Missourian inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame

COLUMBIA, Mo. – K. Russell “Russ” Weathers of Missouri has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Weathers was honored in late October during a ceremony in Atlanta for his decades of leadership and lifelong commitment to youth development.

A proud “4-H lifer,” Weathers began his journey at age 8 as a member of the Grand River 4-H Club in Harrison County. Over the next 10 years, he participated in livestock projects, leadership roles, public speaking, community service and county youth council – experiences that shaped his interest in leadership, workforce development and community engagement.

“4-H has been a cornerstone in the foundation for my life journey, personally and professionally,” Weathers said. “Thanks, Mom and Dad.”

His 4-H roots inspired a distinguished career focused on helping young people find their path to success. Weathers served as a vocational agriculture teacher, corporate youth programs director at Farmland Industries, senior vice president for programs at National 4-H Council, national executive director of Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and founding executive director and president of Agriculture Future of America.

During his tenure at National 4-H Council, he helped lead major national initiatives, including the Creating Action for Responsibility, Education and Support program, which was supported by nearly $10 million to expand 4-H’s reach to at-risk and underserved youths. He also helped launch the Executive Development Initiative, preparing future 4-H and extension leaders, and contributed to the expansion of the National 4-H Center, including the construction of Ketner Auditorium.

Weathers’ impact is equally significant through his two decades leading AFA, where he built partnerships with land-grant universities; National 4-H, FFA; and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. Under his leadership, AFA has awarded more than $11 million in scholarships and provided thousands of students—many of them 4-H’ers—with transformative leadership and career development experiences.

Despite his national influence, Weathers has remained deeply committed to Missouri 4-H. He served on and chaired the Missouri 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees in the mid-1980s. With his wife, Judy, he helped raise funds to update the Missouri Room at the National 4-H Center. He continues to support Missouri 4-H through volunteer service and philanthropy, including the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s 75th anniversary Clover Gala, which raised more than $100,000 for Missouri 4-H programs.

Reflecting on his lifelong connection to 4-H, Weathers said, “I thought I was finished with 4-H when I aged out at 19. Little did I know, 4-H has been a lifetime experience.”

Missouri 4-H congratulates Russ Weathers on this prestigious honor and thanks him for his remarkable contributions to 4-H youths across Missouri and the nation.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H.

Photo

Russ Weathers at the National 4-H Hall of Fame Ceremony in Atlanta. Photo by Paul Ward.