Young is new CSU Extension 4-H Agent in SLV

SAN LUIS VALLEY — Morgan Young is the new Colorado State University Extension 4-H Agent in the San Luis Valley Area.

Young is a sixth-generation cattle rancher. She grew up in Fruita, where she was involved in 4-H as well as FFA, and played softball, before earning her associate’s degree at Lamar Community College and her bachelor’s degree in animal science and her master’s in agricultural communication and media from West Texas University. She wrote her master’s thesis on the Beef Quality Assurance program.

After college she interned with the Mesa County 4-H program.

“I realized that I wanted to work with the 4-H program and show kids what I loved growing up,” Young said.

So, she became the 4-H Youth Development and Family Consumer Science CSU Extension Agent in Chaffee County where she has been for the last two years. She grew the 4-H program there even in a year with COVID-19 with the help of her leaders and members.

“When the job became available here in the San Luis Valley, I knew it was meant for me,” Young said. “I felt a calling to come here, and it all fell into place. I’ve been here less than three weeks, but so far, I really love it here. I’m still learning each county within the San Luis Valley as to their needs from me and what they want from the 4-H program.”

Young said she would like to encourage the participation in the 4-H program either as a 4-H member or volunteer because 4-H is so much more than just “cows and plows.”

She wants to offer an opportunity to all youth within the San Luis Valley to recognize their potential whether it is in animal projects, leadership, or “indoor” projects such as cake decorating, model rocketry, just to name a few.

There are many leadership retreats that youth can participate in as well. Her passions lie with giving youth the tools they need to be responsible and respectful, leaders within their communities.

She believes in creating programing that is unique to each of the different cultures and communities in the San Luis Valley. With so many children struggling to reach their full potential, 4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families and communities across the country. 4-H believes every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed. They believe every child should have the skills they need to make a difference in the world. 

“I want them to have all the tools they need for their future,” Young said.

When she isn’t working, Young is a country girl at heart and loves being outdoors hiking, hunting and fishing.

She likes working with cattle, snow and water skiing, spending time with her family and working with her dog Sage.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.4-h.org/or www.colorado4H.orgor call the San Luis Valley Area Colorado State University Extension Office at 719-852-7381.