CHICKASAW & BREMER COUNTIES, IOWA ~ Two young people from Northeast Iowa are stepping into statewide leadership roles, helping share the importance of agriculture while encouraging the next generation to discover its possibilities.
Jena Peterson of Chickasaw County and Jameson Johnson of Bremer County have been selected as first-year members of the 2026~2027 Iowa 4~H Agricultural Ambassador Program.
The two were among ten new ambassadors welcomed into the program during an induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on August 21. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach announced the new ambassador team on October 5.
Growing Leaders Beyond the Farm
The Iowa 4~H Agricultural Ambassador Program brings together young people ages 16~20 from across the state.
Through educational outreach, leadership development, mentoring and opportunities to connect with agricultural professionals, participants learn how to share their knowledge and encourage younger generations to explore agriculture.
This year also marks an important change.
Previously known as the Iowa 4~H Animal Science Ambassador Program, the initiative has expanded to represent the many different areas of Iowa agriculture ~ not just animal science.
For Jena Peterson, the opportunity combines her interests in agriculture, education and helping young people learn.
In the university’s announcement, Jena expressed her enthusiasm for representing 4~H, promoting agricultural education and inspiring future agricultural leaders.
Jameson Johnson joins her as another first-year ambassador representing Northeast Iowa.
Planting Seeds for the Future
Agriculture is woven into the everyday lives of Northeast Iowa communities.
From family farms and livestock operations to classrooms, agricultural businesses and community organizations, the industry connects generations of people who work to keep Iowa growing.
Programs like the Iowa 4~H Agricultural Ambassador Program give young people opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore careers and share what they learn with others.
And sometimes, the seeds planted through those experiences grow into something much bigger than anyone imagined.
For Jena and Jameson, the coming year offers opportunities to learn, lead and represent the communities that helped shape them.
Congratulations to these two Northeast Iowa young people as they begin their year representing Iowa agriculture! ❤️
Deliverance Hope ~ word-round-town.com
Keep Goin’ ‘Round Town
There’s always another story waiting just around the corner.