Posted on August 19, 2019 at 12:16 PM by Global Reach
Dr. Doug Frels is a familiar face at the Guthrie County Fair as he has been the official vet for the fair since 1986. Doug grew up in Hershey, Nebraska and was involved in 4-H from a young age. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS in Animal Science in 1982 and then received his DVM degree with honors from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. After graduation, he and his wife Donna joined a practice in Guthrie Center before building their own practice, Guthrie County Veterinary Services, in 1998.
Dr. Frels has been a long time 4-H and Extension supporter. He has served in many capacities in 4-H; as a member of the Youth Committee, leader of the Wichita Wildcats 4-H Club, and as a dad with 2 children active in the program. He also was a member of the Extension Council for 12 years, served as chair for the Extension Council and on the nominating committee.
Doug gives significant time to 4-H’ers at the fair. He is the key player in keeping 4-H animals healthy. He is present at livestock check-ins, makes numerous trips to the fairgrounds to check on and treat animals at all hours of the day, donates the use of his gates for the show ring staging area and donated the photo backdrop. Doug has also donated his time to test all the poultry that come to the fair. This is a huge undertaking as the project has continued to grow and we have had over 450 birds for the last two years! All of this time spent at the fair doesn’t even count the time spent with kids teaching them how to care for their animals and write their vet papers.
When Doug isn’t busy with veterinary work, you can find him donating his time and service to other organizations including Guthrie County Community Foundation, Prairie Woodland Conservation Foundation, and the School Improvement Advisory Committee.
The 4-Hers, leaders, and supporters of the Guthrie County 4-H program, Iowa State Extension in Guthrie County and the Guthrie County Fair are pleased to honor Doctor Doug Frels for his endless contributions to 4-H in Iowa.
