2004 State Recognition - Don Greiman

If Don Greiman’s first experience attending the Iowa State Fair would be any indication of his future interest in 4-H and Fairs, his parents would have been surprised.  At two years of age, his parents rented a tent for overnight camping at the Iowa State Fair.  Since this was in the late 1920’s, it was probably Don’s first time to be away overnight and away from home.  He cried the whole night disturbing not only the sleep of his parents but all those camping around them.  Fortunately, by the time he was ten years old, Don could hardly wait to join 4-H.  Since then he has spent more time on a fairground from the middle of July to the middle of August than at home.

Because his parents were involved in the production of purebred Angus cattle, he enrolled in Baby Beef projects and when purebred beef heifer projects became available he participated in that area as well.  However, one year his mother thought he should have a poultry project (against his wishes!).  When he had the Grand Champion bird and Champion Pen of Three at the County Fair, he had a much more positive view of poultry projects.  He culminated his 4-H career by exhibiting the grand Champion Purebred Angus Heifer and was selected the top beef showman at the 1947 Iowa State Fair.

After his discharge from the Air Force in 1954, Don soon became a 4-H club leader which would extend over the next 20 years.  He was also a Hancock County 4-H Committee Chairman for 6 years.  Because of his background in the production and exhibition of purebred cattle and the experience of being on both the Iowa State University Livestock Judging Team and their Meats Judging team, Don regularly judged many county, district and state fairs.  One of Don’s greatest experiences was to have the opportunity to work with and hopefully educate young people.

Don received the county 4-H Alumni Award in 1971 received the coveted State 4-H Alumni Recognition Award.  That plaque is prominently displayed in his office.

Don has served on the North Iowa Fair Board for 41 years and the Iowa State Fair board for over 30 years.  He served as President of Iowa State Fair Board from 1977-80 and again from 2000-01.  Don was also instrumental in the formation of the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFFAA).  This group is responsible for organizing the State Fair Sale of Champions which raises money for youth scholarships.

Don has also been involved with local, state, and national boards and credits what success he has achieved to his experience and training from 4-H.  He feels very strongly that youth and agriculture are the foundation for the Iowa State Fair’s 150 years of success!