From Club to Community: Drummond Inspires Young Ag Leaders

Monday, September 22, 2025

‘We Need Creative, Driven young people to take on tomorrow’s challenges.’

By Mary Loggan

For many in Ontario, agriculture is far more than an industry – it’s a deeply rooted way of life. Among those most devoted to fostering the next generation stands John Drummond.

Known to many as ‘Mr. 4-H,’ Drummond’s decades of dedication to youth development and ag education have left an enduring mark on many.

Through his commitment to 4-H, creative programming, and steadfast encouragement, Drummond has empowered generations of youth to discover their strengths and build lasting connections.

Better Farming recently connected with Drummond to reflect on his lifetime involvement and discuss plans for the future.

Getting involved

Drummond’s ties to agriculture began early. Growing up in Smiths Falls as the youngest of six, he watched his siblings thrive through their involvement in the 4-H program. “I was born and raised in the 4-H program. I was presented with so many opportunities, and it had a profound impact on who I am today.”

Life on a dairy farm in Leeds County meant that 4-H was seamlessly woven into the fabric of his upbringing. “Growing up on a dairy farm, 4-H was part of the culture,” Drummond recalls. “It was like a coming of age. I loved it so much.”

He began his involvement in 1975 with the Lombardy 4-H Calf Club, which ignited a passion that grew quickly. “Then it expanded to so many more clubs, and I enjoyed every one of them,” he says. Drummond eagerly participated in every 4-H opportunity until he aged out at 18.

His enthusiasm for 4-H did not wane after graduation. At 19, a club leader urged him to step into a leadership role. “When I was aging out of the program, one of the leaders was stepping down and needed to be replaced. That was my tap on the shoulder to lead.”

From then on, inspiring the next generation became central to his work with 4-H.

After graduating from the University of Guelph, Drummond became a dairy feed specialist for Floradale Feed Mill and made Waterloo County his home – a region renowned for its vibrant 4-H community.

Transitioning from club member to leader felt natural, given his enduring commitment. He would eventually serve as a leader for 38 years, including 38 years with the Waterloo Vet Club, 37 years with the Dairy Club, and on-going involvement with 4-H Ontario.

Drummond also constantly sought innovative ways to engage youth, establishing unique clubs such as the Kitchener Market 4-H Cooking Club and even a Paintball Club.

“One of the most exciting clubs I’m involved with is the Waterloo Paintball 4-H Club, which has provided me with some great days of exercise, strategy, teamwork, and leadership development.”

Inspiring youth

Drummond’s core philosophy is simple: “The more you did for 4-H, the more they did for you.”

His leadership has benefited countless youth, always centring on the transformative power of participation.

A significant milestone came in 1990 when he helped organize a leadership workshop. “It was the most profound experience,” he recalls. “Being able to see a difference in participants, and the confidence they gained, was incredible.”

His efforts didn’t stop at local clubs. Drummond has played a key role in organizing 4-H Discovery Days and leading international exchanges, including a memorable trip to Ireland: “A highlight was the 4-H trip to Ireland, with kids from all over Canada. The week that I wished would never end. I know everyone left with new skills and experiences.”

Above all, Drummond is proudest of the youth he has mentored. “I have seen so many youth go on to vet school and stay in the agriculture industry,” he says.

Importantly, his commitment extends beyond those with farm backgrounds: “Inspiring people who don’t come from a farming background to stay and work in agriculture –whether they are farmers or not – is just as important.

“If we don’t get more youth involved, who will lead us in the future?”

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a new test, but Drummond remained determined to keep everyone involved and 4-H thriving.

“Over COVID, we learned about Zoom. We just had to keep 4-H going. Everyone was bored and needed something to do. I pushed to get clubs online.”

The results were positive, especially for cooking clubs, which saw entire families participate. Online clubs are now a permanent part of 4-H’s outreach.

At the core of Drummond’s leadership is mentorship. “Learn to do by doing,” as the 4-H motto points out, has always been key.

“Learning from the leadership of others has made me who I am today, and I can only hope to do the same for the next generation.”

He credits Bruce Witmer, the original ‘Mr. 4-H’ and Waterloo Calf Club leader, as a major influence: “I was always inspired by his dedication to agriculture, 4-H, and ensuring youth got involved.

“As he got older and stepped back, I got the opportunity to step into his shoes as a leader. He was a huge influence – it was a passing of the torch moment for me.”

Bringing more youth into agriculture

Drummond is passionate about ensuring more young people, especially those from non-farming backgrounds, enter agriculture and 4-H.

“We need a strong youth presence to keep the industry relevant and evolving – new ideas and energy are essential,” he urges.

Agricultural sectors across Canada face the challenge of aging workforces and declining rural youth populations, making programs like 4-H critical for the industry’s sustainability.

Drummond explains: “Getting youth into agriculture means giving them the skills, confidence, and responsibility to lead the next generation. It’s fundamentally important for our food systems, rural economies, and communities.”

Drummond intentionally develops new clubs to attract all kinds of youth. “I help with the Cooking Club and Dairy, and I thought, I know we can do more. I started the Chocolate Club to gain interest and attract all youth, then inspire them to join more agriculture clubs.”

He frequently notes that building opportunities for urban and non-farm youth strengthens the entire industry. “When young people from outside agriculture see they have a place, it broadens our perspective and our resilience.”

Agriculture needs creative, driven young people to take on tomorrow’s challenge, he says.

“The more youth we bring into 4-H and agriculture, the stronger we become as a community and industry.”

Awards and recognition

Drummond’s commitment is widely celebrated. In 2025, he was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to 4-H and Canadian agriculture. He has also received the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, the 4-H Canada National 4-H Leader of the Year Award, and the Food & Farming Champion Award from Farm & Food Care Ontario.

As Senator Rob Black stated in presenting the Coronation Medal, “John Drummond is a legend within the 4-H community, both locally and across the province. His commitment to young people and volunteers in the 4-H program is extraordinary. He goes out of his way to ensure a positive experience for all involved and has been recognized at the national level for his significant contributions to 4-H. He is a wonderful ambassador for 4-H and our agricultural sector here in Ontario.”

Drummond has also served as a past board director and president of the Ontario 4-H Council, continuously supporting the organization through his work at local, provincial, and national levels.

Looking at the future

Looking ahead, Drummond’s vision is ambitious and optimistic. “There is no looking back, it is always about building forward.”

He is a steadfast believer in nurturing new leaders and participants, convinced that 4-H can offer something meaningful to every young person. “The rewards of being a leader are every bit as much as they are for being a member.”

He’s determined to see recruitment expand further: “I hope to get more non-farm youth involved and recruit more kids into agriculture. I would like to eventually see clubs be twice the size,” he says.

Highlighting rising participation, Drummond notes, “Our numbers are going up in 2025 already.”

Still, he stresses the ongoing need for volunteer support. “It’s concerning that we don’t have people to fill in the blanks. We need more volunteers.

“Being a 4-H leader isn’t a difficult job –it’s fun, it keeps you young, and it helps inspire the next generation. Just do it.” BF