Florida Soil and Water

Suelo y Agua

St. Lucie County

4-H Workforce Preparation is a clear indication that sometimes, we don’t acknowledge the work that goes into the food at our table, and this program gives a hands-on opportunity for the participants to have this insight. Tessa Toman is a senior 4-H member of the Feathers and Furs 4-H club with eight years of active [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_9157" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9157" style="width: 299px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/Tessa2.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-9157 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="299" height="397" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/Tessa2-226x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9157" class="wp-caption-text">Removing the skin for rinds and trimming the meat. Photo credit: Shaelyn Toman.</figcaption></figure>
<div class="mceTemp">
<figure id="attachment_9159" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9159" style="width: 301px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-9159 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="301" height="396" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/Tessa1-228x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9159" class="wp-caption-text">Tessa learning to break down primal cuts. Photo credit: Shaelyn Toman.</figcaption></figure>
4-H Workforce Preparation is a clear indication that sometimes, we don’t acknowledge the work that goes into the food at our table, and this program gives a hands-on opportunity for the participants to have this insight. Tessa Toman is a senior 4-H member of the Feathers and Furs 4-H club with eight years of active participation in 4-H. Her parents are Christian and Shaelyn Toman, and she is the first of two children; her younger brother is Jasper Toman. Homeschooled as part of her <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/citizenship--leadership/">workforce preparation</a>, Tessa is dual enrolled at Southeastern University for her associate degree. She hopes to continue her education at the University of Florida for a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Tessa’s main 4-H project interest, or “central SPARK,” has been the Hog and Ham 4-H program. It is her interest and aptitude to become a Butcher by profession. Tessa is the Feathers and Furs 4-H club president and the 2024 Saint Lucie County Fair Queen winner.
When I asked Tessa to tell me what she was most proud of since being in 4-H and what she hopes to achieve from her involvement with <a href="https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/youth/livestock/hog-and-ham/">the Hog and Ham 4-H program</a>, her response was: “<a href="https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/youth/livestock/hog-and-ham/">The Hog and Ham program</a> is a workforce preparation opportunity for members of 4-H to have hands-on experience in raising, processing and marketing pigs, all through the University of Florida. For me (personally), it has been an experience that has shaped my life and my future as well, as I am now working towards becoming a butcher. Every part of this program encourages the growth of knowledge in an area largely overlooked: the meat industry. The processing of the animal itself isn’t the only part of it; the participant must also keep a record book of the swine and conduct a retail grocery audit and a restaurant audit that gives a unique insight into the food and meat industry. A PowerPoint presentation to close out your Hog and Ham experience is another example of what I’ve had to do in this <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/citizenship--leadership/">workforce preparation program</a> as a participant.”
Tessa continued to expound that “this <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/citizenship--leadership/">workforce preparation program</a> is so unique and certainly cannot be found anywhere else.” “If I had not been a 4-H participant, I wouldn’t have found the career path I wish to pursue. It is so interesting to see the amount of effort it takes for just one pig to go from pig to pork chops. I ultimately hope to become a Butcher with my own Restaurant, Butcher Shop, and Farm.” “This program is a significant step towards that goal, and I’m so thankful that the University of Florida and 4-H offers an opportunity like this that exists for me and fellow 4-H members.”
<figure id="attachment_9161" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9161" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/2024-Saint-Lucie-Fair-Queen.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-9161 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="290" height="437" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/2024-Saint-Lucie-Fair-Queen-199x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9161" class="wp-caption-text">2024 St. Lucie County Fair Queen. Photo credit: Stacy Dale.</figcaption></figure>
Tessa hopes to give back as 4-H alumni one day, stating, “I’d love to help cultivate an interest in agriculture in the next generation. 4-H has played a considerable role in shaping who I am and my future. I’d love to contribute to other 4-H members exploring interests and opportunities they may not have otherwise explored in any way I can! I certainly wouldn’t have imagined becoming a Butcher if 4-H did not have a program in place for me to explore that possibility. Therefore, I hope to do the same for others based on their interests.” “Tessa’s story is yet another testament to the transformative power of the Florida 4-H youth <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/citizenship--leadership/">workforce preparation program</a> with a sense of satisfaction experienced by all the 4-H professionals, parents, volunteers, and the supporting community sponsors throughout the years,” Ferguson added.
For more information, contact the 4-H Extension Agent @ john.ferguso@ufl.edu, 4-H Program Specialist Candace Wickham @ <a href="mailto:wickham.c@ufl.edu">wickham.c@ufl.edu</a>, Terri Zuidema @ <a href="mailto:tzuidema1@ufl.edu">tzuidema1@ufl.edu</a>, or Wren Underwood @ <a href="mailto:e.underwood1@ufl.edu">e.underwood1@ufl.edu</a>.
&nbsp;
Prepared by John Ferguson (4-H Extension Agent), with support from Shaelyn Toman (Parent).
</div>

