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Urban 4-H membership continues to increase in Iowa

The executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation says there’s been an uptick in 4-H membership in the state’s urban areas.

Emily Saveraid says 4-H is for everyone.

“Whatever your interest is, you can find it in 4-H. As urban centers grow, we know the need for 4-H is important there.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, she said the organization has been adapting its programing to accommodate new members.

“How do we help those young people be connected to agriculture? Even as you’re thinking about an urban area, ag is still important for them. Here in Polk County we see a lot of staff doing work and bringing chicks into classrooms and doing chick hatching programs.”

Saveraid says the Iowa 4-H Foundation can help provide financial resources to develop newer youth programs.