Posted on August 28, 2017 at 9:27 AM by Global Reach
Don and Pat Swanson are lifelong members of 4-H. Both were raised in families that supported 4-H. Their passion for agriculture and service continues today. Pat was an exemplary member of the Britt Busy Beavers 4-H club in Hancock County, and Don was a champion livestock showman and county tractor rodeo winner from the Bladensburg Sodbusters 4-H club.
After the two married and settled in Wapello County, they continued the 4-H tradition with their two children, Jake and Erica. Don and Pat made a commitment to share their experiences with not only their children, but also county youth and families.
Pat served as the leader of the Pleasant U & I Sodbusters 4-H club for several years, and continues her service on the board of the Wapello County 4-H Foundation. Her endless creativity and enthusiasm for helping 4-H’ers could be seen every year during the 4-H Expo. The club grew to the largest in Wapello County, with members from both urban and rural areas. In addition, she started a clover kids program for the club to get more kids involved in service and leadership at an early age.
Don has devoted his time to serving on the Wapello County Expo Board, including terms as president and beef superintendent. He helped with numerous service projects, livestock weigh-ins, and expo events. He has always encouraged kids to get involved with showing livestock, and has helped many get started with swine and beef projects. As a result of his recruitment, many community businesses have become engaged as sponsors of the ribbon auction.
Both Don and Pat have spent countless hours setting up, tearing down, and preparing for the next 4-H Expo, never hesitating to step in and help when needed.
Above all, they truly enjoyed working with the great families of Wapello County to support 4-H and grow their community. Don and Pat continue to volunteer with Wapello County 4-H and state fair functions, and advocate for youth programs.
