Denise Dent, 4-H project leader for the Prairie View Club, was recently presented the Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Dent, who grew up learning from 4-H programs as a student, has served Warren County as a project leader in beef, floriculture and canning for 18 years.
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Denise Dent, 4-H project leader for the Prairie View Club, was recently presented the Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Dent, who grew up learning from 4-H programs as a student, has served Warren County as a project leader in beef, floriculture and canning for 18 years.
Dent has also served on the Warren County 4-H Council as secretary, vice president and president.
“I’ve been in 4-H since I was 8 years old,” said Dent. “My mom was a leader. She taught cooking, sewing and crocheting. My favorites, though, are canning, horticulture and beef.”
Dent said she initially belonged to the Big Creek Club, which divided in 2019. She now leads the Prairie View Club, the largest in the county, with nearly 40 students.
“4-H teaches you a lot of responsibility,” said Dent.
For example, her daughter Kinze is raising a Chianina steer for this year’s Warren County Fair. Responsibilities include feeding the 1,250-pound steer at 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.; washing him down once a week; rinsing him every night and blow drying him out. Proper feeding and care are critical for the health of the animal and for market value.
“Kids come to my place to practice walking their animals, learn showmanship and how to hold them,” she said. “They have to handle a lot.”
In addition to the day-to-day care of the animal, each steer must be weighed in, their feet are trimmed a couple of times, and their living conditions must be healthy and comfortable.
“The best thing 4-H has taught me is to be independent and it showed me how to take care of my home,” said Dent.
Dent is married to Travis Dent. Her daughter Madison is a junior at Missouri State. Kinze will be entering high school. Dent was a hairdresser for 25 years, running her own small business. She is now employed by America’s Heartland Packing where she assists cattle buyers.
According to the Missouri Extension Service, volunteers were selected for the significant contributions made to area 4-H clubs, recognizing volunteers, educators and supporters. Dent was selected from the East Central Region, representing Warren County. A monetary award is presented to the club in their honor.
