by my lab, The Maine Grazing Behavior Lab, to see what a State Livestock Specialist and Associate Extension Professor does on a day-to-day basis. While they were here, they participated in a fun activity where they learned more about pork and swine anatomy. I thought it would be fun to invite the kids into the “under construction” podcast studio to get a behind the scenes look at what goes into making a podcast.

The Maine 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program is intended for youth ages 14-18 and provides them with the opportunity to connect to local agriculture, build relationships with industry professionals, develop professional and advocacy skills, and explore careers in agriculture. Following completion of a 6-week training, participants serve a year long term as a member of a Maine 4-H Agriculture Ambassador team in an area of their choosing. Ambassador teams participate in 4-6 events throughout the year where they represent the Maine 4-H program and educate others about their chosen content area. The goal of the Maine 4-H Ag Ambassador Program is to provide experiences for youth to explore their interest in agriculture. The program focuses on:

  • connecting youth with their local food systems and industries
  • exploring the richness and diversity of the Maine food system
  • developing “ag-vocacy” skills
  • increasing access to career and post-secondary opportunities in agri-science and food system

Episode Resources

4-H staff members Tara Marble, Sadee Mehuren, Megan Cook, Alisha Targonski, and Allison Pollock, are responsible for leading the Maine 4-H Agricultural Ambassador program. To contact the team please email: extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).