From the 4H Clubs to the Rural Youth Organisation
The history of the Upper Austrian Rural Youth Association began in 1951. On 5 January, the founding of the ‘Youth Organisation of the Chamber of Agriculture for Upper Austria’ was announced. Its roots lay in the so-called 4H Clubs. The four letters stood for ‘Head, Heart, Hands & Health’.
In the early years, the focus was primarily on the education and training of young people from farming backgrounds. The aim was for young people to acquire knowledge of agriculture and home economics and thereby contribute to the development of agriculture in the post-war period.
Over the decades, this early initiative developed into a youth organisation whose scope now extends far beyond agricultural issues. The Upper Austrian Rural Youth has more than 24,000 members across 226 local groups and 15 district organisations. Over the past 75 years, well over 100,000 young people have been part of the organisation.
An anniversary year with ‘heart and soul’
The anniversary in 2026 will not be celebrated solely by looking back at the past. Under the motto ‘75 Years with Herz & Haund’, the focus is on community, social engagement and solidarity. Local groups are implementing projects in collaboration with social organisations and addressing issues such as inclusion and accessibility.
The title deliberately builds a bridge to the organisation’s early days: ‘Herz’ and ‘Haund’ are reminiscent of ‘Heart’ and ‘Hands’ from the former 4H clubs.
Two major highlights in September
On 6 September 2026, the Höss in Hinterstoder will serve as a special meeting place for active and former members. The major mountain event will feature a mountain mass by the reservoir, group hikes, music and a family programme.
Just a few days later comes the next highlight: on 12 September, the 75th anniversary will be celebrated at the Melodium in Peuerbach. Together with former and current officials, as well as numerous long-standing supporters, the organisation will look back on 75 eventful years.
Part of this retrospective is also a special video project. Around 35 long-standing supporters were interviewed for it and share their personal stories. The summary anniversary version is set to premiere at the celebration in Peuerbach.
We think that’s #absolutelybrilliant, because for 75 years the Rural Youth Association has been demonstrating what can be achieved when young people, with heart, passion and a strong sense of community, actively help shape their local area.
