4-H Members Highlight the Impact of Mentorship in Agriculture

Tennessee students share how the program fosters confidence, connection, and a sense of community

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) --- 4H continues to highlight how mentorship is a key aspect of the agriculture industry.

Cole Burchell and Ben Jackson, two members of Tennessee 4-H, joined us in the studio to share how the organization and their role models have taught them the values of volunteerism, teamwork, and respect.

Burchell, who serves as the All-Star Deputy Chief, talked to RFD News about the meaningful relationships he has formed because of the organization.

“My family wasn’t really active in the program. I kind of found out about it on my own, but I found a family within 4-H from that,” Burchell says, “I really found a love for being able to communicate with people and be able to make connections.”

While Burchell did not have ties to the organization prior, it has always been a family affair for Jackson. Despite his mother serving as a 4-H agent during his childhood, Jackson was initially apprehensive about participating in the organization. Jackson now serves as the Western Region Junior Representative.

“We’ve been in it for as long as I can remember, even before I could qualify as a clover,” Jackson continued, “I couldn’t stand making those piggy banks and writing those speeches that she’d make me do, but I understand now why she did it and how influential it’s been in my life. It’s amazing.”

Both club members encourage others to join in and emphasize the program’s goal of serving the community around them.

Related Stories
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.
Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
Hop in and travel with J.B. Sauceda on a road trip to discover ordinary people doing extraordinary things on the back roads of Texas. TCR’s longtime hosts Bob & Kelli Phillips have passed the keys to a new storyteller, who will continue the journey to uncover uplifting stories about oddball collectors, thought-provoking artists, and everyday heroes making the world a better place.
Washington farmers grow more than 300 different crops and raise a variety of different animals, and Washington is also home to some of the greatest culinary experiences in America. Whether inside the kitchen or out in the field, at the end of the day, it’s all about the food!
Each week, “Rural Heritage” on RFD Network features stories of farmers borrowing from yesterday to do today’s work.
As a how-to show dedicated exclusively to trucks, 4x4s and SUVs, Truck U finds monster-truck expert Matt Steele and master mechanic Bruno Massel tackling hands-on projects from DIY maintenance on pickups and SUVs, to serious off-road performance upgrades on Jeeps and ATVs.