4-H: Where Are They Now?

Q&A with Chloe Evans • Photo by Michaela Parker

Andy Berry has many roles—Mississippi state senator for District 35, including Copiah, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson Counties; executive director of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association; cattle farmer; and former Lawrence County 4-H’er. His work makes him a regular face at the Mississippi State Fair and the Dixie National Junior Round-Up livestock shows. Along with the thousands that Berry represents as a Mississippi state senator, he also helps represent cattlemen statewide in his role with the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association.

He credits the strong relationships with his Mississippi 4-H friends and his Extension agent and 4-H youth leader, Harvin Hudson, with inspiring his passion for serving Mississippi and its cattle industry. Hudson, who worked as an Extension agent for more than 30 years, began his career in 1983 as the 4-H agent in Lawrence County. In addition to overseeing the 4-H youth development program in his county, Hudson, like Berry, devoted much of his time to livestock shows and educating young people about the importance of the cattle industry.

What is a memorable moment or story from your time in 4-H that has stayed with you?

I still go back to the room we were in when Harvin formed the club. I can remember my 4-H campaign for vice president and all the fun that we had traveling to new places. The first time I went to Washington, D.C., was to Citizenship Washington Focus. Club Congress was definitely a neat experience, and I remember another trip to Chicago. Nothing can replace the people, places, or experiences 4-H provided to me, and I will always thank Harvin Hudson for coming to my school and being committed to our success.

Without 4-H …

I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. There’s no doubt professionally, and personally, the benefit that 4-H provided to me. It set me to where I am in my life today. And I’ll be forever thankful for Harvin Hudson, my youth leader, coming into my school and setting that program up.

What do you wish people knew about 4-H?

Though I focused a lot on the livestock programs, there are so many other programs out there that are very beneficial to our youth who don’t have a livestock animal or an agricultural background that will instill in them the same set of skills that I learned through the livestock program.

How does 4-H influence your life now?

My knowledge of animals, how to take care of animals, and gaining that greater concern for their welfare were all fostered through the 4-H program, so I certainly think 4-H played a valuable role in preparing me to be an accomplished adult. With the livestock judging, I had to make quick evaluations and think on my feet with believable and coherent reasons. Also, in visual presentations and running for office, 4-H helped me overcome my hesitation to get up and speak in front of groups of people. The program really helped prepare me for where I am in my professional life today.