Every ranch has its own story, and every farm has its own art. Each agriculturalist has a unique story to tell, and every youth interested in their community has something to learn from their elders. The Art of Ranching (AOR) project captures these unique stories and experiences. It is a youth-oriented oral history project that connects 4-H members with elders in their communities to research and preserve Colorado’s agricultural heritage. Youth interview local ranchers and farmers, documenting stories that highlight the labor and legacy of rural Colorado. The project fosters civic engagement, intergenerational connection, and storytelling through a youth-centered lens.

Youth complete the AOR project through six steps:

1. Identify a historical agricultural topic (ranch, farm, family, landscape, etc.);
2. Connect with local historians or institutions;
3. Complete oral history training (in-person, Zoom, or video);
4. Conduct an interview;
5. Submit a written narrative to the CSU historian for inclusion in the Colorado Encyclopedia;
6. Share their project twice in their community (e.g., presentations, exhibits).

AOR is all about storytelling. The project uses community-based learning, oral history interviewing, and collaborative production to foster connections between youth and their elders. With support from the CSU History Department and a comprehensive project manual, youth gain skills in research, interviewing, and public speaking. AOR emphasizes real-world storytelling where youth become stewards of local heritage.

It’s all about the next generation. Since launching in 2021, AOR has engaged 26 youth with 34 historical topics. This includes 7 youth partnered with 7 historic ranches across Colorado in 2025. Youth who have participated in the project have reported increased interest in history and stronger community connections:

“Meeting your elders and learning the history of your family’s ranch was an amazing experience.” —Trevor Hagenbuch, 2022, 2023, 2024 AOR participant

“This project opens a window into the past… I’ve learned so much, from conducting interviews to having meaningful conversations.” —Tim Bedell, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 AOR participant

“We’re helping keep these stories alive.” —Sean Nelson, CSU AOR Intern, Summer 2023 and 2024

A 2023 youth survey showed 100% enjoyed learning local history, 80% enjoyed the interview process, and 80% said AOR sparked their interest in agriculture and community heritage.

The project is guided by a dedicated team of educators including:

• Tami Eggers (Project Director, Routt County 4-H)
• Dr. Leisl Car Childers (CSU Depart of History Associate Professor)
• Linda Meyers (CSU Archivist)
• Jacie Rex (Project Coordinator, Douglas County 4-H)
• CSU interns and consultants from multiple academic institutions

Wrangling youth can be challenging, but the AOR team has built a structure that fosters teaching and mentoring. Weekly team meetings ensure consistent mentorship and high-quality outcomes. Each youth’s final project contributes to a growing archive of Colorado’s rural history.

While the program is small by design—prioritizing depth over scale—it has reached diverse audiences through statewide and national platforms, promoting Colorado’s agricultural legacy through the voices of its youth.  For more information about the 4-H Art of Ranching project, contact your local extension office to get involved or visit our website at https://artofranching.colostate.edu/ .