Posted on March 29, 2011 at 11:05 AM by Global Reach
Andrew Bakke started 4-H at the age of 9. He was one of the first 4-H’ers in Winneshiek County. He continued in 4-H until the age of 21. During his career in 4-H, he had many projects which included milking shorthorn cattle, Hampshire pigs, market lambs, colt club, soil conservation and farm records. Along with his projects, he received many awards including a silver ring for outstanding dairy calf club member, received purebred Hampshire gilt for his outstanding pig club activities.
Andrew was selected as one of four individuals in the United States to attend a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C. about a proposed bill for additional funds to provide more leaders for 4-H club activities. When he went out to Washington, D.C., he began his speech to the Congress by saying, “I come from the State of Iowa, where the tall corn grows,” being proud of the state he lived in.
In 1941 he became the Vice President of State 4-H Boys’ Clubs in Iowa. It came down to a tie between him and another man. He lost the presidency by the flip of a coin. Andrew in campaigning for the state office said, “I have received many honors and awards, but in my estimation, these honors are less important than the personal development I have made.”
Andrew was a 4-H leader for 10 years for the Springfield Choreboys and started a club in Frankville Township called the Frankville Jolly Boys. He was a member of the Fairboard for 24 years and was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for new cattle building on the fairgrounds.
Andrew is married to Eloise and has three children, Arleen, Corinne, and Allen. You can find Andrew at the fair in the summer. He can usually be found in the show barn watching all of the livestock shows.
Andrew maintains “rural youth are tomorrow’s citizen in the making.”
Categories: Winneshiek
