![Minnesota 4-H Club Responds To State’s Changing Demographics](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/05/Farm.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota 4-H Club Responds To State’s Changing Demographics
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A century-old University of Minnesota youth program often associated with agriculture has added new options to traditional activities to keep up with the state's changing demographics.
Minnesota 4-H Club has expanded from its farming roots as the state's agricultural community shrinks.
Bradley Rugg is director of fair and animal science programs for the University Extension Center for Youth Development. He says an animal leasing program aims to make agriculture accessible to all kids in response to the declining number of farms.
The leasing program allows children without an animal to care for and train a mentor's farm animal, as well as show it at fairs and contests.
U.S. Department of Agriculture officials say the number of Minnesota farms fell by more than half between 1940 and 2010.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)