Removing the skin for rinds and trimming the meat. Photo credit: Shaelyn Toman.

Tessa learning to break down primal cuts. Photo credit: Shaelyn Toman.
4-H Workforce Preparation is a clear indication that sometimes, we don’t acknowledge the work that goes into the food at our table, and this program gives a hands-on opportunity for the participants to have this insight. Tessa Toman is a senior 4-H member of the Feathers and Furs 4-H club with eight years of active participation in 4-H. Her parents are Christian and Shaelyn Toman, and she is the first of two children; her younger brother is Jasper Toman. Homeschooled as part of her workforce preparation, Tessa is dual enrolled at Southeastern University for her associate degree. She hopes to continue her education at the University of Florida for a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Tessa’s main 4-H project interest, or “central SPARK,” has been the Hog and Ham 4-H program. It is her interest and aptitude to become a Butcher by profession. Tessa is the Feathers and Furs 4-H club president and the 2024 Saint Lucie County Fair Queen winner.
When I asked Tessa to tell me what she was most proud of since being in 4-H and what she hopes to achieve from her involvement with the Hog and Ham 4-H program, her response was: “The Hog and Ham program is a workforce preparation opportunity for members of 4-H to have hands-on experience in raising, processing and marketing pigs, all through the University of Florida. For me (personally), it has been an experience that has shaped my life and my future as well, as I am now working towards becoming a butcher. Every part of this program encourages the growth of knowledge in an area largely overlooked: the meat industry. The processing of the animal itself isn’t the only part of it; the participant must also keep a record book of the swine and conduct a retail grocery audit and a restaurant audit that gives a unique insight into the food and meat industry. A PowerPoint presentation to close out your Hog and Ham experience is another example of what I’ve had to do in this workforce preparation program as a participant.”
Tessa continued to expound that “this workforce preparation program is so unique and certainly cannot be found anywhere else.” “If I had not been a 4-H participant, I wouldn’t have found the career path I wish to pursue. It is so interesting to see the amount of effort it takes for just one pig to go from pig to pork chops. I ultimately hope to become a Butcher with my own Restaurant, Butcher Shop, and Farm.” “This program is a significant step towards that goal, and I’m so thankful that the University of Florida and 4-H offers an opportunity like this that exists for me and fellow 4-H members.”
2024 St. Lucie County Fair Queen. Photo credit: Stacy Dale.
Tessa hopes to give back as 4-H alumni one day, stating, “I’d love to help cultivate an interest in agriculture in the next generation. 4-H has played a considerable role in shaping who I am and my future. I’d love to contribute to other 4-H members exploring interests and opportunities they may not have otherwise explored in any way I can! I certainly wouldn’t have imagined becoming a Butcher if 4-H did not have a program in place for me to explore that possibility. Therefore, I hope to do the same for others based on their interests.” “Tessa’s story is yet another testament to the transformative power of the Florida 4-H youth workforce preparation program with a sense of satisfaction experienced by all the 4-H professionals, parents, volunteers, and the supporting community sponsors throughout the years,” Ferguson added.
For more information, contact the 4-H Extension Agent @ john.ferguso@ufl.edu, 4-H Program Specialist Candace Wickham @ wickham.c@ufl.edu, Terri Zuidema @ tzuidema1@ufl.edu, or Wren Underwood @ e.underwood1@ufl.edu.
 
