John Lilly, Director
UF/IFAS Jefferson County
Extension Service
Betsy Barfield's induction into the 2023 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of her incredible contributions to the 4-H program in Jefferson County. Barfield's involvement with 4-H began as a young person, when she participated in various projects and programs that helped shape her leadership skills and a strong sense of citizenship. Her favorite 4-H memory was attending 4-H Camp Cherry Lake.
Her 12 years of service as a County Commissioner in Jefferson County have given her a platform to advocate for 4-H and IFAS Extension. She has spearheaded efforts to secure funding for a new Jefferson County Extension Office location, providing better facilities for Extension programming and 4-H activities.
Barfield goes above and beyond to support 4-H and Extension functions by regularly sharing her
4-H story and how the program has positively impacted her life. She also finds time in her busy schedule to judge 4-H contests and events. In addition, she organizes the annual "Dirty Pecan Bike Race" to raise funds for youth to attend important 4-H leadership events, which has provided more than $100,000 to support 4-H programming in Jefferson County.
Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as expressed by Johnathon Youngblood, past teen council president and now vice president, who praised Barfield for her commitment and efforts in raising funds for 4-H events and activities. John Lilly also commended Betsy for embodying the true spirit of 4-H and making a positive difference in the lives of many young people in Jefferson County.
Barfield stated, “I knew I wanted to give back to 4H and that my hometown was a great destination for bicyclists. I pulled together my biking buddies, and we created the Dirty Pecan. Over 4,000 cyclists from all over the United States are drawn to experience the dirt roads of Jefferson County. The gravel ride is held the first Saturday in March, and for the last eight years our team has raised over $125,000 for Jefferson County 4H. Our success means today's pre-teens can learn and grow from the 4H experience.”
Barfield's induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to her dedication and commitment to 4-H, its mission of youth development, philanthropic efforts, and unwavering support. The induction will occur on Thursday, Aug. 3, at a luncheon at the University of Florida Reitz Union with hundreds of 4-H leaders, volunteers and supporters in attendance. In addition, we anticipate family and friends from Jefferson County to attend and celebrate this monumental achievement.
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