More than 16,500 young people in the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Youth Development program are involved in 4-H animal science projects. These projects teach animal handling and life skills, but for many, they will also translate into future careers.
Antonio Becker approached the animal enclosure at Safari North in Brainerd. “The rhinos like being petted,” he told a visiting group before moving on and sharing factoids about the black swans.
Becker is a University of Minnesota animal science major (poultry and exotic animals emphasis) and a 4-H alumnus from Morrison County. He has ambitions to turn his full-time job at Safari North into managing — or even owning — a zoo of his own someday.
“I have always loved animals and their behavior,” says Becker. “I had a cat, fish and a parakeet before 4-H, then through 4-H I discovered poultry.”
He convinced his parents to let him care for chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons on the family hobby farm.
Connecting people, taking risks
As Becker became more involved, he realized that many young people, especially those from cities and suburbs, knew only stereotypes about farmers. “I enjoyed the opportunity to address those misconceptions,” he says. “4-H really connects the dots from rural to urban.”
Having worked at Safari North for nearly a year, taken a trip to the Bahamas to study sharks and manta rays with other 4-H’ers, and now owning reindeer with another 4-H’er, Becker is well on his way toward realizing that dream.
“Owning a zoo can seem scary,” says Becker, “But it also feels doable, thanks to 4-H.”
Journey toward health
In September 2025, Becker was announced as one of four winners of the National 4-H Council’s 2026 Youth in Action awards, recognized for his work as a healthy living advocate.
Life has not always run so smoothly for Becker. At one point, he didn’t think he would graduate from high school. After developing anorexia during the summer after 8th grade, he recovered for a time but then developed additional eating disorders. A medical emergency left him hospitalized.
Becky Moe, Extension 4-H Youth Development educator in Morrison County, saw something in Becker he didn’t see in himself at that time. She encouraged him to apply to be a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador. While he initially said “no way,” he applied at the last minute, ultimately calling the experience “life-changing.”
“4-H stepped in when I needed it the most,” says Becker. “Once I became an ambassador, my perception switched.”
As an ambassador, he helped ensure that all youth found a sense of belonging. He shared the importance of youth mental health before congressional committees. Now, he proudly shares his story of recovery and inspires his peers to do the same.
The unique bond of sheep
For George Lemke, 4-H alumnus from Meeker County, University of Minnesota VetFAST graduate and veterinarian at Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic in Pipestone, sheep offered something special that other livestock projects couldn’t match.
“The appealing part of sheep is that you can build a different type of bond,” says Lemke. “There’s more of a teamwork element with sheep in the show ring.”
Lemke developed a particular fondness for Lamb Lead competitions, which combine animal showmanship with promoting the wool industry. Contestants demonstrate sheep handling skills, promote wool products by wearing wool clothing and answer judges’ questions about wool production. Lemke won the state competition twice.
Beyond the hands-on animal experience, Lemke credits 4-H with building his professional network, connections that helped him secure internships, join the University of Minnesota’s Livestock Judging Team, and ultimately find his calling in veterinary medicine.
He started his role at Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic in May 2025 and is excited to work in an area known for its sheep industry, home to several “legendary sheep vets” whom Lemke admires.
Beyond Ready
Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H is working to reach 10 million young people nationally by 2030 with hands-on learning programs to help them succeed in whatever path they choose — from agriculture to finance, robotics, technical training or college, entrepreneurship, or whatever else their future may hold.
That’s close to double the current enrollment of six million. Enrollment in Minnesota has increased each of the past five years, and the curriculum is evolving to meet the changing needs of youth.
Jennifer Skuza, Minnesota 4-H state director, is a leader in the national Beyond Ready initiative.
“Beyond Ready is about preparing our youth for their careers intentionally, including giving them access to resources and mentors, but it’s also about preparing them for life,” says Skuza. “We want them to be healthy, engaged and productive citizens. And, the skills they’ll need are rapidly evolving.”
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