Prepared by John Ferguson (4-H Extension Agent), with support from Shaelyn Toman (Parent).

4-H Workforce Preparation is a clear indication that sometimes, we don’t acknowledge the work that goes into the food at our table, and this program gives a hands-on opportunity for the participants to have this insight. Tessa Toman is a senior 4-H member of the Feathers and Furs 4-H club with eight years of active […]

4-H Workforce Preparation – Guides the Pathway to Career Choices

Some nonnative reptile species found in Florida are fast and flee quickly from people with cameras.  Its recommended that nonnative reptiles be reported using ivegot1 or Eddmaps.  Capturing photos and videos can be tricky and often need telephoto lenses.  Nonnative lizards such as Peters&#8217;s rock agama and brown basilisks can be particularly tricky to photograph [&#8230;]

Some nonnative reptile species found in Florida are fast and flee quickly from people with cameras.  Its recommended that nonnative reptiles be reported using ivegot1 or <a href="https://www.eddmaps.org/report/animals.cfm?state=FL">Eddmaps</a>.  Capturing photos and videos can be tricky and often need telephoto lenses.  Nonnative lizards such as Peters&#8217;s rock agama and brown basilisks can be particularly tricky to photograph or video record.  You can read up about <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW476">Peters&#8217;s rock agam</a>a and <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW497">brown basilisks</a> on our UF EDIS documents.  I have need of new photos of brown basilisks and Peters&#8217;s rock agama because I constantly teach people about nonnative reptiles using media such as PowerPoint Presentations, blogs and social media. The time finally came for me to update my brown basilisk photo library.  All it took was a decent camera and a trip to Gordy Road Preserve.
<figure id="attachment_9013" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9013" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0786-reduced-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9013 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Brown Basilisk photo by Ken Gioeli, UF/IFAS Extension" width="300" height="169" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0786-reduced-300x169.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9013" class="wp-caption-text">Brown Basilisk photo by Ken Gioeli, UF/IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
So why now?  St. Lucie County has had a significant amount of rain in mid-June 2024 after a prolonged period of dry weather.  I decided it was time to stalk brown basilisks because of all the standing water.  These reptiles are also known as &#8220;Jesus Christ lizards&#8221; because they run on water to flee predators.  They thrive in damp warm places with standing puddles of water.
I selected <a href="https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/environmental-resources/county-preserves/gordy-road-recreation-area">Gordy Road Preserve</a> in western St. Lucie County as an ideal place to stalk brown basilisks with my camera.  This property is adjacent to 10 Mile Creek which is the headwaters of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.  I saw them there in the past and I figured they would still be there.  And I was right.
The brown basilisks saw me driving into the parking lot and got up on their hind legs and ran for cover.  I was grateful I did not have to go far to find them.  With a little patience, I took several decent photos and videos of these brown basilisks.
While at Gordy Road Preserve, I could not help but notice the Peters&#8217;s rock agama practically posing for photo ops.  Male agama have red heads while female agama have a more-drab coloration.  It should be noted that it was not raining when I visited this preserve.  I suspect neither of these reptile species would be easy to find if I was stalking them with my camera in the rain.
I hope you enjoy my photos.
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/02/14/scientists-urgently-seek-florida-residents-to-report-nonnative-lizards-as-early-detection-prevents-invasive-spread/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR28Xg2Y6WF3Jrdl6OuhQuvMDYFf3q7hVet6zHP_wfM9h8-mAdwoJkyeU4k_aem_AZHTCn-P8XeNdvbm6dITOBe34EfdCqNHsc3A2IpT1MmU5NGpryPtEE1IWdaufGlS0B0Au_-aYp-5mPMyo_11ZkrG">Scientists urgently seek Florida residents to report nonnative lizards as early detection prevents invasive spread &#8211; News (ufl.edu)</a>
<figure id="attachment_9035" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9035" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0702-reduction.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-9035" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0702-reduction-300x300.jpg" alt="Peters's rock agama" width="350" height="350" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9035" class="wp-caption-text">Peters&#8217;s rock agama male (red head) and female (drab colored head). Photo credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Now about those videos.  That was trickier &#8211; mostly because you cannot get close to either agama or basilisks without having them flee into the brush.  I used maximum zoom on my camera and captured short video clips while I took very, very slow steps forward.  It was difficult for me to keep basilisks in the camera&#8217;s view, and they were well-camouflaged against the fallen leaves and background vegetation.
Overall, I have to admit it was fun stalking these reptiles with my camera.  There were certainly plenty of them to take pictures of.
<figure id="attachment_9043" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9043" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0734-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9043 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Brown Basilisk. Photo credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS" width="300" height="169" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0734-300x169.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9043" class="wp-caption-text">Brown Basilisk. Photo credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_9045" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9045" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0803-reduced-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9045 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Male Peters&#039;s Rock Agama - Photo Credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS" width="300" height="169" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0803-reduced-300x169.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9045" class="wp-caption-text">Male Peters&#8217;s Rock Agama &#8211; Photo Credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_9049" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9049" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0727-reduced.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-9049 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Female Peters&#039;s Rock Agama" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/files/2024/06/IMG_0727-reduced-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9049" class="wp-caption-text">Female Peters&#8217;s Rock Agama. Photo Credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
_____________________________
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean and Director. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.

