In support of its commitment to 4-H, education and the development of the next generation of leaders in the agricultural industry, Merck Animal Health is proud to sponsor the Young Advocates for Agriculture Award. The 2015 award, which honors a high school student for his or her grassroots advocacy efforts in support of the agricultural industry, was presented to Jacob Shuman at this year's Cattle Feeders Business Summit.
Shuman, of Ross County, Ohio, was recognized for his "TEACH Bs" (Teens Educating Adults & Children About Honey Bees) program, designed to help educate community youth about honey bees and their contribution to agriculture. Making presentations at local elementary schools, Shuman explained the different roles of queen, worker and drone bees, and discussed how the bees pollinate crops, which helps support their growth.
"It is vital that we help provide enriching educational experiences like these to future generations of industry leaders," said Jim Miles, Merck Animal Health. "By teaching these students about the importance of sharing their experiences and perspectives, we hope they will be inspired to advocate on the industry's behalf today and in the future."
The advocacy award is an extension of the 4-H National Youth Agri Science Summit, held earlier this year. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the summit provided opportunities for 4-H high school students to develop the skills and knowledge needed help address the many challenges facing agriculture, food security and sustainability. By participating in the summit, Shuman gained a better understanding of the current state of the industry and the growing need for the story of agriculture to be told.
"We need to educate others, especially our youth, that our work is not just about farming," Shuman said. "I've learned that many people don't know a lot about where there food comes from, how it's raised or the value the industry brings to our world. Since I live and work in agriculture, I understand that I am responsible for helping to tell that story."
"Growing and empowering confident young people to prepare them for careers in agriculture is crucial to advancing the farming industry," said Jill Bramble, senior vice president and chief development officer, National 4-H Council. "By working with Merck Animal Health, 4-H'ers are able to learn about new innovations and technologies in the agriculture industry and share them with their families, peers and communities. They also develop skills that will help them in future agricultural careers."
About Merck Animal HealthToday's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter at @MerckAH.
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 experiences 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.
4-H is led by a unique private-public partnership. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.
8.27.2015