Jerry Newman
Dedicated Extension Professional Retires After Three Decades of Service to 4-H
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
He’s a collaborator, an innovator, and a person who considers being on the forefront of animal science, not only necessary, but responsible and essential. Jerry Newman impacted the lives of countless 4-H staff, volunteers, and youth during his 30 years as a WSU state staff specialist.
It started with chickens in 1950 in the Florin Silver Leaf 4-H Club in northern California. At 10 years old his appreciation of animals soon branched out to include rabbits and sheep but he found his true calling with livestock. “I got my first calf in my teens and enjoyed working with the animal in different ways,” said Jerry who spent a decade as a 4-H youth. It wasn’t until much later that I would know the impact that livestock can have on children and teach them life skills that can carry them through their adulthood.”
Over the years Jerry’s admiration of agriculture and large animals led him to studies at University of California, Davis, where lived in a barn for two years taking care of 24 dairy bulls. Another six months assisting a sheep herdsman solidified his resolve to work in an agriculture-related career. After a brief stint in the Army Reserves, Jerry became the 4-H youth advisor in Solano County and later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agriculture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His time and talent built a large program there during the 1970’s.
Looking for a change he ventured to Washington State where he became the 4-H specialist for livestock, the camping program, volunteer development, natural resources, the equine program, and dog and cat projects. Much of his time was spent on refocusing the quality of the livestock program.
“Prior to 1990 the emphasis was on getting a lamb or steer, taking it to the fair and selling it. There was no focus on quality of the facilities the animals were in, the quality of product they were feeding the animals, appropriate handling, and vaccinations. It didn’t meet commercial standards. Changes nationally in commercial thinking about quality assurance of livestock gave us a tremendous opportunity to educate and move the system farther,” said Jerry.
A trendsetter at increasing and incorporating science content into 4-H curriculum, Jerry co-created the Get a Jump on germs curriculum and was instrumental in developing hand-washing stations in the livestock areas of local fairgrounds. He was also a leader with the Just outside My Door; Ridges to Rivers curricula and was also an earlier adopter of experiential learning to truly inspire a young person’s inquiring mind.
“Jerry was a leader in building true partnerships with volunteers,” said State 4-H Director Pat BoyEs. “He shared his leadership and expected their leadership as well. Jerry truly inspired an entirely new way of moving 4-H to a higher level of excellence,” said BoyEs.
Collaborating came naturally to Jerry. Jan Busboom, professor in the WSU Department of Animal Sciences, worked with him for over twenty years on multiple projects including the Quality Assurance Animal Care Youth Education Project, the SERIES Get a Jump on Germs curriculum, and the Pacific Northwest Livestock Judges Schools. “Jerry is a creative contributor and writer and brings out the best in his colleagues,” said Busboom. “You could always count on Jerry to do what he said and to have a contagious positive attitude.”
As he winds down his career with WSU Extension 4-H Jerry looks forward to more travel with his wife Karen with trips planned to Alaska, the Canadian Maritime Provinces and New England. Winters in Arizona and summers in the Northwest with their three grown sons and grandchildren will focus on family and friends. His thoughts to anyone considering involvement in 4-H: “Appreciate young people at every stage of their lives and do whatever you can to make a positive difference for the future of our youth.”
Posted October 2010
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