Butler County Native Steps into New Role as 4-H Youth Development Agent
Kadi Skipworth has accepted the position of 4-H Youth Development agent for Butler County. PHOTO | Submitted
By Katarina Gonzalez
Freelance Writer
Butler County’s 4-H program has a new leader in town with deep roots in the community. Kadi Skipworth, a lifelong Butler County resident and former 4-H member, has been named the county’s new 4-H Youth Development Agent. She officially begins the role on February 8.
“I’m really excited,” Skipworth said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the program and being there for our community.”
Skipworth comes into the position after five years with the Butler County Cooperative Extension Service. She first joined the office as a program assistant while working toward her associate’s degree. Since then, she has earned both a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s in sustainable agriculture — all while continuing to work full-time.
“I honestly never thought I’d end up going to college,” she said. “School wasn’t really my thing at first. But the people I work with encouraged me so much, and I realized 4-H was what I truly cared about.”
That connection began early. Skipworth grew up on a farm in Butler County and joined 4-H when she was nine. As a member, she showed cattle, competed on the trap shooting team, and attended camp whenever she had the chance.
“4-H was really where I felt like I belonged,” she said. “Looking back, it shaped so much of who I am.”
Skipworth, 24, lives on her family’s farm with her husband, Jacob, and their one-year-old daughter. Together, they manage about fifty heads of cattle along the Green River.
“This is home for me,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to stay right here in Butler County.”
As the new agent, Skipworth will oversee programs that extend beyond agriculture. Butler County’s largest programs include shooting sports and the teen club, along with STEM activities, public speaking opportunities, and summer camp. Last year, the county sent around 150 youth and volunteers to camp — an impressive number for a county its size.
“My biggest goal is to do what’s best for the kids and for the community,” Skipworth said. “I want the transition to be smooth, and I’ll continue what’s already working while also looking at new opportunities down the road.”
Skipworth said her predecessor had a big impact on her experience in the program. In the months before the previous agent retired, she served as acting agent, gaining hands-on experience in the role.
“It’s such a rewarding job,” she said. “You really do get to make a difference for young people and being able to give back to a program that gave so much to me means a lot.”
Her final message to families considering joining 4-H is simple: stop by the local extension office and get involved.
“There’s always a place for new families and volunteers,” she said. “I care a lot about Butler County and our youth, and I’m excited to keep serving in whatever way the county needs.”
