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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Faces of Ohio

Keeran with a beef exhibit at the 2007 Fairfield County Fair

Each month we highlight an Ohio 4-H alumnus. Our alumni have amazing stories to share, from their personal experience in 4-H to how they have given back to the program. This month we feature Quinton Keeran, an alumnus from Fairfield County, self-employed independent marketing consultant and solutions professional, and director of marketing for Meristem Crop Performance.

Just like many youth, Keeran got his start in 4-H at a young age. “I came from a family where both of my parents worked in town, but we had no real connection to agriculture. We lived in a rented farmhouse on a few acres with a barn. Many of my school friends were actively involved in 4-H and showing animals at the fair. I developed an interest and found a path forward.”

Keeran with a market hog at the Fairfield County Fair.Once he got his start in 4-H, he didn’t slow down. “I was able to secure a youth loan, purchase a few cows, and build a program. I raised and exhibited beef cattle (both breeding and market), dairy feeder steers, and market hogs and was recognized several times at a state level for my projects.”

His 4-H experience left a lasting impression. “My favorite memories from 4-H center on the successful livestock projects I raised from the herd I built over my junior career. Whether I was exhibiting an animal I had raised from birth, or a fellow junior exhibitor had chosen a project animal from my program, it was always incredibly exciting to experience the rewards of a year-round commitment to improvement.”

Keeran’s interest in ag hasn’t waned. “Today, my wife and I raise around 50 cows with my in-laws, where we have a club calf sale each fall, placing steers and heifers into junior homes where they exhibit across the nation, and sell freezer beef.” Keeran and his son on the family farm.

4-H helped lead Keeran to his career in agriculture. “4-H instilled in me a passion for agriculture and livestock, which led to a degree from The Ohio State University in animal sciences. That degree, and a demonstrated skillset in communications, landed me in my initial post-college position with a nonprofit checkoff organization. During that time, I focused on digital and social strategy and implementation, serving organizations and brands across the U.S.”

Keeran eventually found roots in London, Ohio, and became an independent marketing consultant and solutions professional serving clients in all aspects of agriculture, from livestock to seed to crop inputs. He said, “Had I never gone to my first 4-H meeting in eighth grade, none of that would have happened.”

His community involvement continued, serving for 10 years on the Madison County Senior Fair Board and with other local organizations. “I am president of the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association, where we raise funds and support projects and programs aimed directly at junior exhibitors.Keeran with a group of participants at a cattle show in Logan County. Throughout the year, my wife and I spend countless time and resources supporting youth and families that purchase cattle from our program. Additionally, I am actively involved in judging cattle shows in Ohio and surrounding areas.”

We know 4-H teaches skills for a lifetime, and Keeran’s experience validates this ideal. “Through my participation in 4-H, I experienced many things and succeeded in areas where I had no initial foundation. My 4-H experience taught me to chase dreams and make them reality, regardless of the traditional confines that might exist.”

He shares this advice to 4-H members, “Take every opportunity you have to experience everything you can, and don’t let the limits you think exist define what you are capable of doing.”