NORWICH – With another successful year behind them, members and leaders of the local 4-H group of Chenango County are looking ahead to 2013, with new goals in sight and a new mission to break the common misconception that 4-H is all about farming and animals.

“Agriculture is still our niche, since it’s the biggest industry in the county,” explained 4-H educator Janet Pfromm, “but there’s so much more to agriculture than animals. It’s science, it’s math, it’s public speaking and presentation skills – the list goes on,” she said.

Over the years, 4-H has proven to be an invaluable experience for area youths in a growing number of ways. In 2012, the organization acquired 65 new members, rounding out the year with a total of 225 members in 11 different 4-H clubs throughout the county. One of the new 4-H clubs, formed in Coventry last year, grew to nearly 50 participants within a few short months, said Pfromm. Hopes are to see similar success when a new club launches closer to the Sherburne area this year.

“We lose a lot of kids in the program every year, too,” Pfromm said, citing 4-H members who graduate and go on to college, move away, or simply don’t sign up again. “Over the last few years though, it’s been a positive trend.” She also noted that while there’s youth interest in 4-H, there’s not always enough volunteers to keep each program running. “Our problem is not having enough club leaders to work with these kids. It’s our limiting factor,” she said.