4-H Happenings – West Plains District

Janet Harkness – 4-H Youth Development


Hi everyone!
Whew, it’s been a whirlwind couple of months for me as I began my career here with 4-H in the West Plains Extension District! I have really ENJOYED
meeting and working with everyone and look forward to getting going with in person programming/events this month. The enthusiasm and love for 4-H in
Finney and Scott Counties is amazing!

For those folks I haven’t visited with yet, my name is Janet Harkness and I am
the 4-H Agent for the district, beginning January 11, 2021. I was an 11-year member of Wayne County 4-H in New York, focusing on dairy cattle, rabbits, poultry, arts and crafts, community service and I had a goat at one point in my career. Growing up on a farm, and in 4-H, were the best experiences ever!

Four summer internships and a semester with an urban 4-H program later, I finished my Bachelors Degree in Animal Science at Cornell University. Following college, I worked part-time as a 4-H Agent in my home
county while also working on the family dairy farm.

I had an opportunity to work on a dairy in New Zealand in 2001, which was a great experience. After New Zealand, I returned to the home farm (which had moved and expanded) until 2005, when I then joined Extension in Chenango County, NY. My first role was as an adult/youth Ag Educator before transitioning to 4-H Coordinator in 2010. The learning, friendships and experiences over the years have been amazing and I look forward to those that we will be making here in West Plains!

I have programmed in every area of 4-H imaginable over the years and have enjoyed every bit! My utmost favorite program areas are animal science and STEM. We have many wonderful volunteers working on club meetings, clinics, events, county fairs and so much more.

As we continue this District’s great 4-H tradition, I’d love to hear from all of you; your thoughts, your ideas your goals for OUR 4-H Program. Please feel free to call, email, message or stop by for a cup of coffee!

Take care,
Janet