Worth 4-H agent blends facts, fun to engage area youths

SYLVESTER — Worth County 4-H agent Kristen Pegues is finding creative ways to apply her training from the University of Georgia Tifton campus to help educate youths about Georgia’s No. 1 industry — agriculture.

“I’ve always wanted to help people, and I’ve always liked interacting with youth, so I thought … ‘Maybe I’ll take a chance, and use my ag background to create programs for 4-H youth,’” said Pegues, who graduated from UGA-Tifton with a master’s degree in crop and soil sciences in 2018.

Since joining UGA Cooperative Extension in May 2018, Pegues has worked with nearly 300 Worth County 4-H students to demonstrate the impact agriculture has on their lives. For example, she turns homemade ice cream into a quick lesson about dairy farming.

“I’m trying to get them to understand what kind of crops we have in the area. My plan for the next school year is to expand on agriculture … really talk about the crops that the kids see when they drive down the road. Most of them aren’t from a farming family so they don’t actually know what goes into growing a certain crop,” said Pegues, who developed extensive knowledge of peanuts while studying under UGA Cropping Systems Agronomist Scott Tubbs.

Pegues said she also plans to start a 4-H land-judging team next summer to teach students about soils and their importance in producing different crops. Pegues won an international soil-judging contest in Hungary as an undergraduate student at Auburn University.

Adding Pegues to the extension family is a win for Worth County, according to Melinda Miller, 4-H program development coordinator for the Southwest District.

“Finding a new 4-H agent with Kristen’s credentials in soil science and a passion for youth development is a winning combination,” Miller said. “I am excited to see her introduce the science of soils and understanding the importance of soils to 4-Hers. I have great expectations that she will be very effective in developing an interest and enthusiasm in youth for agriculture and the many important careers associated in this area of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Pegues’ interest in working with youths stems from her time interacting with grade-school kids through Auburn’s 4-H program.

“So many young people have no idea about agriculture, but by watching them learn — it started my passion,” she said.

Starting at fifth grade up to high school, Pegues visits classes throughout the county to teach a science-based curriculum. She hosts after-school programs for middle-schoolers and programs for high school students at the extension office.

Pegues said she tries to create lessons that leave youths wanting to learn more.

“I’m really enjoying it,” she said of her 4-H position. “They really want to make a difference and learn. That’s what makes it all worth it.”

For more information on the Worth County 4-H Extension Office, visit http://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/worth.html.