Ben Capistran, a 4-H member from the North Star 4-H Club, has been selected as a 2026–2027 Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador.
Ben is a senior at Crookston High School and was selected for his passion for agriculture, Agriscience, commitment to 4-H, and interest in sharing agricultural knowledge with others. He is one of 28 youth leaders selected to represent Minnesota 4-H and agriculture during the 2026–2027 program year.
Ben joins a cohort of 26 outstanding youth leaders—ranging from 10th graders to first-year college students—who represent communities across Minnesota. Building on the work of past teams who reached thousands of youth through hands-on agriculture education and advocacy projects, this new team is stepping up to lead.
The Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador program provides youth with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while promoting agriculture and educating communities statewide. Ambassadors will serve from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Throughout the year, Ben and fellow ambassadors will lead hands-on youth workshops in 4-H Plant Science, support programs such as 4-H and FFA Crop Scouting, and represent Minnesota 4-H at community and statewide events, including Farmfest, the Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference, county fairs, and the Minnesota State Fair. They will also connect with University of Minnesota researchers, commodity groups, and agribusiness professionals, and partner with schools and community organizations to promote agricultural literacy and help people understand where their food, fiber, and fuel come from, as well as the many industries and careers that support Minnesota agriculture.
Schools, businesses, and community organizations can request a Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassador to help lead educational activities, speak about agriculture, or participate in community events. Requests should be submitted at least two weeks before the event through z.mn.edu/requesta4hagambassador.
To meet the 2026–2027 team and learn more about the Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Program, visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-ambassadors/minnesota-4-h-agricultural-ambassadors.
