Kentucky 4-H is proud to recognize Wayne Hunt of H&R Agri-Power for his outstanding support of youth development and agriculture across the Commonwealth. During the Kentucky Volunteer Forum, Hunt received the Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award, while Hunt and H&R Agri-Power were also honored with the Partners in Progress Award for their continued commitment to strengthening opportunities for young people.
The Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose volunteer service and support have made a significant and lasting impact on Kentucky 4-H across Kentucky. Hunt’s leadership, generosity, and hands-on involvement have elevated 4-H programming at both the state and local levels.
At the state level, H&R Agri-Power became the Cloverville Stage Sponsor in 2023, pledging $10,000 annually for five years. This investment ensures that 4-H members continue to have a professional and highly visible platform for demonstrations and contests in Cloverville during the Kentucky State Fair.
Hunt has also been a steadfast supporter of the 4-H Emerald Gala, contributing $10,000 for two years and $5,000 last year. In addition, he has helped elevate the visibility of Kentucky 4-H by purchasing the country ham at the Kentucky State Fair Commodity Breakfast for the past two years.
His generosity extends deeply into local programming as well. In Christian County, Kentucky, Hunt has contributed more than $35,000 through the purchase of the 4-H Ham Basket at the Christian County Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast. H&R Agri-Power’s investments have also helped expand premium dollars for county fair livestock shows and supported construction of an improved livestock barn, significantly enhancing local programming. As a result, participation in livestock shows in Christian County has doubled since 2018.
For the past three years, Hunt has also donated $15,000 annually to sponsor Christian County 4-H Camp, helping make camp more affordable and accessible for youth. These contributions have helped the county achieve its highest camp attendance in more than two decades.
H&R Agri-Power has further supported local 4-H programming through the county’s food booth at the Western Kentucky State Fair by purchasing meat for resale. Increased profits from the booth directly benefit youth by helping fund opportunities such as Teen Conference, Teen Summit, and the Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference.
Beyond financial contributions, Hunt and his team are committed to hands-on service. Each year, H&R Agri-Power employees volunteer at Christian County’s Ag Safety Day, teaching fourth-grade students critical tractor safety practices. The company has also partnered with Hopkins County, Kentucky, to provide tractor safety lessons during Ag Education Day.
Hunt is widely known for his characteristic response when asked for support: “How can I help you and the youth?”—a reflection of his genuine commitment to investing in the next generation.
His dedication extends beyond Kentucky as well. Hunt has sponsored youth livestock events, including the Better Beef Show and Sheep Show in Clarksville, Tennessee, helping offset show expenses and provide premiums for young exhibitors.
Hunt believes deeply in the value of youth programs like 4-H. As he shared with Ag Edge, “4-H trains kids for life. Supporting young people is hard to beat. Our company supports them wherever we are. It’s what we are all about.”
For Kentucky 4-H youth, the support of Wayne Hunt and H&R Agri-Power represents far more than a sponsorship; it represents encouragement, opportunity, and belief in their potential. Through both statewide and local efforts, their investment continues to create measurable and lasting benefits for young people and the communities they serve.