PIERCE COUNTY — From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Pierce County are proving they are not just ready for the future – they are Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, local clubs will showcase how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H aims to prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Pierce County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, raise and show livestock, lead community service projects, and explore STEM through activities like shooting sports and robotics.

This year, Pierce County 4-H members proved their skills in state and national arenas. The county’s dairy judging team traveled to the East Coast to compete against some of the best teams in the country, showcasing their dairy science knowledge and teamwork on a national stage. In addition, Pierce County youth represented Wisconsin at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Nebraska, bringing pride to both the county and the state. Closer to home, local 4-H members earned honors in livestock judging, dog, and horse project competitions held throughout Wisconsin. These experiences highlight how 4-H prepares young people to achieve success through dedication, discipline, and leadership.

“4-H gives our youth a place to learn by doing while growing into leaders who care about their community and their future,” said April Daniels, Pierce County 4-H Educator. “We see this every day in the way our members take initiative, support each other, and build skills that will last a lifetime.”

The Pierce County Extension Office, its staff, and volunteers deliver 4-H programs that help youth gain practical skills through real-world experiences. From showcasing their projects at the Pierce County Fair to representing Wisconsin in competitions across the state and country, youth learn teamwork, resilience, and communication skills that prepare them for both career and life.

“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, capable, and Beyond Ready for the future.”

During National 4-H Week, more than 800 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters in Pierce County will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.

Join us in supporting Pierce County 4-H by donating today. Your gift will provide youth with educational resources and hands-on learning opportunities that build confidence and skills to navigate life’s challenges. With your support, 4-H can continue investing in the people and programs that make a meaningful difference. To donate, visit https://wis4hfoundation.org/pierce-county-4-h/

For more information about 4-H in Pierce County or how to get involved, visit https://pierce.extension.wisc.edu/ or call 715-273-6781.

Submitted by Pierce County 4-H