Posted on August 22, 2022 at 3:49 PM by Cade Cameron
Chris Nelson worked for Extension in Adams County from 1986 until his retirement in 2019. During his years in extension, his work with and for youth was very important to him
From the beginning, he worked to increase the number of 4-H livestock project fair exhibitors by starting a Share-a-Calf program in collaboration with other groups. He noticed that not all 4-Hers who wanted to show livestock could afford it or had the facilities for livestock. One night he bid on and purchased some chicks at the Adams Rural Development banquet. He made sure those chicks went to 4-H’ers for projects that included record keeping. This led to an increase in poultry projects. Chris was responsible for the start of a yearly project fair in Adams County to spark interest in a variety of possible 4-H projects.
Seeing a need he started and helped teach a yearly class about the basics of money management to Corning 6th graders called Money Matters. Chris served on the Adams County 4-H Foundation Committee, helping raise money for the endowment fund to ensure that 4-H will continue in Adams County. From this fund, scholarships are awarded to graduating 4-H members. Chris saw needs and opportunities for 4-H youth all around him. He took his ideas and motivated others to help get things done for the youth of Adams County. In his retirement, he continues to promote youth and their activities through his KCSI radio program, The Corning and Adams County News.
Chris is an active participant in the Corning and Adams County communities. He was a founding member of the Johnny Carson Birthplace Organization, a non-profit that has restored Johnny’s Corning birthplace and offers tours of the home. He helped revitalize the Adams County Cattleman’s Association, serving on the board and as membership chair for many years. He is a member of the Corning Rotary Club and has been honored as a John Harris Fellow. He is a member of the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce. Chris is on the board of directors at the Swedish Heritage Center in Stanton, Iowa. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Villisca where he serves as a ruling elder.
Chris is married to Barb Nelson and lives on a farm near Stanton, IA where they raised their two daughters, Carroll Ann and Cathy, and where he also raises Simmental and Angus breeding stock.
