2008 Jackson County - Floyd Peters

Agriculture and 4-H has been a way of life for Floyd Peters.  He became a member of the Andrew Future Farmers in 1942 at the age of eleven.  His first year as a 4-H member he bought a Hereford steer from a neighbor as a “baby beef” project. He showed it at three shows and received a blue ribbon each time. In subsequent years he continued to show beef projects which included a Hereford steer which was reserve champion at the Jackson Co. fair.  He also exhibited purebred Hereford heifers which he received the state beef producer award and won a purebred Hereford heifer based on carrying the project and his outstanding record book.  He carried a swine project with purebred Chester White sows, tractor maintenance project, tractor safety project, soil conservation, and home improvement projects as well as field crops.  One special memory was when he received the state field crop award in 1947 which took him to the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago.  There he received the 4-H state achievement award presented by the National Committee for Boys and Girls Club Work.  
Floyd held each office in his local club and was president of the Jackson County 4-H Council.  In 1948 he was elected secretary-treasurer of the Iowa State 4-H Council.  Floyd continued to be a member of the Andrew Future Farmers showing cattle, helping the younger members, and giving talks about his 4-H experiences.  He used the knowledge and experiences gained through 4-H to begin farming with his father.  Floyd married in 1954 and became the father of seven children, all of them whom were active in 4-H.
    During his married life he has continued to use his 4-H background.  In 1961 he entered the state plowing contest where he placed 3rd in plowing and 1st in safety.  He was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Maquoketa Jaycees in 1965.  He was Jackson Co. conservation winner in the owner operator division in 1967. Floyd earned the North East Iowa region pasture improvement award in 1976. He served two terms on the Jackson Co. Extension council and two terms on the Jackson Co. Youth Committee.  He organized and directed the Jackson Co. Special Steer Class for thirteen years as well as being instrumental in organizing the Jackson Co. Demonstration Farm where he served on the board for fourteen years. Floyd is a member of the Jackson Co. Cattlemen Hall of Fame and is a member of the Jackson Co. Cattlemen where he served as president.  He served on the Jackson Co. Fair Board for nine years, United Livestock board of directors for fifteen years and served as director for four years.  He was a director on the local coop board, is a member of Jackson County Farm Bureau and has served as secretary.  He is a member of St. John’s Church in Andrew where he has served on the church council and is presently on the cemetery board.  
    Floyd’s passion for agriculture and 4-H continues through his eighteen grandchildren each year at local and state events.