Current New Mexico 4-H state officers include (back from left) Bailey Grady, Katelynn Kenyon, Marco Gutierres, John Wyatt Hemphill, (front from left) Maggie Loudmouth, Anne Hodnett and Cursten Blanton. New Mexico 4-H youth will have the opportunity to elect new state officers as part of the state conference held at New Mexico State University July 8-11.

Senior 4-H youth from across New Mexico will gather at New Mexico State University Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 11, for the 96th annual State 4-H Conference.

Inspirational spokesman and self-denoted farm boy Matt Rush will headline as this year’s guest speaker. He is a New Mexico native with a background in agriculture.

“Matt Rush has entertained, lectured, lead groups and leadership workshops, and has given keynote addresses for years. He is passionate about inspiring people to do more, be more and have more than they ever thought possible,” according to the state 4-H website. “Rush is passionate about his values, helping others and is dedicated to the development of a strong, successful future for our current and upcoming generation.”

In addition to presentations by Rush, the conference will feature several workshop options for participants. Some of the topics that will be covered include career preparation, health, technology, fashion and textiles, welding and agriculture. The youth also will be participating in a variety of contests that fall under subjects like family and consumer sciences, livestock and horse, public speaking and presentations, skill-a-thons and judging.

“The youth attend this event to have the opportunity to show their skills in the different contests as well as strive to receive first place in the contests they are competing in,” said 4-H Youth Activities Specialist Amy Zemler. “Those placing give them the opportunity to represent New Mexico by competing at the national level. Participants also have the opportunity to learn leadership and teamwork skills in the workshops, participate and learn how business sessions are run, and take part in the elections of the new officers.”

The skills that these youth learn from partaking in each aspect of the State 4-H Conference help them prepare for future conferences and the world beyond, she added.

For more information on the conference, visit http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/conference.html.