Full Circle: Giving Back Where It All Began – Chris Clark’s 4-H Story

Dec 13, 2024

Chris Clark is reconnecting with his 4-H roots after nearly 20 years as an alum. Inspired by the Tomorrow Needs 4-H campaign, Chris has found, and continues to find, many unique ways to give back to the organization that helped shape him into the person he is today. From partnering with us to give away two floor seats to Taylor Swift, to singing the national anthem at the 2024 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, to promoting 4-H on his social platforms and in media interviews, Chris claims he’s “only just getting started”.

As Chris transitions to his dream career as a country music artist, and in celebration of his newest single, Bronco, we asked him to reflect on his time in 4-H and share with us the journey that brought him to where he is now.

The Early Days

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Elora, ON, Chris Clark began his 4-H journey at the age of 10 with the Eramosa and Erin Dairy Club. Hooked right out of the gate, he went on to join the Eramosa Goat Club and the 4-H Judging Club.

“I really loved my time at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Scotiabank Hays Classic ... I also particularly remember the warm summer night 4-H club meetings and training my calf with my cousins and friends at local farms within Wellington County, we had the best time”.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.