From STEM to Stock Shows: Tennessee 4-H Youth Leaders Share Goals for the New Year

Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — With the start of a new year comes new goals, especially for the future of agriculture. Tennessee 4-H is encouraging members to plan wisely as they build skills in confidence, leadership, and resilience that will serve them well both inside and outside of agriculture.

Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share how their involvement in the program has helped shape their goals and personal growth.

Rochford discussed how his 4-H journey began as a fifth grader through a STEM class and grew into leadership roles at both the regional and state levels.

He also highlighted his entrepreneurial efforts through Matthew’s Market, where he sells produce and eggs, and shared how 4-H has influenced his interest in pursuing a degree in business administration or a pre-med path.

Hesson reflected on her eight years of involvement with 4-H and shared how the program has strengthened her interest in animal science and family and consumer sciences.

She also spoke about his leadership experience as Macon County 4-H Honor Club president and State All-Star Scribe, and how those roles prepared her for future opportunities.

Related Stories
As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
She saw him play besides greats like Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Conway Twitty, and more.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For our Countdown to Convention with Culver’s, we explore how the sea of FFA blue impacts local businesses.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.
The White House is now preparing to restore an Endangered Species Act (ESA) rule from the first Trump Administration.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined RFD-TV to provide the latest insights on diabetes and rural health.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.