Do you have a child that loves spending time outdoors? Exploring, hiking, biking, climbing trees, playing with bugs, fishing, birding, orienteering—anything, as long as they can be outdoors. We are blessed to live in an area with an abundance of absolutely beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, parks and trails to explore; and exploring is one of our favorite 4H Outdoor Adventure project group activities.

Throughout the years the Union County Homemakers have assisted the Agents in the Extension Office.

Retired Agents Bill and Debbie Morgan have helped with the Home School 4-H Programs. Bill has taught classes on how to make Blue Bird house and Debbie teaches sewing classes. They do so much more and our county benefits from their lessons.

Union County’s own 10-year-old Reed Reno has excelled in the 2024 show season, achieving impressive results in the Tennessee Swine Show Circuit (TSSC) for 4-H swine exhibitions. Representing Union County across multiple divisions, Reed’s dedication and skill have set him apart in competitive categories.

The Swine Program, established in 1943 in Union County, began with twenty-six 4-H members raising pigs. Over the years, the program has thrived, with participants showcasing their livestock at the Union Stock Yards.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) group held their monthly meeting last month with a special trip to the Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City. Known as one of the state's finest examples of Second Empire architectural style, the mansion, built in 1868, provided a fascinating historical backdrop for the gathering.

In the 1941 records of Union County Extensions, the 4-H programs began to expand into local schools. The inaugural 4-H Chick Program was launched in Union County, providing 50 chicks to seventeen 4-H students, who received a loan of $9.50 to cover the cost of the chicks and feed. The first Chick Sale took place in 1955, featuring 125 pullets that averaged $1.25 each.

The Union County Heritage Festival showcased remarkable talent and skill from both youth and adult participants in this year's 4-H Youth and Adults Exhibits. The annual event featured a variety of categories, from sewing and needle art to canned goods and farm-fresh eggs. The Union County community came together to celebrate the hard work and creativity of its members.

In 1946, Agent Angie Fugate conducted demonstrations for members of the Homemakers Clubs, showcasing new electric stoves and cooking appliances, including pressure cookers. She explained how these appliances operated differently from traditional wood cook stoves. Fugate also taught techniques for freezing foods using the new electric freezers and demonstrated the use of electric sewing machines, which had replaced pedal-operated models. Additionally, she provided guidance on gardening, lawn beautification, and chicken care.

Three Union County 4-H youths proudly represented their county at the inaugural Eastern Region Goat Show, held at the Tennessee Valley Fair last month.
Competing for the first time in this prestigious event, these young participants demonstrated skill, dedication and sportsmanship across multiple categories.
In the Showmanship competition:
- Madison Cole earned 2nd place in the Senior Level I division.
- Briar Smith secured 4th place in the Junior Level division.
- Reed Reno captured 3rd place in the Explorer Level division.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program cost share program will be accepting applications October 1-7. This program, established in 2005, has helped farmers in Union County and across the state of Tennessee. More than $1.27 million has been invested in 424 producer projects from 2005 through 2023 in Union County. Each TAEP dollar generates $6.55 in local economies.