2015 Woodbury County- Allan and Polly Pithan

I PLEDGE MY HEAD TO CLEARER THINKING…

Allan and Polly Pithan began their 4-H careers representing Woodbury County in 1960.  Polly, a nine-year member of the Active Anthonettes where she exhibited in the Foods, Textiles, and Home Improvement projects..  She was involved in numerous community service activities, held club officer positions, and especially enjoyed being selected to represent Woodbury County with a 4-H demonstration at the Clay County Fair. 

Allan was a nine-year member of the Liston Lads.  He also held club offices and was elected as a County Council member in 1967.  Allen’s father owned a trucking business and the livestock on the acreage near Danbury was the responsibility of Allan and his younger brother.  Allan’s passion for agriculture and beef blossomed at a young age.

MY HEART TO GREATER LOYALTY…..It was at the 1967 Woodbury County Fair where Allan and Polly officially met.  Allan was known for his quiet disposition and maturity beyond his years.  Polly was considered by many to be “such a nice girl”.  The friendship blossomed into romance and the couple was married January 24, 1970.  They had three children:  Angela Katherine (Pithan) Schrunk, Michael Allan Pithan, and David Dean Pithan.

MY HANDS TO LARGER SERVICE…..4-H has always been a family affair.  Polly and Allan raised their children as 3^rd generation active members of the Woodbury County 4-H Program.  Polly’s mother was a leader of the Anthon Club while her children were involved in the program and Allan’s mother served as a helper with the Danbury Club. 

Polly spent close to 15 years as a judge for area county fairs.  She especially enjoyed the foods area and more recently, working with Clover Kids.  She was elected to serve four years on the Woodbury County Extension Council, and has served on the 4-H and Fair Committee.  She has been a building superintendent in both Foods and Textiles and was also the assistant 4-H building superintendent.  She now serves as an Open Class superintendent and the Fair Queen superintendent.

Allan served as superintendent of the beef department for seven years and has helped youth in the show ring during the annual Beef Show for close to 20 years.  He shares his knowledge of the livestock industry with local youth in the areas of showmanship and feeding programs.  

AND MY HEALTH TO BETTER LIVING FOR MY CLUB, MY COMMUNITY, MY COUNTRY, AND MY WORLD.

Allan and Polly have passed their passion for service and agriculture on to their children :  Angie serves as the Market President of Security National Bank overseeing four rural locations.  Michael owns and operates Big Creek Trucking hauling livestock and related feedstuffs.  David has his own farming operation and involvement with the day-to-day activities at the feedlot in addition to raising show cattle. 

At the present time, the Pithan family farms 2,600 acres of corn and soybeans, has a 450 head cow/calf herd, and operates Pithan feedlot.  Since 1996, they have fed approximately 67,000 head of cattle.  They are active members of the Woodbury County Cattlemen’s Association.  Polly served as the first female president of the group from 2000 to 2005.  Allan serves as Mayor of the town of Anthon, is a member of the McNiff #389 Post, Knights of Columbus, South Sioux City Eagles, and is a supporter of the Maple Valley/Anthon Oto FFA program.    The couple enjoys big band dancing and spending time with their family.