Nathon Steele has joined the staff of the Freeborn County Extension Office as its 4-H summer assistant.

Steele, of Blue Earth, is a 13-year veteran of 4-H in Faribault County. His projects included livestock, horse, dog and some non-livestock projects.

Steele will be a junior this fall at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus. He is majoring in ag education, and previously attended South Central Technical College in Mankato, where he earned his sales and service diploma.

He said 4-H has helped him develop his leadership skills and a general knowledge of agriculture through his projects.

&uot;The position fits well with my ag education major,&uot; he said, adding he’s also learning public relations and people skills.

Among Steele’s duties as summer assistant are attending club tours through the month of June, where he’ll be meeting 4-H’ers and getting a preview of what they’re taking to the fair.

He’ll help out at Camp Patterson north of Mankato when local 4-H’ers attend this month. Steele also has lined up 4-H day camps in five communities this summer, and will also be assisting with softball tournaments.

At the Freeborn County Fair, Steele will coordinate the general livestock judging contest and help any 4-H’ers who have an interest in being part of the team. He’ll put in a full week at the county fair with paperwork, set up and take down.

One of his special projects will be a &uot;celebrity showmanship&uot; contest at the county fair. &uot;I did something similar last year in Blue Earth County,&uot; he said. &uot;It went over well.&uot;

Steele will also serve as a chaparone for local 4-H’ers during livestock week.