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New 4-H Specialist begins in Vernon County
Nevada Daily Mail
Vernon County has a new 4-H youth development specialist and his name is Landon Sullivan.
"First, before I say one word about myself, let me just tip my hat to my predecessor and the wonderful job she did. I am most certainly not replacing Amanda Davis, just succeeding her."
Born in Valley Springs, Ark., Sullivan attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education in 2002 and a Master of Arts in teaching with an emphasis in agriculture education.
"Working on ranches taught me the first thing you don't do is tear down the existing fences. By that I mean I'm here first to listen and learn. After all, this county has the highest 4-H enrollment in the west central region of the state. Before I propose doing one thing I first have to meet those in the 18 clubs -- from Clover Kids to leaders and all the others involved."
Sullivan has taught on the college level in Arkansas, Arizona, and California.
"I've taught courses in animal nutrition, breeding and handling along with equine courses, ag mechanics and even college rodeo," said Sullivan.
Yes, for several years, Vernon County's new 4-H specialist was a rodeo professional.
"If it has to do with agriculture," noted Sullivan "I've probably taught it, recruited for it or written grants to support it. But of all the things I've done, I especially love to background cattle."
Backgrounding is an intermediate stage in cattle production, which begins after weaning and ends upon placement in a feedlot. Background feeding relies more heavily on forage -- such as pasture or hay -- in combination with grains to increase a calf's weight by several hundred pounds and to build up immunity to diseases before it enters a feedlot.
"America is great country and my wife and I have found something to enjoy and be thankful for in every place we've lived. Agriculture is important and fascinating in every part of the country. But it was time for us to get closer to family in north Arkansas and raise our girls in a place with the kind of land, animals and agriculture with which my wife and I grew up."
Sullivan and his wife Allison have been married for 11 years.
"I have two wonderful girls. Lainey is 7 and Hatty is 3," said Sullivan.
With a few keystrokes Sullivan's computer monitor displayed a gallery of photos.
"They love to ride horses and also enjoy feeding the bottle calves," added Sullivan.
And how does he like it here so far?
"If Allison, the girls and I went to north Arkansas," noted Sullivan, "we could not have received a warmer -- I should say amazing -- welcome than we've received in Vernon County. First it came from Charlie and Patty Comstock inviting us to stay with them and then from Gerald and Leslie Caroll-Bartlett."
The Sullivans are making their home in a guesthouse they've been fixing up on the Bartlett farm.
With such an educational background, will the Sullivans be tempted to take the first attractive offer elsewhere, especially in Arkansas?
"My life is about education and agriculture and my job here in Vernon County combines both perfectly," noted Sullivan. In addition, I hope to restart my work towards a doctorate in education through the University of Missouri. And while I've completed some credits, it'll be some years before I get the course work finished, let alone write and defend my thesis. So it's safe to say, Allison, the girls and I will be around for some years to come."
While he is a few days away from his orientation training in Columbia, Sullivan has ideas about his new work.
"As many already know in Vernon County, 4-H is not just about agriculture," said Sullivan. "In fact I like to think of it as a vehicle, a vehicle you can ride to make friends, develop skills and find your passion."
Sullivan's view of education comes through as he speaks about his new position.
"Through 4-H, I want to help young people see the big picture of life. I want them to set and achieve goals. I want young people and adult leaders to rise to the call of life and have a lot of fun along the way!"