Some nonnative reptile species found in Florida are fast and flee quickly from people with cameras.  Its recommended that nonnative reptiles be reported using ivegot1 or Eddmaps.  Capturing photos and videos can be tricky and often need telephoto lenses.  Nonnative lizards such as Peters’s rock agama and brown basilisks can be particularly tricky to photograph or video record.  You can read up about Peters’s rock agama and brown basilisks on our UF EDIS documents.  I have need of new photos of brown basilisks and Peters’s rock agama because I constantly teach people about nonnative reptiles using media such as PowerPoint Presentations, blogs and social media. The time finally came for me to update my brown basilisk photo library.  All it took was a decent camera and a trip to Gordy Road Preserve.
Brown Basilisk photo by Ken Gioeli, UF/IFAS Extension
So why now?  St. Lucie County has had a significant amount of rain in mid-June 2024 after a prolonged period of dry weather.  I decided it was time to stalk brown basilisks because of all the standing water.  These reptiles are also known as “Jesus Christ lizards” because they run on water to flee predators.  They thrive in damp warm places with standing puddles of water.
I selected Gordy Road Preserve in western St. Lucie County as an ideal place to stalk brown basilisks with my camera.  This property is adjacent to 10 Mile Creek which is the headwaters of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.  I saw them there in the past and I figured they would still be there.  And I was right.
The brown basilisks saw me driving into the parking lot and got up on their hind legs and ran for cover.  I was grateful I did not have to go far to find them.  With a little patience, I took several decent photos and videos of these brown basilisks.
While at Gordy Road Preserve, I could not help but notice the Peters’s rock agama practically posing for photo ops.  Male agama have red heads while female agama have a more-drab coloration.  It should be noted that it was not raining when I visited this preserve.  I suspect neither of these reptile species would be easy to find if I was stalking them with my camera in the rain.
I hope you enjoy my photos.
Scientists urgently seek Florida residents to report nonnative lizards as early detection prevents invasive spread – News (ufl.edu)
Peters’s rock agama male (red head) and female (drab colored head). Photo credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS
Now about those videos.  That was trickier – mostly because you cannot get close to either agama or basilisks without having them flee into the brush.  I used maximum zoom on my camera and captured short video clips while I took very, very slow steps forward.  It was difficult for me to keep basilisks in the camera’s view, and they were well-camouflaged against the fallen leaves and background vegetation.
Overall, I have to admit it was fun stalking these reptiles with my camera.  There were certainly plenty of them to take pictures of.
Brown Basilisk. Photo credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS
Male Peters’s Rock Agama – Photo Credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS
Female Peters’s Rock Agama. Photo Credits: K. Gioeli, UF/IFAS
_____________________________
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean and Director. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.

