Posted on August 19, 2019 at 2:07 PM by Global Reach
In 1986, the West Pottawattamie County Extension Director asked Tom Trede to fill a seat on the Extension Council as a township representative for one year. That one year lasted until 2002 when Tom stepped down after 16 years to let someone else have the opportunity to serve on the council. In 2008, he stepped in again and served until 2012. 
Coincidentally in 1986, Tom’s oldest daughter, Jamie, started in 4-H. His second daughter, Theresa started in 1990 and son, Brad, started in 1993. All three of his children were heavily involved in 4-H.
From 2003-2017, Tom was the show ring director, which included lining up help for the shows and taking care of the show ring. In 2007, Tom was nominated to be the co-chair of the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee and is still serving in that position. The Westfair 4-H livestock auction sells approximately 200 4-H animals each year with an outstanding premium for the county 4-H’ers. As a committee chair, Tom also oversees the supporter awards that are given out at the auction each year and helps direct the building fund donations received from the 4-H members at the auction.
In 2008, a program was started called “Showin’ for Fun”. Tom developed this program to have exhibitors of bucket-bottle calves and feeder calves assist younger children (5-10 yrs old) who were not involved in 4-H to learn how to show a calf. This program provided a leadership experience for the 4-H members, as well as, introduced non-members to the show ring. This was one of Tom’s most loved and rewarding projects and was a great recruiting tool for future beef exhibitors. Tom also donates rope halters and show sticks to first year beef exhibitors and junior beef exhibitors at the county fair.
Tom has been a great asset to 4-H in West Pottawattamie County and is always looking for ways to help our youth “Make the Best Better”.
Categories: 2019, Pottawattamie (West)
