Beetch, 18, a 2010 graduate of Abilene High School, and the son of Greg and Kari Beetch, 1140 Daisy Road, is a 4-H ambassador. It fits nicely as Justin was a 4-year member of FFA and has been a member of the Holland Sunflowers since age 6.
The 4-Her will have market beef, meat goats and livestock judging during the upcoming Central Kansas Free Fair. He will also have horticulture entries with hay and grain.
This is also his third year as an ambassador. He says being an ambassador has been a rewarding experience for him. A central part of his message is about 4-H and the importance of agriculture.
“For the younger kids you try to get their attention more by showing because that is something they can relate to,” he said.
His start came three years ago when Erin Johnson asked him if he be interested in learning more about the program. Justin said he was unsure at first because of his schedule and other commitments. Johnson convinced him to try so he attended a camp devoted to the ambassador program.
“I had a lot of fun over several days. It was all positive and I met a lot of new people,” he said. “Being ambassador is not just being in Dickinson County. You meet a lot of new people, make new friends and learn new things.”
As an older ambassador Justin has found his own niche. The Beetches started their own meat goat herd and it has been a successful venture. He has used that new experience as a way to reach out to younger 4-Hers.
“My favorite part is helping out in the community and providing livestock to younger 4-Hers,” Justin said.
Talking about the importance of agriculture to urban and rural dwellers alike is something he enjoys. Beetch believes that communicating the importance of agriculture is good for producers and consumers alike.
“In today’s society agriculture is a very big deal and sometimes it gets overlooked,” he said. “More and more people want to escape and they drift away from their agricultural roots.”
Beetch is eager to talk about the importance of rural and agricultural roots and serving as an ambassador has given him a conduit.
“Being an ambassador means a lot to me,” Beetch said. “It sets an example and leads future generations. As soon as I get out college I will either help with the family farm or start off on my own.”
He embraces the future opportunity.
“I feel confident about it. Being around it for 18 years you get used to it,” he said. “It’s not as big as an obstacle as one might think, but there are risks.”
Later this month, Beetch will head to Cloud County Community College in Concordia where he plans to study agriculture and play baseball. After two years, he plans to attend either Fort Hays State University or Kansas State University and get a degree in agriculture.
Beetch said he would encourage youth to consider applying for the ambassador program.
“I would definitely encourage 4-H kids to apply,” he said. “If you like to meet new people and learn new ideas it’s a great way to do it.”
During the fair, ambassadors are called upon to help with presentations of awards and providing assistance to others. Beetch likes that aspect.
“As long as I can help someone I like doing that,” Justin said. “If it’s something I can help with I’ll do my best to help out the situation.”
Even with those commitments, ambassadors are able to compete, too.
“I am,” he said when asked if he was ready for the fair. “I’m ready for this year’s fair. This year we got all of our animals ready earlier than last year.”