BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to welcome two new field specialists.
Mara Johnson has been hired as an SDSU Extension Youth Livestock Field Specialist, and Audrey Rider has moved into a new role as an SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Engagement and Leadership Field Specialist.
“4-H is excited to welcome these two new field specialists to the SDSU Extension team. By combining their specialized expertise with the strong foundation established by our state program managers and county 4-H staff, we will further enhance educational programming and resources for youth across South Dakota,” said Rosie Nold, assistant dean and Director of Global Agricultural Leadership and SDSU Extension interim 4-H Program Director. “This collaborative effort will help empower young people to become ‘Beyond Ready’ – equipped with the workforce, leadership and life skills needed to succeed across a variety of disciplines and career pathways.”
As a youth livestock field specialist, Johnson will coordinate educational and Youth in Action livestock events and opportunities for youth in South Dakota. She is based in Brookings.
A native of Wisconsin, Johnson grew up participating in 4-H livestock projects, including quiz bowl, judging and skillathon, as well as showing sheep and swine. After graduating, she served as a volunteer and coached a livestock judging team.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s in veterinary and biomedical sciences from SDSU. During her graduate studies, she worked closely with an SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist conducting research and presenting it to producer and academic audiences.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to combine my passion for livestock with youth development,” said Johnson. “I'm eager to work alongside educators, volunteers, producers and others to create educational opportunities that help youth develop practical skills, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for agriculture.”
For more information, contact Johnson.
Rider, who is based in Watertown, earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from birth to age 8 and a master’s in child and family studies, both from SDSU. She has worked for SDSU Extension in various role for more than 20 years, including as an SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist for eight years, and as a youth leadership and volunteer field specialist for 4-H.
In her new role as a 4-H Youth Engagement and Leadership Field Specialist, Rider will provide statewide leadership in designing, implementing and evaluating high quality youth development programs. Her focus is on elevating youth voices, strengthening leadership development and fostering meaningful youth/adult partnerships across the state.
“I am most excited to work with the 4-H ambassadors and develop leadership programs and opportunities for youth across South Dakota,” Rider said. “I also am looking forward to working with youth and community partners to develop and implement leadership and character-building programs to communities.”
For more information, contact Rider. For more information on 4-H in South Dakota, visit the SDSU Extension 4-H website.