Some nonnative reptile species found in Florida are fast and flee quickly from people with cameras.  Its recommended that nonnative reptiles be reported using ivegot1 or Eddmaps.  Capturing photos and videos can be tricky and often need telephoto lenses.  Nonnative lizards such as Peters’s rock agama and brown basilisks can be particularly tricky to photograph […]

Agama and Basilisk Photos at Gordy Road Preserve

How does a shy youth grow into a confident and inspirational young leader advocating for legislative change at the state level? For Berkley Barnes, a 17-year-old St. Lucie resident and 4-H member, the journey entailed participation in the robust Florida 4-H youth development program, combined with the support and guidance of mentors and role models. [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_45387" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45387" style="width: 281px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-45387" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/Barnes-and-Florida-State-Rep-Trabulsy-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="281" height="375" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45387" class="wp-caption-text">State Representative Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, honors Berkley Barnes on the house floor as the 2023 St. Lucie County Fair Queen. Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.</figcaption></figure>
How does a shy youth grow into a confident and inspirational young leader advocating for legislative change at the state level?
For Berkley Barnes, a 17-year-old St. Lucie resident and 4-H member, the journey entailed participation in the robust <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h-youth-development/">Florida 4-H</a> youth development program, combined with the support and guidance of mentors and role models. She was also driven by her determination to overcome challenges and acquire new skills.
“As a junior in high school now, I have participated in many extracurricular activities and as each one continues to build my character in public speaking, legislative policy and networking, 4-H has been my solid ground and an organization to call home,” she said.
Barnes’ journey with 4-H began in 2012 as a mini-member of the 4-H small animal club. She learned to show her rabbit at the fair and gradually overcame her shyness by acquiring public speaking skills as she interacted with visitors in the small animal barn. Barnes admits these early experiences demanded a lot of her time but also offered exciting new learning opportunities.
“I still remember my first 4-H meeting when I was 5 years old. I remember feeling nervous and unsettled hearing about having to give demonstrations, let alone trying to make new friends, but the rest is history,” she said. “With each passing year, I have now blossomed into a leader who is ready to take on anything and every opportunity 4-H gives me.”
As she continued her involvement in 4-H, she met new role models, who mentored and encouraged her to explore new challenges and engage in civic activities. Flash forward to 2020, she received her first invitation to join the <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/events/citizenship--leadership-events/executive-board/">Florida 4-H State Executive Board</a> and <a href="https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/events/legislature/">Florida 4-H Legislature</a> at the age of 13.
<figure id="attachment_45393" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45393" style="width: 226px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-45393 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="226" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/2023-First-Executive-Board-activity-226x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45393" class="wp-caption-text">Berkely Barnes is joined by members of the Florida 4-H Executive Board in a letter writing campaign for Camp Cherry Lake. Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.</figcaption></figure>
