Courtesy National 4-H Council

At the Ignite by 4-H Summit held March 12 to 16 in Washington, D.C., Utah County 4-H Coordinator Heather Thomson, along with 4-H members Madeline Wallen and Wyatt Jensen-Brown, helped spark a passion for agriculture in youth from across the nation and Canada by sharing about the agriculture literacy initiative Cowboy Camp.

The team’s workshop, titled “Cowboy Code,” inspired the youth in attendance to become agriculture advocates and start their own Cowboy Camps in their communities by teaching about the importance of agriculture and cowboys in today’s society.

Started by Thomson, Cowboy Camp aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who are passionate about agriculture and who are equipped to make positive contributions to their local communities, whether it is through civic engagement or their careers.

“It was surreal getting to stand on the shoulders of some of my greatest influences and share their Western legacy with youth from all across our nation and Canada. These 4-H’ers were able to be cowboys for 60 minutes…. Watching them grow in their appreciation and become inspired to continually advocate for our industry is the reason I love what I get to do,” Thomson said. “Cowboy Camp is now on its way to becoming replicated throughout various 4-H programs in our country and Canada, and a new generation of advocates is ready to join the conversation on the importance of agriculture in our society!”

Over 100 4-H youth participated in “Cowboy Code,” with 37 states and two Canadian provinces represented. In a post-evaluation, 98% felt inspired to advocate for agriculture and help others understand its importance.

Courtesy National 4-H Council

They were also eager to take what they had learned and implement the ag-literacy program in their communities.

Thomson led the workshop, with Wallen and Jensen-Brown serving as Cowboy Camp teen leaders and youth presenters. As part of the presentation, 4-H youth learned what cowboys are and the code they live by. The Cowboy Code is a set of ethics and values that cowboys have lived by for centuries and is based on honesty, hard work and fair treatment of both man and animal.

Being a cowboy is not about what you wear but how you act. It’s a lifestyle that anyone can embody.

“There’s the spirit of a cowboy in each one of you, and no matter your current involvement in agriculture, each one of you can be an advocate for this industry,” Thomson told the youth at the workshop.

Thomson also emphasized that the term “cowboy” is not gender specific.

Courtesy National 4-H Council

“Despite its connotation, the word ‘cowboy’ does not denote one gender over another. Some of the best cowboys are girls! The term is instead used to describe an individual that embodies resiliency, grit and dedication, always striving to provide for a richer future,” she said.

In addition, participants learned about the importance of cowboys and agriculture in an increasingly urban landscape. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, livestock and crop producers make up only 2% of the American population. With the global population expected to increase by 1.8 billion by the year 2050 and the amount of farmland on a steady decline, the industry is needed now more than ever.

For the hands-on portion, the youth got to design their dream ranch horse through equine DNA analysis. Much like a cowboy would, they carefully studied horse genetics, considering traits like disposition, conformation and athletic ability. Afterward, they got to try their hand at trick roping.

Jensen-Brown said of the experience, “It was cool to have an opportunity to share my passion for agriculture with others from all across the country.”

Now back home in Utah, Thomson and her Cowboy Camp teen leaders are looking forward to Cowboy Camp 2025, which will be held in Bryce Canyon in June and hosted by Utah County 4-H in collaboration with the Brinkerhoff and Mecham families. Each year, local agriculture is highlighted. At this year’s camp, participants will get to embark on one of two adventures: mule rides through slot canyons guided by Mecham Outfitters or a fishing excursion. Registration filled within 11 minutes, showing participants’ enthusiasm.

Fishing is a new Cowboy Camp adventure and will help educate youth on the diversity of Utah agriculture. The fish used to stock Utah’s bodies of water are first raised in a hatchery and then released into Utah’s waterways, which also help supply irrigation water to grow food. Youth will get to see firsthand how Utah’s farmers and ranchers are working tirelessly to preserve this precious resource.