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10-29-04
By Bob Rost, 541-737-3381
SOURCE: Jim Rutledge, 541-737-2421
CORVALLIS - Jim Rutledge, Oregon State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program leader, has been recognized by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for his contributions to agriculture.
 Jim Rutledge Click on image to go to downloadable photo |
Under Rutledge's leadership over the past decade, the Oregon 4-H Program has a tremendous increase in participation among youths, from 41,000 to more than 100,000. During that time, Rutledge also worked to create an effective statewide partnership between 4-H youth programs and Agriculture in the Classroom programs sponsored by the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"I think agricultural literacy - the focus of the Agriculture in the Classroom program - is very important for our youth today and for the future of our country," said Rutledge. "Educating young people about natural resources and agriculture is also a key area of emphasis in 4-H programs. I feel fortunate that we've found effective ways to create a partnership between 4-H Youth Development and the Agriculture in the Classroom program to reach and educate more Oregon youth, especially in the urban areas."
Rutledge joined the OSU Extension Service faculty as Oregon 4-H program leader in 1994. Earlier in his 33-year career Rutledge was a county 4-H agent in Wisconsin and Wyoming, and became state director of the Oklahoma 4-H program in 1989.