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From Corn to Clover: Exploring the History and Hidden Gems of Texas 4-H

Discover how one of the nation’s most recognized youth programs found its roots, its home and its future alongside Texas A&M University.

By Tylie McDonald '27

Photos provided by Texas 4-H

September 8, 2026

Every great harvest begins with a successfully sown seed. For Texas 4-H, that seed was planted when a handful of youth embraced the opportunity to learn, lead and create change. More than 100 years later, the impact of that investment can be seen in the confidence of students, the dedication of volunteers and the communities strengthened by generations of Texas 4-H members.

Today, Texas 4-H is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the nationwide 4-H movement, helping young Texans build skills, confidence and connections in communities across the state. Dig into these facts and milestones highlighting a few of the people, places and moments that have shaped more than a century of Texas 4-H.
 

Seeing a teaching opportunity with youth, the Texas 4-H program began with corn clubs for boys in Jack County, Texas.

It Started With a Stalk

Seeking to improve farm production and increase yields during agriculture’s early modernization, county extension agent T.M. Marks quickly realized children made better learners than adults. As he encouraged farmers and ranchers to adopt the mechanization and technological advances emerging in the early 1900s, he was often met with hesitation. However, 25 boys in Jack County, Texas, eagerly sought Marks’ guidance, particularly on how plows, reapers and other new methods could reduce the labor required to produce a corn crop. From that curiosity, the state’s first boys’ corn club was born in 1908, joining a growing movement of crop clubs in other states.

“With the youths’ success, the farmers started to listen and change practices,” said Dr. Montza Williams ’87 ’88 ’04, Texas 4-H program director. “That early influence continues today as 4-H works with youth in their areas of interest while encouraging leadership and service, so as our members become adults, they can make positive contributions to society.”

3-H

As more clubs became established across America and centered around different crops and agricultural products, the need arose for an emblem to unite these early organizations under one identity. That original symbol was a three-leaf clover. Yes, the familiar four-leaf clover recognized as the trademarked National 4-H emblem today did not come until later. The original represented only three of the titular H’s: Head, Heart and Hands. O.B. Martin — who later served as director of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service — is credited with suggesting the fourth H: Health. With that addition, the four-leaf clover was born and eventually became a federally protected emblem in 1939.
 

By 1912, agricultural clubs had expanded their reach to the young girls of Texas.

Let's Grow, Girls

Boys, however, weren’t the only young people finding opportunities through these new agricultural clubs. In Milam County, the first Texas girls’ clubs were organized, known then as tomato clubs. By 1912, enrollment in canning clubs reached 2,283 girls, and an astounding 14,074 cans of tomatoes had been canned. Through the clubs, members learned food preservation, gardening and entrepreneurship while contributing to their families and communities.

Making of a Motto

From the beginning, members of the girls’ clubs were already practicing leadership and civic engagement in their own way. Texas clubs coordinated with other girls’ clubs around the nation to vote on a motto — presented by former botanist for the Department of Agriculture, Carrie Harrison — that would represent the values of their growing movement. After careful deliberation, they chose the phrase, “To Make the Best Better.”

Shortly thereafter, in 1920, the boys’ and girls’ clubs — the forerunner of 4-H — officially adopted the motto. Its place in the organization was cemented in 1927 when both the motto and the 4-H pledge were formally incorporated into the official handbook at the first National 4-H Club Camp in Washington, D.C.

A Council and a Contest

The organization’s structure took its next step in 1921 with the establishment of the State 4-H Club Council, consisting of one county agent from each of the nine club districts. These representatives helped guide the organization’s growth and expand opportunities for members, particularly through competitions.

Among the first was the State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, held in College Station. That connection to Texas A&M was no coincidence. “Because Texas A&M is the state land-grant university, 4-H has always had that link with research conducted through the university system and has shared that research and knowledge with young people,” said Williams.
 

For over 100 years, Texas 4-H programs have been encouraging students towards responsibility and commitment.

A Promise To Protect

As 4-H became the official unifying title for the nation’s boys’ and girls’ clubs, as well as a trademark program of the United States government, a new challenge emerged. With the onset of World War II, 4-H members traded fairgrounds for the home front, adopting the temporary slogan, "Feed and Clothe a Fighter and Myself." The phrase evolved into a wartime campaign that called on youth to help meet critical food and fiber needs, encouraging families to raise livestock, grow gardens and produce clothing materials to support both their communities and American service members during an era of severe rationing and sacrifice.

Breaking Ground in Brownwood

Fueled by the post-war boom, Texas 4-H entered decades of expansion. The creation of the Texas 4-H Youth Council and the first official Roundup at Texas A&M reflected the program's reach, while a growing membership prompted the construction of a permanent home. In just three years, the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood, Texas, opened its doors, followed by the formation of the 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association of Texas in 1976. Stephanie Wendt ’00 ’04, a 20-year Brazos County volunteer, club manager and coach, has witnessed that legacy firsthand. “I've been volunteering long enough to see the next generation of 4-Hers begin their own journeys,” she shared. “The impact isn't one-sided — 4-Hers and volunteers create a lasting cycle of learning, influencing and inspiring one another. As much as we help shape their futures, they leave a lasting impact on ours.”

 


Tenfold Involvement in Under 10 Years

By 1992, Texas 4-H enrollment had surpassed 500,000 members, reflecting the organization’s deep roots and growing presence in communities across the state. Participation continued to rise, reaching 800,000 members before exceeding 1.17 million in 2001. This remarkable growth set the stage for a season of celebration as 4-H marked its national centennial in 2002, followed by Texas 4-H’s statewide centennial celebrations in 2007.

Four Leaves, Five Project Areas

If you still picture Texas 4-H as just cows and county fairs, think again. Today’s members explore opportunities across five project areas: agriculture and livestock, family and community health, leadership and citizenship, natural resources, and STEM. From market lambs and photography to computer science and dog care training, 4-H helps youth discover their passions.

For Rudder High School senior and Southwood 4-H member, Olivia Davis, 4-H is a journey she has been on since joining as a Clover Kid in 2016 and has since experienced at the club, county, district and state levels, including currently serving on the Texas 4-H Council. “4-H has taught me confidence, leadership, perseverance and the importance of serving others,” she said. “It has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone as I have grown from being mentored to becoming a mentor myself.”
 

Through an event called the Texas 4-H Roundup, Texas A&M partners with Texas 4-H to inspire future leaders in agriculture.

4-H for the Week

Each June, thousands of Texas 4-H members flood the Texas A&M campus for a rite of passage event known as Texas 4-H Roundup. As the premier youth development event for Texas 4-H, Roundup brings senior-level members together to compete in nearly 50 events while building leadership skills and lifelong connections. For many members, Roundup offers their first look at Texas A&M and the opportunities available through Aggieland.

For students like Davis, the experience inspires a return, not only as a 4-H member, but as a future Aggie. Hosted through the partnership of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M, Roundup showcases the connection between education, agriculture and youth development that continues to shape generations of Texas 4-H members.
 

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  • Natalee Kovar '21

  • Assistant Development Officer
  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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