4-H Where Are They Now

Q&A with Rhiannon Page

Frank Brumfield, originally from Inverness, Mississippi, in Sunflower County, now resides in Chicago, Illinois. Brumfield was a futures trader at the Chicago Board of Trade for 18 years and now operates his own private investment firm, the FSB Companies. Brumfield’s cattle operations take place in Three Oaks, Michigan, and Wilsall, Montana. He attributes his passion for livestock to his father, the late Bruce Brumfield, former president of Delta Council, National Cotton Council, and Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association. Along with the opportunity to make lifelong friends, he credits 4-H with helping to develop his leadership skills and personal accountability for his actions.

What do you wish people knew about 4-H?

I wish people knew how much fun it is, how it helps you become a leader, and how many great people you meet on the 4-H journey who become lifelong friends.

What were your favorite activities, and why?

Showing cattle. The reason why this was so compelling to me was that your results at the shows were usually a byproduct of all the hard work and effort put in throughout the year. Luck was not a factor; usually, work ethic and determination played a large part in one’s success.

Fill in the blanks:

4-H taught me to . . .

be more accountable for myself; to watch, listen, and learn from others; and to develop the skills necessary to go out and be successful in a competitive environment.

4-H taught me to stop . . .

worrying about what others think and to take care of my own business.

Because of 4-H . . .

I was able to not only meet other passionate livestock operators, but learn from them, as well.

If I hadn’t been in 4-H . . .

I would have a void in my life because I would have missed the opportunity of making good friends, and I would have also missed some very formative years where the 4-H experience helped me become the person I am today.

Who was the most influential person in 4-H for you?

Mr. McCaskill, who was the county Extension agent, was the constant force at 4-H while I was growing up and was always there to help us. Eddie Donahue, who was a couple of years older, also had a large influence on me. He was a master with the clippers on show cattle.

How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills?

You had to step up or be left behind. There was no babying in 4-H. The hard work necessary to succeed was up to you!

How can 4-H make a young person’s life better?

4-H helps make young people accountable for what they do and gives them the self-confidence and pride in their achievements that is necessary to be successful in the world today.