“These two programs provide excellent leadership opportunities for 4-H members across the state who represent their county and district as they learn, practice and defend the theory and process of representing citizens and contribute to the making of public policies,” said John Ferguson, the 4-H agent at <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucie/">UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County</a>. “Statewide 4-H programs like this contribute to the 4-H Workforce Preparation/ Career Readiness Program that we are fostering through all our 4-H projects.”
Initially hesitant about the legislative process, it became a pivotal moment in Barnes’ leadership journey. She soon discovered a passion for it, building friendships and finding joy in crafting and editing legislative bills.
“My initial impression of the legislative process was just &#8211; wow! I knew this was where I was meant to be,” she said. “It was even crazier to think that these representatives wanted to hear from me and that as a 14-year-old, I could play such a pivotal role in creating a bill just by using my voice.”
In 2021, Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, approached Barnes to participate in the house page and messenger program in Tallahassee. This was Barnes’ eighth-grade year and Trabulsy’s freshman year in the House. One evening, after Trabulsy asked Barnes about her activities in the 4-H Legislature program, she eagerly shared her work on a bill she hoped would advance to a mock session for a vote.
Barnes’ bill proposed that students who take part in Florida 4-H and Future Farmers of America receive excused absences for attending program-related events, inspired by similar legislation in Tennessee. Trabulsy recognized the bill&#8217;s potential impact and engaged in extensive community discussions to champion the cause at the state level. Although the bill faced challenges in gaining priority during the 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions, persistence paid off.
<figure id="attachment_45399" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45399" style="width: 254px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-45399" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/06/4-H-LEG-2023-at-the-steps-226x300.jpg" alt="" width="254" height="337" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45399" class="wp-caption-text">At the Tallahassee capitol building steps are 4-H St. Lucie County members taking a moment just minutes before the start of the 2023 Legislature. (L-R. Callie Post, Kylee Selph, Alyssa Coppock and Berkley Barnes). Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.</figcaption></figure>
In the 2024 legislative session, Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough County, included the 4-H and FFA excused absences language in
their agricultural bill, SB 1084. On May 2, 2024, Trabulsy had the pleasure of informing Barnes that SB 1084 was signed into law.
“For the past three summers, I have attended the 4-H Legislature program religiously,” said Barnes. “It is by far my favorite event that our state 4-H has to offer and by being on the Florida 4-H State Executive Board, I get to work alongside some amazing individuals to make this event happen.”
Participants spend the year writing and editing bills, choosing legislative job descriptions, and working on committees for annual mock sessions.
“Students are challenged to debate, lobby, amend and vote on bills that affect issues that we face as Floridians,” she said. “I am looking forward to one more year of ‘LEG’ (Florida 4-H Legislature) next year for my senior year! So far, the future of Florida&#8217;s Legislature is looking bright.”
“Barnes’ story is a testament of the transformative power of Florida 4-H as youth workforce development program and the lasting impact it has on promoting community support,” added Ferguson.
&nbsp;
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
ABOUT FLORIDA 4-H 
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&amp;M University.
<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fflorida4h.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmeredithbauer%40ufl.edu%7Cad38f020f77947a9739908db9e5a5219%7C0d4da0f84a314d76ace60a62331e1b84%7C0%7C0%7C638277882978339518%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=QkJ2QzpbDHIwr8OocQs8O5qMpaUD%2BKDU%2FZNVi5FQPmA%3D&amp;reserved=0">florida4h.org</a>  |  <a href="mailto:grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu">grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;

