4-H Educational Values are Planted, Watered, and Grown at Auerfarm

Auerfarm
November 2023

A Fall Appeal 

In 2023, the 120 acres at Auerfarm were a place to participate in programs, learn by doing, and relax in the ambiance of the farm. Your contributions allowed Auerfarm to continue being a place to engage, learn, and enjoy for over 17,000 students, volunteers, and visitors. 

Together, we appreciate all that Auerfarm offers, not only to you and me, but to our entire community as well. Our collective efforts aim to preserve Auerfarm as a beacon of hope, education, and sustainability. Your unwavering dedication lies in helping us nurture connections between people, nature, and agriculture. Over time, we’ve seen numerous individuals, particularly young students, thrive through our programs that foster environmental stewardship, agricultural education, and most importantly essential life skills.

Will you help us care for the place where we engage, learn and enjoy, and make a gift to Auerfarm today?

The lessons learned at Auerfarm last a lifetime. I’d like you to meet Claire. Claire and her family have been visiting the farm since she was a baby. Now at 13, Claire has become a standout member of the Auerfarm 4-H Club among 37 other passionate youths. Through 4-H, Claire has devoted herself to learning extensively about farm animals, leasing a donkey and goat from Auerfarm to learn about the intricacies of their behavior and care.

At the Hartford County 4-H Fair, Claire’s dedication and hard work resulted in the remarkable achievement of placing second in the fitting and showmanship class, where she demonstrated her ability to properly care for and show her animal. The fair judges shared critiques of each showman, giving them tips on how to improve their skill. Implementing the judge’s advice, Claire showcased unparalleled growth during the Championship class, and earnedthe title of Grand Champion Donkey Showperson. Her receptiveness to critique and putting it right to work shows her ability to adapt and learn. Her victory wasn’t just about the accolade but about embodying the motto of 4-H: To Make the Best Better.

This environment at Auerfarm, fostering the 4-H spirit, has allowed Claire and others to thrive, not just in their knowledge of animals and agriculture but also in their personal development. Claire’s success granted her the opportunity to represent not only Auerfarm, but Connecticut 4-H as she showcased her skills as steward at the Big E. 

You are the driving force behind Claire’s success. It is not only your dedication and contributions that keep Auerfarm going, but it is your belief in what we do here at Auerfarm. Your belief in hands-on, farm based learning and its ability to transform others allows for young people like Claire and the 4-H kids to continue coming to the farm and engaging, learning and enjoying all it has to offer. 

This fall we are hoping to raise $60,000 to continue making strides with our educational and agriculture programs. 

Thank you for considering a gift to help us get there. 

Today, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities, and we believe that with your continued support, we can achieve even greater things. Your donation will directly impact the expansion of our educational initiatives, offering valuable lessons in agriculture, sustainability, and life skills to a broader student base.

Your commitment to Auerfarm has been instrumental in our past successes, and we look forward to your continued partnership in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for our community. Thank you for your consideration and your dedication to our cause.

With warm regards, 

Erica Fearn,
Executive Director & 35 Year 4-H Volunteer