Province Invests In Support For Manitoba 4-h Council

BRANDON — The Manitoba government has signed a funding agreement with the Manitoba 4-H Council to support the organization with a $900,000 investment over three years, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced here today at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

“Our government is a long-term supporter of 4-H and we are so pleased to announce this agreement with this very important and successful program,” said Johnson. “More than 100 years ago, Canada’s 4-H movement began right here in Manitoba. The 4-H program has a long and successful history of providing opportunities for Manitoba’s youth to develop skills ranging from leadership and communication to agriculture and environmental sustainability.”

The funding will help the Manitoba 4-H Council deliver unique and quality programming across the province to 102 4-H clubs for more than 1,020 members, Johnson noted.

“4-H Manitoba is extremely grateful for the relationship we have with the Manitoba government,” said Shannon Carvey, executive director, Manitoba 4-H Council. “The financial support received from the Department of Agriculture is essential for the delivery of new and existing programming to our members.”

The minister noted the province has also supported the launch of Clover, a life-sized model cow simulator unveiled today at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. The Hereford Dystocia Simulator contains a life-sized model calf that offers several educational scenarios for calving and general animal husbandry for 4-H beef members. Manitoba Agriculture provided $5,000 for the purchase of the simulator.

“Our government is pleased to be one of the contributors to help bring this new teaching tool to life,” said Johnson. “What a great way to learn through a tool like Clover. This is really living the 4-H motto – Learn to Do by Doing.”

These investments build on previous Manitoba government support for 4-H Manitoba, including a $1-million initiative to establish a program that provides post-secondary scholarships to current and former 4-H members. Manitoba Agriculture’s strong partnership with the Manitoba 4-H Council and its more than 600 volunteers provides great opportunities, experiences and education for youth, the minister said.