Posted on August 19, 2019 at 12:12 PM by Global Reach
The Indian Deerettes, Busy Boosters, Henderson Hornets, Ambitious Andies, West Walnut Evereadies, and Riverside Rockets, are all 4-H clubs Greg and Teresa Johnson have left their mark on as outstanding members and leaders of the Iowa 4-H program.
Greg and Teresa grew up in Mills County 4-H. Teresa served on the first Southwest Iowa Area Council, as well as the State 4-H Council. As Teen Club members, both attended Citizenship Washington Focus.
Greg graduated from Nishna Valley High School in 1973 and started farming with money earned through his 4-H Jr. Cattle Feeder project. Teresa graduated the following year and attended ISU before they married in 1977. They have three sons; Chad, Jeffrey and Scott.
In 1985, the Johnsons relocated to Fremont County to raise hogs, corn and soybeans. Greg, a Certified Crop Advisor, is passionate about no-till farming and has practiced it continuously for 34 years. He has enjoyed giving presentations about its benefits to various audiences including newly independent farmers from the Czech Republic.
A 21-year streak began in 1988, the first year the Johnsons participated in the first Fremont County Fair. As alumni, Greg and Teresa recognized the benefits of 4-H, and chose to make it a top priority. They served on the Extension Council and as 4-H leaders. The boys served on county, area and state 4-H councils and attended various 4-H camps and conferences. Chad, Jeff and Scott developed connections with youth from across the state, and Greg’s fondest memories are the times he hosted these 4-H friends at their Fremont County home. Greg and Teresa are proud of the skills their children developed through 4-H such as confidence, compassion, communication, teamwork and independence, and have enjoyed watching these skills put to use.
Chad is the attorney for Stine Seed and Harry Stine of Ames. He and his wife, Heather, are parents to Nathaniel and Elliot. Jeffrey is a Fremont County farmer and the president of Extension Council. He and Jenn are parents to Brayton and Bentley. Scott is a District Sales Manager with Farmers Mutual Hail. He and Bridget met at State 4-H Conference. They make their home in De Forest, WI.
In recent years, Teresa served as a cherry pie superintendent. The Cherry Pie contest and the auction finances participation in Citizenship Washington Focus. As a superintendent, Teresa’s goal is to create a calming atmosphere where youth can learn, grow, and be successful. She is rewarded with a front row seat to their development each year. Since becoming superintendent, the auction has earned nearly $100,000!
Greg and Teresa are very excited to become grandparents of 4-H’ers in the near future. In this new role, they will seek new ways to impact Iowa 4-H.
