Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees

Jay Partridge became Buchanan County Extension Director in 1944. That year there were 33 4-H members. When Jay retired 34 years later, the 4-H enrollment had risen to 900. In 1954 Jay organized the first 4-H Citizenship trip to Washington D.C., which continues to this day to be a national program. He also organized 4-H exchange trips to Canada, Massachusetts, and South Carolina, to name a few. Trips were the highlight for every 4-Her. He was an Iowa State Fair and local fair judge for 39 years. He would judge all projects, with photography being his first choice. He always said, “I don’t want to just pin on ribbons, I want to help the 4-H’ers learn all they can!” Jay Partridge devoted his life to 4-H and the Buchanan County youth.