Caleb Lechlitner of Nappanee is a freshman at Purdue. A Northwood High School graduate, he plans on having a career in the agriculture industry. Photo provided by Heather Lechlitner.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE — Caleb Lechlitner of Nappanee is a 2024 graduate of NorthWood High School. He is the son of Fred and Heather Lechlitner. A Purdue freshman, he spent 10 years in 4-H.

He grew up in a farming family. His grandfather, Dr. Bruce Lamb of Milford, is a veterinarian. Lechlitner recalls going to his grandfather’s farm where he raised Angus cattle.

“Grandpa Lamb has taught me everything I know about cattle and the livestock industry. He is always there to help and encourage me,” he said.

Growing up, Lechlitner raised and showed Angus cattle and sheep and did livestock judging.

“I grew up in the ag industry. It’s always been there. I was born into it,” he said.

He enjoyed mentoring and helping younger 4-Hers with their sheep and cattle projects.

“I enjoyed giving back by mentoring and helping younger 4-H’ers with their cattle and sheep projects. I had several special and important older 4-H’ers and 4-H alumni invest in me and help me over the years,” he said. “I have been blessed, and I think it is important to give back and pay it forward what I have learned to younger 4-He’rs.”

He was a 4-H ambassador for Kosciusko County and named the 2022 4-H fair king.

He said 4-H taught him “hard work and responsibility.”

Lechlitner, 18, and his two siblings, Hayden and Halle, were junior members of the Indiana and American Angus associations. He also did a consumer beef project with one of his siblings. He raised pigs but said he doesn’t have a favorite animal.

In addition, he worked for Genesis Show Lambs in Millersburg, where he got his sheep from.

He said 4-H was a family affair.

“All of our 4-H projects we did together as a family,” Lechlitner said. “We all enjoyed it.”

He was also a member of the Leesburg Mighty Farmers and Kosciusko County 4-H Junior Leaders clubs.

His 4-H projects included: beef, swine, sheep, consumer grilling, farm toy scene, electric, tractor (lawn and garden mower, zero-turn mower, garden tractor), shooting sports, Junior Leaders and senior achievement, and milk and meat production.

“You have to devote a lot of time to it,” he said of 4-H, “and do it the best of your ability. It teaches you a lot about yourself.”

His plans for the future include getting a degree in agri-business management with a minor in ag policy and pre-law.

“I’d like to do something in the ag industry,” he said of his future career plans.