I don't have a single childhood summer memory that doesn't involve 4-H. My cousin Jamie and I were talking and as we were trying to gather some Poorman Farm History, she came up with this and sent it to me to share with you. - Thanks Jamie
4-H FABLE
There once was a boy who won ribbons, mostly blue
Came home from the fair with a big trophy too.
With a voice glad and proud He said to his Dad,
"Tis the very best year that I've had."
Said his very wise Dad, "Son, I'd like to hear,
Why you think that this was such a very fine year."
Why, Dad you well know all the prizes I've won;
How I've come out on top in most things I've done.
"Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall.
And think of the money I've made since last fall.
From premium checks and a big auction price,
You can't help but think cash and ribbons are nice."
But the man said, "My son you're not thinking right,
Blue ribbons, 'tis true are better than white;
But ribbons will fade and trophies grow old,
Money's soon spent and fame soon grows cold.
The important things, Son,
Are not ribbons or pins,
And sometimes it's really the loser who wins;
Now here are the things most important, it's true,
Your 4-H experience has accomplished for you.
You've seen how a business meeting is run.
This knowledge will help you in years to come.
You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd,
You've learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud.
Patience you've learned in your projects too,
As well as your skills that will always help you.
You've learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend
A helping hand to a stranger or friend.
You've learned to cooperate with majority rule
To give in with grace and not be a fool
Who must always have his very own way,
Be it in club work, in school or at play.
You've learned how to lose without making a beef',
You know the judge judges to his best belief.
You've learned how to win without boasting too loud,
A kid can lose friends if he's overly proud.
These are the things most important to you.
You'll remember and use them all your life through.
They'll help you become a mighty fine man,
They'll do more for you than a prize ever can."
-Anonymous-
Summer on the Poorman Ranch was competitive, there was a lot of bickering, fighting and usually a week before the fair their were tears falling on Grandma's kitchen table and our dad's saying we just won't get steers next year. However even with all, that a lot of good came from it.
We thank the Perry County 4-H program and John Ulmer our 4-H Extension Agent helped us get our start and because of our start in 4-H we now we do this:
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| Front Row Jodi, Jason, Julie; Back Row Janice, Jenny, Jamie |
Jenny – Graduated from Wilmington College – Bachelor Degree in Agriculture Business, Works testing milk at dairies in Ohio, Indiana, breeder and owner of dairy cows, mother of two sons that enjoy working with dairy cows.
Jamie – Graduated from Muskingum University – Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business; 4-H Club Advisor of 50-60 kids; Serves on Perry County 4-H Advisory Committee and is in the process of organizing a Dairy Feeder Clinic for 4-H Members; oldest son raises and shows steers; youngest son is bottle feeding a calf and hoping to show the calf at the fair
Janice – Bachelor Degree from OSU in Agriculture, Masters in Education - Agriculture Education Teacher/FFA Advisor for 11 years, married a farmer and we own a Feed Yard in Nebraska and 100 cows in Ohio. Our two girls will soon be joining the 4-H program.
Jason – Attended OSU ATI; President of Perry County Cattleman’s Association; 7th Generation to operate Poorman Farms.
Jodi – Graduated from OSU; Is a Nurse Practitioner at Cincinnati Children’s; Her husband farms with his father and is active with the Cattleman’s Association.
Julie – Grew up loving the Perry County Fair; Is now a 4-H Club Advisor and has served on the Perry County Senior Fairboard for several years.
Please share your 4-H story and pictures.
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