🚜From Barn to Beyond: 4-H Leaders Shaping the Future of Agriculture

In this special agriculture-focused episode, host Cregg Dalton sits down with Dr. Marnie Ward, Citrus County’s 4-H Agent, and two standout 4-H graduates — Grace Ward and Evan Leturno — to explore the lasting impact of 4-H on youth leadership, career paths, and community engagement.

Grace and Evan share their 13-year journeys in the Lecanto Levi’s 4-H Club, from raising chickens and swine to earning top honors for steers, including Florida’s Best Carcass award. They discuss how 4-H shaped their leadership skills, career goals, and understanding of agriculture beyond the barn — from genetics and turfgrass management to the latest in agricultural technology like AI-driven “digital twins.”

Dr. Ward highlights the deep connection between 4-H, local schools, and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and previews the upcoming Expanding Agriculture Workforce program on September 12th for Citrus County high school students. The conversation also spotlights the community’s support through events like the Citrus Stampede Rodeo (November 21–22), which funds scholarships and youth projects.

Whether you’re an agriculture enthusiast, a parent exploring youth programs, or someone curious about how technology and tradition intersect in farming, this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and a reminder that agriculture’s future starts with our young leaders.

🎧Listen now on your favorite streaming platforms!