Melanie Buckler
What 4-H program or project were you involved in during your time in 4-H BC?
During my time in 4-H, I showed sheep and completed an individual project. These projects include ewe lamb, market lamb, yearling ewe, ewe with lamb at foot, and a photography based individual project.
How did you first get involved with 4-H, and what motivated you to join?
I first became involved with 4-H when I was in the 8th grade. A friend of mine had joined a swine club and I had interest in joining the island’s sheep club! Initially, my goal was to develop hands on experience with different types of animals as at that time I wished to pursue a degree in Veterinary medicine.
How many years were you in 4-H and what motivated you to stay in or leave the program?
I was a part of 4-H for 5 years. I would’ve loved to remain a member for longer, however I moved to Alberta after high school to complete a Bachelors degree at the University of Alberta.
What are the most valuable skills you gained through your 4-H experience?
Where do I begin with this question. Many, if not all of the skills that I pertain today are in due thanks to my parents, teachers, and experiences/people met through 4-H. 4-H helped me develop lifelong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. These skills have provided me with the confidence to pursue my passions while being assured that I can convey myself in a high quality, professional manner. Along with this, 4-H provided me with a safe environment to learn how to reach out for help or admit any errors or mistakes that I might make. I have found that these skills are just as important as the interpersonal skills that I have developed as they ensure that I can complete any work I set out to do at the highest of standards.
Can you share a specific challenge you faced in 4-H and how you overcame it?
During my 4th year in 4-H, my mature ewe (Iggy) whom I had helped raise since birth passed away very unexpectedly. I was extremely heart broken and debated not coming back for a 5th and final year. I had developed a very strong connection with Iggy, one that many 4-H members would understand. With the kindness of my club and club leaders, I was able to continue showing with a new mature ewe project and complete a final year before moving provinces. It was difficult to switch projects so late into my experience, however everyone was very supportive and aided me in my transition.
How has your time in 4-H impacted your career path or educational choices?
4-H provided me with many opportunities and experiences in the agricultural industry that I never would’ve known existed. Growing up in the city, I believed that the only option for working with animals would’ve been to become a veterinarian. After touring many farms and speaking with producers and professionals in the industry, I developed a passion for nutrition and feed formulation. I proceeded to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science at the University of Alberta in 2024. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Manitoba with a focus on dairy nutrition. My goal after my education is completed is to become a Dairy Nutritionist.
What friendships or connections did you build through 4-H, and how have they influenced your life?
4-H drives strong connections as it allows you to complete hard work and accomplish goals with your fellow members and friends. This in turn fosters deep personal connections and provides a fantastic environment to meet like-minded people. I have met many members from all over the province and find that I can relate to them very easily due to our shared experiences.
What advice would you give to current 4-H members about making the most of their experience?
I would say that if an opportunity presents itself, don’t hesitate! Experiencing new things can be scary for the first time, but there are so many leaders and people who want to see you succeed that will help you through the process. 4-H is meant for discovering your passions, talents, and even the things you struggle with and provides a safe environment to work on and develop your skills. Even as a new member, I would highly recommend becoming very involved with your club (such as being a part of your club’s executive team) as it will allow you to learn more about your club and will provide an opportunity to develop your leadership skills and confidence.
Looking back, what would you consider your proudest moment during your time in 4-H?
Looking back, I would say that my proudest moment(s) in 4-H was any time that younger members would ask for my help or opinion before shows or presentations. Knowing that I was in their shoes only a few years prior made me feel very proud of myself and the work that I had done to become someone to ask for assistance and advice.
How do you envision your connection with 4-H evolving in the future?
While I no longer live in BC, I hope to become more involved with 4-H once I complete my education and return to BC. It is a dream of mine to be a judge at a show that I had once shown in and I would like to provide my assistance either as a club leader or as a judge for public speaking events.
What goals or projects are you currently pursuing that were inspired by your 4-H experience?
While I initially began working with sheep, my focus now is primarily with dairy cattle. While at the University of Alberta, I created and led a program for students to volunteer with dairy cows (referred to as “Hands on a Holstein”) at our Dairy Research and Technology Center (DRTC). We had over 70 volunteers involved who aided in building a new barn and fencing area for the heifers, performing deep cleans of the calving and calf units and that participated in tutorials to learn more about animal rearing and care. As someone who was introduced to livestock thanks to 4-H, it was very important to me to provide an environment and experience for students to be introduced to the agricultural industry through hands on work. Along with this, I aided the manager of the DRTC to run a program called “Homeroom Holsteins” which educated elementary students at over 100 schools across Alberta about agriculture and dairy cattle. I currently do not have any ongoing projects; however, I aim to develop another volunteer team here at the University of Manitoba to improve our Farm and Food Discovery Center.