Beyond Ready

Holmes County 4-H'er develops employment, life skills

Story by Nathan Gregory  |  Photos by Kevin Hudson, Michaela Parker, and Premier Livestock Imaging

Holmes County 4‑H’er Jordan Brooks has spent nearly his entire life in the show ring, the barn, and the leadership spaces that make up Mississippi 4‑H.

Last summer, the high school senior’s long-running commitment to the program reached a new milestone: he was elected secretary for the Mississippi 4‑H Leadership Team. It’s an achievement that reflects not just his years of experience, but the mentality he has developed since he first joined 4‑H as a Cloverbud—learning by doing and personifying Beyond Ready, a national 4‑H initiative focused on preparing young people for life after high school.

His election as state secretary folds naturally into that trajectory. With it comes responsibility not only to represent Mississippi 4‑H youth, but also to help champion Beyond Ready for other young people around the state. Through leadership development, teamwork, communication training, and real‑world skill‑building, the 4-H Beyond Ready initiative aims to help teens transition confidently into adulthood.

“Starting out as a Cloverbud, I feel like I learned so many qualities at a young age, and I also feel like it helped me mature better when it came time for me to grow and to not always follow but to also lead,” Jordan says. “I think when it came to me being out front, I had no fear of it because we were trained and molded to be natural leaders.”

Tara Howell, Mississippi State University Extension 4-H agent in Holmes County, said Beyond Ready focuses on helping 4-H’ers gain real-world skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and career readiness. 4-H teaches all its participants how to develop the skills necessary to be successful in adulthood. 

“Through hands-on projects, service learning, public speaking, and workforce preparation experiences, youth are encouraged to explore their interests while building confidence and responsibility,” Howell explains. “At its core, Beyond Ready ensures that 4-H youth don’t just participate in activities—they leave the program equipped with the skills, experiences, and mindset needed to succeed in adulthood.”

Jordan has been part of 4‑H for so long that the story of his involvement practically stretches back to his toddler years. He first fell in love with goats at age 2 while tagging along with his cousin, who also exhibited, at livestock shows. By the time he turned 3, he wasn’t simply watching—he was participating in the way only a small child can. He remembers wanting the number cards the older exhibitors wore so badly that family members clipped unused ones onto his shirt so he could feel like part of the team.

That early fascination grew into something more serious. Jordan could brace a goat by age 4—even if he had no idea what he was doing yet. But the interest stuck, and with support at home and through 4‑H, he began preparing for real competition between ages 6 and 8. His first Dixie National Livestock Show came at age 8, and he took home first place in showmanship. He will compete in his fifteenth and final Dixie National this February.

“As I got older, I got interested in actually showing the goats. I enjoyed being around them daily, and I enjoyed the energy that they gave off,” he recalls. “It was a big transition from being a kid who just thought that they were like these cool little animals that were running around to practicing and showing, but I won first place at my first Dixie because I was so well-prepared.”

Jordan’s 4‑H resume stretches far beyond livestock. He has been involved in State 4‑H Congress, Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C., Project Achievement Day, Dairy Products Judging, Livestock Bowl, cookout competitions, and more. Last year he served as a Mississippi 4‑H Ambassador, a role that gave him his first taste of mentoring younger members.

As he moved into leadership roles, he found just as much satisfaction helping younger 4‑H’ers discover that same excitement. 

“I enjoy watching people do what I did,” he says. “To help them grow and build the foundation they need—that’s the most enjoyable part.”

Howell emphasizes Jordan’s involvement in 4-H since joining as a Cloverbud has played a key role in shaping his confidence and sense of identity. 

“Through years of hands-on projects, competitive experiences, and goal-driven activities, 4-H has given Jordan opportunities to test his abilities, take ownership of his work, and develop a strong belief in himself,” she says.

“4-H has provided Jordan with an outlet to express his personality, set high expectations for himself, and take pride in what he accomplishes. The program has helped channel his natural confidence into motivation—encouraging him to work toward improvement, embrace challenges, and stand behind his efforts.”

Over time, Howell adds, Jordan’s experiences have helped him grow more self-assured and comfortable stepping forward in competitive and leadership settings.

“Jordan represents the bold, confident spirit that Mississippi 4-H strives to cultivate—youth who are unafraid to take initiative, speak up, and pursue their goals with determination,” she affirms. “His journey reflects how 4-H supports young people in developing confidence and pride that can continue to be shaped into lifelong strengths.”