Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:14 AM by Global Reach
Ron and Darlene Schmillen began their work with the sheep program in Cherokee County over 35 years ago when they purchased two purebred Suffolk sheep, Jack and Trudy, for their children to use as a 4-H project. Soon the whole family was involved in the project. All five of their children showed sheep at the Cherokee County Fair, Clay County Fair, and the Iowa State Fair. In fact, Ron and Darlene learned so much from their children showing sheep that they still have over 50 head of ewes on their farm.
Ron has served as the Cherokee County Sheep Project Leaders since 1974. As the sheep project leader, he has coordinated the sheep weigh-in and assisted 4-H’ers with their sheep project. Ron also served on the 4-H and Youth Committee from 1983-1989. Ron and Darlene served as leaders of the Tilden Tillers 4-H Club from 1985-1994.
Even though their children are grown, Ron and Darlene are still very active in 4-H. They help their grandchildren show lambs in 4-H. They also sell sheep to many of the area 4-H’ers who are interested in the sheep project.
Ron and Darlene are wonderful assets to the Cherokee County 4-H program. Without their help and guidance through the years, our 4-H youth would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity.
