2011 Dallas County - Becky Simpson

Becky Simpson was born and raised in a 4-H family in central Illinois, where she participated in both “boys” and “girls” 4-H clubs for 11 years.  Her parents were 4-H leaders and were the first husband-wife duo to have their respective clubs named “Club of the Year” at the same time.  After college, Becky served as leader of her former “girls” club for two years.

Becky became leader of the Linnfield Pioneers in Dallas County during her older son, Travis’, second year in 4-H and served in that capacity for 11 years.  She encouraged her members to keep records and to also be involved in community service and communications.  During her tenure, the club was honored with a Governor’s Volunteer Award for 10 years of participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program and took four Share-the-Fun acts to the Iowa State Fair.  Several members were chosen to give educational presentations and working exhibits at the State Fair.  The club was a perennial beef herdsmanship winner and members excelled in a variety of projects from poultry, rabbits and beef to photography, woodworking, foods and clothing.

The Simpson sons carried on the family tradition, filling various leadership roles in the county and state.  In 1997, Travis founded the Dallas County 4-H Basketball Tournament; Kevin took over for him in 1999 and the event continues to this day.  Travis was also a member of the State 4-H Council and after college graduation he helped organize and advise the Dallas County 4-H Council.

Although her “official” 4-H career ended in 2000, Becky continues to be involved with 4-H and Extension in Dallas County. She was the only volunteer who worked on all five referendum votes  (over an 8-year period) for increased Extension funding and her club members helped with canvassing their community in support of the referendum. Dallas County recognized her efforts during the 100th birthday of ISU Extension. 

She continues to assist with the county 4-H foundation’s annual silent auction and proofreads the county fair book every two years.  In addition, she has judged bottle calves and herdsmanship at the county fair and she and her husband, Mike,  annually sponsor the trophy for reserve supreme champion breeding beef heifer. Becky’s mentoring has also resulted in one of her former members now volunteering as leader of the Linnfield Pioneers.