California 4-H alum takes reins of Adair County 4-H program

Caroline Savage came to Adair County a couple of years ago from Colorado, however she’s a southern California native.

Having studied agriculture in college and recently worked in education, Savage is excited to combine those worlds in being Adair County’s new County Youth Coordinator, a position that primarily oversees the 4-H program in the county.

“I worked at the school as a para and have that degree in agriculture. I wanted to utilize my degree and what I went to school for, so I was told about the position,” Savage said. “I have a love for 4-H, growing up with that, so I wanted to do it.”

In her first couple of weeks on the job, Savage has been able to be mentored by outgoing County Youth Coordinator Valerie Jaehrling. During that time, Savage has been able to note and reflect on many of the differences between 4-H in southern California and Iowa.

One of the biggest differences was one Savage noticed at the county fair here. When she was in 4-H, members wore “4-H whites” that they were required to wear if they were an exhibitor. Here, members wear a 4-H t-shirt or club t-shirt.

Additionally, members not only met within their clubs but within many of their project areas. If you showed swine, you had a project leader for swine that you regularly worked with, Savage said. Some project areas here operate that way but many do not.

In her position here, Savage will oversee the over 150 members the 4-H program has participating in its 10 clubs. Right now, she’s a part of reviewing record books that some members have turned in.

She’s also a part of planning the annual 4-H Awards Day, which will be Sunday, Nov. 6 at the 4-H/FFA Center on the fairgrounds this year and include a pancake meal. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with awards given periodically throughout the day. The event will also be a fundraiser with proceeds being split evenly by all of the clubs after the event.

“I’m excited to work with the community. You think about more differences, and people are so friendly here. Out in California it’s a little bit different,” Savage said. “I’m excited to work with kids and get back into ag with 4-H.”

Savage resides in Bridgewater.