2016 Madison County Ted Benshoof

For many years, Ted Benshoof had an active role in the Madison County    4-H program. He grew up as a 4-H member in Warren County, exhibiting Polled Herefords at both the Warren County Fair and Iowa State Fair. As an adult, Ted moved to Madison County, Iowa. He has three sons--Alan, Steve, and Bob. When the boys were old enough to be in 4-H, Ted was always helping them work with their livestock (1982-1997). They showed pigs and cattle every year at the Madison County Fair, Iowa State Fair, and Ak-Sar-Ben Stock Show.

In 1987, Ted was asked to be the Madison County Fair Swine Superintendent. During his nearly thirty year tenure, he served as the Swine Superintendent and was a 4-H program volunteer. Ted was instrumental in making positive changes to the 4-H swine program, the swine barn, the show arena, and the wash racks. He spent numerous hours working with 4-H & FFA youth to ensure they have pigs to show at the fair and providing the information kids need to have a successful exhibition experience. Ted always emphasizes including as many youth in the Madison County 4-H/FFA show as possible, with exhibitor numbers hovering between seventy and eighty for most of the past ten years. He works hard to ensure youth have a positive experience completing their 4-H swine project. Ted personally knows most of the Madison County pig exhibitors, and always goes out of his way to ensure weigh-in is convenient for everyone. He is willing to go to    4-H’ers homes before or after the weigh-in date for those with conflicts or for those who farrow at home. He calls families who have shown in previous years who do not attend weigh-ins to make sure they didn’t forget, and he confirms that swine exhibitors sign up for the correct fair classes each year.

Ted also supports 4-H through his work with the Madison County Pork Producers. Ted has been an active member of the Madison County Pork Producers for decades. During this time, he encouraged the Pork Producers to financially support numerous 4-H efforts, including 4-H volunteer dinners, Madison County Relay for Life, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, youth scholarships and more.

Ted has nine grandchildren that exhibit swine and cattle. He serves as a mentor for their 4-H livestock projects.

Ted continues to go above and beyond for 4-H Youth in Madison County, sharing with them his time, talents, and passion for learning. We are grateful to have him as a 4-H supporter and volunteer in Madison County.