Posted on August 19, 2019 at 1:11 PM by Global Reach
Nancy Welsh has been a tremendous asset to Iowa County 4-H. As a young girl her love and passion for 4-H and livestock was evident when she joined two 4-H clubs. She was involved in the traditional girls club with the clothing and food and nutrition projects, but also loved pigs and wanted to show them, so she joined a boys club in Johnson County. Nancy exhibited the Grand Champion Market Barrow with a home raised hog! This award is still something of which Nancy is very proud. Another 4-H highlight of Nancy’s was attending Citizenship Washington Focus trip in 1977. (Nancy recalls staying at the National 4-H Center but due to fire in the filtering system taking showers at the Kennedy Center). 
As an adult, Nancy served as a 4-H leader for 15 years, is currently the Rabbit and Poultry superintendent and serves on the Iowa County 4-H Foundation. Nancy has always gone above and beyond to help each 4-H’er feel welcome and included. As with many 4-H leaders, Nancy’s top priority was teaching 4-H’ers the importance of giving back to the community. Nancy led by example and coordinated many activities such as Valentines for Veterans, landscaping projects at the county fairgrounds and new cages for the rabbit show. As an Iowa County 4-H Foundation Board of Director, Nancy organized a Ford Motor Company drive for a community event. This event raised over $5000 for the Iowa County 4-H Foundation. As a rabbit and poultry superintendent, Nancy coordinates project workshops to help 4-H’ers gain leadership and communication skills.
Nancy is always finding ways To Make the Best Better, to help our 4-H’ers today become leaders of tomorrow. Nancy influenced her children to want to be better and always help others. She also challenged her children to do their best and never give up, even when completing record books! Heidi, Bethany and Neil were lucky to have their mom as a 4-H leader and to have someone like her to support their crazy ideas with 4-H projects. As Bethany states, “They may not have been the best projects, but Mom knew how to support us, so we always learned something.” Even today, you can witness Nancy encouraging Iowa County 4-H’ers and challenging them to be their BEST!
Thank you, Nancy for being a great supporter of our Iowa County 4-H youth, for all your hard work, and for leading by example. Thanks for always stepping up to help with anything when asked; from fair check-ins, to clinics and numerous workshops throughout the year. You have always served with a positive attitude and a smile on your face. Nancy, you are truly one of Iowa County’s best!
Congratulations as Iowa County 2019 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee.
