Heidi Crnkovic has been hired as the new 4-H agent for the Otero County Cooperative Extension Service office. Crnkovic was raised in northern New Mexico and spent much of her time as a youth on the Pecos River Ranch and participating in 4-H activities. (NMSU photo by Darrell Pehr)

Heidi Crnkovic has joined the Otero County Cooperative Extension Service office as its new 4-H agent. As an Extension 4-H agent, Crnkovic will work with youth, parents and volunteer leaders and will work to build the confidence and skills of the local youth that will carry them into future careers and leadership opportunities. She will also be given the opportunity to utilize science-based curriculums and programs to provide hands-on learning opportunities for youth in her community.

The Extension Service is part of New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Crnkovic was raised in northern New Mexico and spent much of her time as a youth on the Pecos River Ranch and participating in 4-H activities. She relocated later to Arizona where she graduated from high school and then attended NMSU where she received a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

“During my college tenure, I was fortunate to work for both federal and state wildlife and natural resources agencies while also working for a horse farm near campus. Since graduation, I had the opportunity to assist in the management of Three Bar Ranch, Inc., a central Montana cow-calf operation as well as to work as the Director of Communications for the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association,” Crnkovic said.

To Crnkovic, it seemed like a natural transition to a position with 4-H Extension that combines some of the favorite aspects of her previous positions: providing learning and educational activities and programs for local youth. With that, she hopes to build on the success of the program.

“The life lessons, skills and values that I gained as a 4-H’er still motivate and influence the decisions that I make today, and I hope to share those same grounding influences and opportunities for my community in Otero County,” Crnkovic said.

Crnkovic encourages the community of Otero County to reach out to the county Extension office with any questions they may have about 4-H and wants to remind the community that most Extension services are provided free of charge or at a very lost cost.

“With hundreds of available programs and projects, 4-H truly is for everyone, not just those interested in agriculture and livestock. I encourage members of the 4-H community to share their stories and to take advantage of all that 4-H has to offer. If you have any questions about specific programs or getting involved in an area that you’re passionate in, please do not hesitate to reach out to the county Extension office,” Crnkovic said.