State Representative Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, honors Berkley Barnes on the house floor as the 2023 St. Lucie County Fair Queen. Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.
How does a shy youth grow into a confident and inspirational young leader advocating for legislative change at the state level?
For Berkley Barnes, a 17-year-old St. Lucie resident and 4-H member, the journey entailed participation in the robust Florida 4-H youth development program, combined with the support and guidance of mentors and role models. She was also driven by her determination to overcome challenges and acquire new skills.
“As a junior in high school now, I have participated in many extracurricular activities and as each one continues to build my character in public speaking, legislative policy and networking, 4-H has been my solid ground and an organization to call home,” she said.
Barnes’ journey with 4-H began in 2012 as a mini-member of the 4-H small animal club. She learned to show her rabbit at the fair and gradually overcame her shyness by acquiring public speaking skills as she interacted with visitors in the small animal barn. Barnes admits these early experiences demanded a lot of her time but also offered exciting new learning opportunities.
“I still remember my first 4-H meeting when I was 5 years old. I remember feeling nervous and unsettled hearing about having to give demonstrations, let alone trying to make new friends, but the rest is history,” she said. “With each passing year, I have now blossomed into a leader who is ready to take on anything and every opportunity 4-H gives me.”
As she continued her involvement in 4-H, she met new role models, who mentored and encouraged her to explore new challenges and engage in civic activities. Flash forward to 2020, she received her first invitation to join the Florida 4-H State Executive Board and Florida 4-H Legislature at the age of 13.
Berkely Barnes is joined by members of the Florida 4-H Executive Board in a letter writing campaign for Camp Cherry Lake. Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.
“These two programs provide excellent leadership opportunities for 4-H members across the state who represent their county and district as they learn, practice and defend the theory and process of representing citizens and contribute to the making of public policies,” said John Ferguson, the 4-H agent at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County. “Statewide 4-H programs like this contribute to the 4-H Workforce Preparation/ Career Readiness Program that we are fostering through all our 4-H projects.”
Initially hesitant about the legislative process, it became a pivotal moment in Barnes’ leadership journey. She soon discovered a passion for it, building friendships and finding joy in crafting and editing legislative bills.
“My initial impression of the legislative process was just – wow! I knew this was where I was meant to be,” she said. “It was even crazier to think that these representatives wanted to hear from me and that as a 14-year-old, I could play such a pivotal role in creating a bill just by using my voice.”
In 2021, Rep. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, approached Barnes to participate in the house page and messenger program in Tallahassee. This was Barnes’ eighth-grade year and Trabulsy’s freshman year in the House. One evening, after Trabulsy asked Barnes about her activities in the 4-H Legislature program, she eagerly shared her work on a bill she hoped would advance to a mock session for a vote.
Barnes’ bill proposed that students who take part in Florida 4-H and Future Farmers of America receive excused absences for attending program-related events, inspired by similar legislation in Tennessee. Trabulsy recognized the bill’s potential impact and engaged in extensive community discussions to champion the cause at the state level. Although the bill faced challenges in gaining priority during the 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions, persistence paid off.
At the Tallahassee capitol building steps are 4-H St. Lucie County members taking a moment just minutes before the start of the 2023 Legislature. (L-R. Callie Post, Kylee Selph, Alyssa Coppock and Berkley Barnes). Courtesy Terri Ziudema, 4-H program specialist at UF/IFAS St. Lucie.
In the 2024 legislative session, Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough County, included the 4-H and FFA excused absences language in
their agricultural bill, SB 1084. On May 2, 2024, Trabulsy had the pleasure of informing Barnes that SB 1084 was signed into law.
“For the past three summers, I have attended the 4-H Legislature program religiously,” said Barnes. “It is by far my favorite event that our state 4-H has to offer and by being on the Florida 4-H State Executive Board, I get to work alongside some amazing individuals to make this event happen.”
Participants spend the year writing and editing bills, choosing legislative job descriptions, and working on committees for annual mock sessions.
“Students are challenged to debate, lobby, amend and vote on bills that affect issues that we face as Floridians,” she said. “I am looking forward to one more year of ‘LEG’ (Florida 4-H Legislature) next year for my senior year! So far, the future of Florida’s Legislature is looking bright.”
“Barnes’ story is a testament of the transformative power of Florida 4-H as youth workforce development program and the lasting impact it has on promoting community support,” added Ferguson.
 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
 
ABOUT FLORIDA 4-H
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.
florida4h.org  |  grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu

How does a shy youth grow into a confident and inspirational young leader advocating for legislative change at the state level? For Berkley Barnes, a 17-year-old St. Lucie resident and 4-H member, the journey entailed participation in the robust Florida 4-H youth development program, combined with the support and guidance of mentors and role models. […]

St. Lucie County

Narrower Topics

St Lucie County Soil and Water

Publicaciones

Recommended Native Landscape Plants for Florida's Treasure Coast

Publicaciones relacionadas en el blog de IFAS

4-H Workforce Preparation – Guides the Pathway to Career Choices

Agama and Basilisk Photos at Gordy Road Preserve

Meet Berkley Barnes: From shy 4-H mini-member to legislative change agent

Temas más amplios

Condados de Florida

Unidades relacionadas

St. Lucie County

Related Links

Find publications by topic area

INFORMATION

LAND GRANT MISSION

FOR AUTHORS