U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack delivers the keynote remarks to approximately 300 youth members, Extension Educators and 4-H Adult Volunteers from across the nation, as well as U.S. Territories at the 2013 National 4-H Conference, on Monday, April 8, 2013 in Chevy Chase, MD.  Also speaking at the event is Agriculture Departmental Management Office of Advocacy and Outreach Director Carolyn Parker and National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy. The youth delegates are in grades 10-12 (15-19 years old). The purpose of the conference is to 1) engage 4-H youth in personal development experiences that will increase knowledge, resources, and skills; 2) discuss topics affecting youth and 4-H programming nationwide; and 3) empower and mobilize 4-H youth to create positive social change in their communities in a meaningful and genuine way.  The conference also reinforces the rich history of 4-H and its valuable tie to USDA, Cooperative Extension and the Land-Grant University System. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.
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Lance Cheung/Photographer
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