Posted on August 26, 2016 at 9:05 AM by Emily Saveraid
Harold Stamer’s love for agriculture, especially livestock, began at the age of 8 when he started his own herd of Brown Swiss dairy cattle. At 16 years of age, Harold started showing his herd around the Midwest. After marrying his wife Sharon, moving to a farm east of Granville, IA, and starting his family, Harold put his love for showing on hold until his four children started 4-H. His three daughters Kim, Dawn and Lisa and one son Kevin were all members of the O’Brien County 4-H program. Harold’s love for fairs was reignited when he was nominated to join the O’Brien County Fair Board. He served more than 30 years before retiring in December of 2015. In the last 30 years, Harold has devoted his time, passion, and expertise by holding the role of superintendent of both the sheep and dairy shows at different times during his years of service. Many hours have been spent on the road visiting other fairs, attending local and district fair board meetings, and even attending the Iowa State Fair Board Convention. He always enjoys visiting and connecting with others during his trips.
For Harold and his family, 4-H is a way of life and has continued in current generations. Harold’s greatest love has always been working with the kids. Thirteen of Harold’s 14 grandkids have been active members of the O’Brien County 4-H program, and the fourteenth one shows interest of joining when he is old enough. Harold’s 11 great-grandkids are also starting to participate in Discovering 4-H shows and talking about when they get to join 4-H.
One would say Harold’s goal has always been to make the 4-H experience fun and educational not only for the kids enrolled in 4-H, but also for those kids not a part of 4-H. Harold ran the petting zoo for many years at the O’Brien County fair allowing opportunity to interact with the animal.
Harold also worked with kids in the county that need a place for their sheep projects. He makes a place on his farm for kids to house their project and teaches them everything they need to know about their project or anything they ask him about. Volunteers, like Harold, help make the O’Brien County 4-H program great.
Categories: O'Brien
