Each month, we spotlight an Ohio 4-H alum whose story reflects the program’s lasting impact. This month, we are proud to feature Reagan Gross, a dedicated alumna of the Speedy Spurs Livestock 4-H Club in Madison County.
Reagan’s 4-H journey began long before she ever stepped into a show ring. Her father grew up as an active Wisconsin 4-H member and knew he wanted his own children to experience the same opportunities. He enrolled Reagan’s older brothers first, and when she was old enough, Reagan joined as a Cloverbud. What began as a family tradition quickly became a defining part of her life—one that she remained committed to for the next 12 years.
As a Cloverbud, Reagan explored a little bit of everything: the chemistry behind baking, the basics of animal care, and even how to structure a 4-H meeting. When she transitioned into project work, her involvement expanded even further. She exhibited cattle, market and breeding hogs, French bulldogs, and market lambs and goats. The goats she and her brother showed came from their own herd, giving them the unique experience of raising animals from birth to the show ring.
Reagan’s 4-H years were filled with leadership and learning. She attended 4-H Camp Clifton, served as a club officer, and developed skills in communication, time management, and creating a welcoming environment for younger members. But her most influential experience—and her favorite memory—comes from Madison County 4-H Livestock 101, a program created by her father.
Livestock 101 introduces youth to 4-H and the various livestock projects available. Each participant is paired with a mentor who shows a specific species. Together, they spend an hour learning about the animal and practicing showmanship before entering the ring to compete. Winners earn the opportunity to show that species at the fair the following year.
During her first year as a mentor, Reagan worked with a young member interested in hogs. She watched her mentee’s confidence grow as they learned together, and by the end of the event, the youth was selected as the overall winner in hog projects. The following year, the member kept her project animal at Reagan’s barn, giving Reagan the chance to mentor even more—teaching everything from feeding and washing to veterinary care and show preparation. That year at the fair, Reagan proudly watched her mentee place second in her market class.
Mentoring left a lasting impression on Reagan, in part because she had once looked up to a mentor of her own: Haylee Henry, a talented hog showman known for her humility and dedication to helping younger members. Haylee frequently competed in the showman of showmen competition, yet always made time to support others. “She lived out the 4-H motto of making the best better,” Reagan reflected. Haylee went on to graduate from South Dakota State University and now serves as a professor at the University of Wyoming—continuing to inspire Reagan today.
Reflecting on her 4-H experience, Reagan credits the program with shaping many of the skills she relies on in her adult life. Working with animals taught her compassion and patience. Managing the barn with her brothers strengthened her leadership and communication. Setting expectations and goals—and meeting them through daily discipline—became habits that carried into her education and career.
Today, Reagan works for Boa Safra Ag, a company that helps landowners uncover tax deductions for cropland and ranchland across the United States. After graduating from the University of Kentucky two years early with a degree in Business Marketing, Management, and Sales, she accepted a full-time position with the company. Within six months, she was promoted to Regional Referral Partner Manager, overseeing a 14-state territory. When she began the role, she was tasked with growing the program by 300 percent—a goal she is working to achieve through using the discipline, planning, and time management skills she first learned in 4-H.
“4-H opens an ocean of opportunities, so take advantage of those while making a lasting and positive impression on the people and organizations around you,” Reagan encourages today’s members. She also urges youth to think about how they can provide value in every situation, knowing that small actions can have a big impact.
Reagan continues to give back to the program that shaped her, especially through her involvement with Livestock 101. Looking ahead, she hopes to establish a scholarship for her 4-H club and support the Livestock 101 program through future donations.
For Reagan, 4-H was more than an organization—it was a foundation. It instilled values, built confidence, and prepared her to step boldly into every challenge she has encountered since. And as she continues to grow in her career and community, she carries those lessons with her, making the best better in every chapter of her life.