For Jack Rosenberger, the most important part of being a 10-year 4-H member is passing on the lessons he has learned to the next generation of 4-Hers.
Rosenberger has shown livestock in nearly every category at the fair, including beef, goats, swine, poultry — and after losing a bet to his mother, even a cat.
He returned to the cat show this year as a spectator to support his “fellow cat show-ers.”
“It was the only trophy I’ve ever gotten in my years of 4-H,” Rosenberger said, laughing as he explained that although he has won belt buckles, plaques and ribbons, only his cat showman award is a trophy.
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Additionally, his involvement with larger breeds paid off last summer, as he walked away with the title of large breed supreme showman.
“You’re never done learning,” he said. “As a 10-year 4-H member it’s kind of my duty to help the younger 4-Hers learn those skills.”
Others point to Rosenberger’s dedication to the 4-H program.
“He’s just a real good kid, and he’s hard working at what he does and takes pride in it. And that’s all you can really ask for,” said Scott Lowe, leader of Whitecreek Champs, Rosenberger’s 4-H club.
Rosenberger’s initial interest in 4-H began from interactions with his cousin, Sarah Rath, who lived near his family’s farm in southwestern Bartholomew County and raised swine to show in 4-H.
“Just seeing her throughout the year working with her animals, and obviously being a curious little kid about it, definitely got me interested in 4-H,” Rosenberger said.
He said that he knew he wanted to show cattle from the beginning. They are challenging, Rosenberger admitted, but worth the effort.
“Cows are just larger and take so much more effort. You have to wash them, work with them. It’s more of a personal connection you build with the animal,” Rosenberger said.
Although his mother, Amy, was confident he would see his responsibilities through after joining, she was concerned about her son taking on too much.
“It worried me. He was involved in a lot of things,” Amy Rosenberger said. “But I think from doing it from such a small age, it kind of just became second nature.”
During his 4-H career, Rosenberger juggled tending to his livestock with being heavily involved with his church’s youth group, playing baseball, judging livestock and participating in FFA.
Although she worried initially about her son’s busy schedule, Amy Rosenberger said that in retrospect, it was a positive experience.
“I’ve had some time to reflect on it because of graduation,” she said. “People say it all the time, but they really do learn so much through that responsibility.”
In addition to his livestock, Rosenberger is also aware of the responsibility he has to set an example for the younger 4-Hers who look up to him.
It is not uncommon to see younger 4-Hers such as Drew Hoeflinger following Rosenberger around the livestock barn during the fair.
“He helps me out,” Rosenberger said with a smile as Hoeflinger wiped loose fur he shaved from a Holstein’s neck.
Haley Embry has known Rosenberger since junior high school, when they judged livestock together. Their families are both part of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and they often stall their livestock together at shows outside of 4-H.
His patience with children and willingness to mentor them makes Rosenberger stand out, Embry said.
“He has this personality that just meshes with kids so well, that personality of just being able to interact with younger 4-H members and exhibitors. He’s just so goofy and kids love being around him,” she said. “And that’s just so important because all those young 4-Hers are the next generation of Bartholomew County 4-H.”
Rosenberger said the younger 4-Hers who look up to him will soon take his place.
“Throughout 4-H and life in general, I’ve found that the more people you talk to, the more welcoming you are, the better experience you get,” Rosenberger said. “I try to be as present as possible and be as involved in as many things as possible, and try to improve the experiences of other people along the way.”
Even though he has had success during his years in 4-H, Rosenberger said that the people he met through the organization are what he will remember most as he heads to Bloomington this fall, where he will attend Indiana University and to major in pre-law studies with the hope of becoming a lawyer.
“(I will miss) the people in general — whether it’s the fair board, the people you’re competing against, the people you’re helping out — everyone involved in the 4-H program,” he said. “Those are connections and relationships I’ll have my entire life.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Jack Rosenberger” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 18
Hometown: Columbus
Family: Parents Scott and Amy Rosenberger
High school: Columbus East, 2018 graduate
College: Will attend Indiana University
Anticipated major: Pre-law studies
4-H activities: Beef cattle, swine livestock judging
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