Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Betsy Barfield, a former Jefferson County commissioner and founder of the annual Dirty Pecan bike event, was recently honored in a ceremony in Gainesville for her contributions to the 4-H program.
On Thursday, Aug. 3, at the University of Florida’s Reitz Union, the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and Florida
4-H Foundation inducted Barfield and four other individuals into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame for their contributions to the youth program in 2023.
The other four inductees were Todd Bundy, of Gadsden County; William “Bill” Hill, of Polk and Hernando counties; Larry Middour, of Orange County; and the late Christopher Tompkins of Hillsborough County, who was honored posthumously.
Specific to Barfield, she is credited with helping raise more than $100,000 for Jefferson County 4-H youths to attend camps and leadership via the Dirty Pecan and in partnership with others of the youth program’s community supporters.
The Dirty Pecan, which is going on its 9th year, affords bicycling enthusiasts from across the country and Canada an opportunity to bicycle the county’s many scenic roads.
Barfield, who grew up as a 4-H member in Jefferson County, reportedly participated in clothing and textile projects and public speaking during her years in the organization. Her favorite 4-H memories, she recalls, involve the 4-H Camp at Cherry Lake in Madison County. Aware of the impact that 4-H Club membership can have on a young person’s life, Barfield founded the Dirty Pecan in 2015 to benefit Jefferson County 4-Hers.
Barfield served 12 years as a Jefferson County commissioner and is also credited with being instrumental in securing the necessary support to relocate the UF/IFAS Extension Jefferson County office to its current location just west of Monticello, off U.S. 90. The extension office not only provides facilities and space for the 4-H and other community programs, but it also serves as the starting line for the annual Dirty Pecan ride.
The Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, meanwhile, was established in 2002 during the national 4-H centennial year to recognize outstanding 4-H alumni, volunteers, professionals and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the 4-H program and their communities through accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, leadership, and career and character development.
The 4-H program provides hands-on educational experiences for youth ages five to 18 with the objective of helping youths develop both as individuals and responsible, productive citizens. In Florida, the 4-H program is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.
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