(Editor’s note: This is the first article in a series featuring Adair County’s Extension agents.)
For nearly 30 years, Tony Rose has served as the Adair County 4-H agent, making an impact on the community’s future leaders.
Rose started his journey with agriculture on a small farm in Montgomery County, raising tobacco and livestock. He was an active member of the FFA club as well. This led to his presidency of the 4-H Council in Whitley County, where he also taught agriculture for seven years.
Moving closer to home in 1996, Adair County claimed him as its own. Since then, Rose has been a huge inspiration to the youth of Adair County. Rose said, “working with the kids of all ages and seeing them achieve their goals” is his favorite part of what he does.
Rose hosts numerous clubs at the extension office, such as poultry, country ham, horse, clover buds and leadership.
Rose credits the youth for all the accomplishments he’s seen throughout the years.
“We now have a service state officer, and many state fair winners, especially through the country ham contests, where now close to 50 kids are involved. The kids are my greatest achievement,” he said.
Rose said participation in the state fair has grown tremendously since he began.
“We have 50 to 70 kids per year participate in various events. That’s grown over the years from about 10 to 15 when I started,” he said.
While 4-H is designed to guide young people with hands-on learning, the whole community can benefit from the extension office.
Homeowners and gardeners can reap the benefits of canning classes, nutrition programs, financial management, and many more opportunities. The farm community has access to volumes of expert advice, research and other materials, as well as opportunities to network and share their experiences.
“We’ve also started an adult leadership program. We’ve helped to prepare people to be better involved in their community,” Rose said.
Since the extension office is part of the University of Kentucky, “the community gets the most accurate educational information,” Rose said.
As Rose has filled this position for nearly 30 years, he recognizes the youth for “keeping him young,” and says he “will miss the kids the most.”
No date is set, but Rose is talking about his future retirement. He said whoever supersedes him needs a special heart.
“It’s not something you do for the money; it’s for the enjoyment, for the kids. Be patient,” Rose advises.
Thanks to Tony Rose, the extension office has proven to be an asset to Adair County’s youth for three decades. Head, heart, hands, and health are the four pillars of 4-H, and Rose has exemplified each through his years of hard work, dedication, and service to this community.
By Lily Coots
reporter@adairvoice.com
