Posted on August 8, 2013 at 11:12 AM by Global Reach
Deb Hall began her 4-H career as a member of the Blaine Shamrocks (girls’ clubs) and the Blaine Elks (boys’ club) in Ida County. Her 4-H involvement spanned a lifetime as a member, 4-H parent, employee, mentor, personal friend, and co-worker. Her career in Iowa includes working in Cass and Adams County Extension offices, serving ISU Extension as Agriculture Associate, SW Iowa Area Youth Field Specialist, State Youth Development Specialist. She was State Youth 4-H Development Specialist and Curriculum Director at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She began her work as Adair County Extension Education Director in 1993 and continued through her retirement in 2012.
She has enjoyed working with livestock exhibitors at county fairs, both the Nebraska and Iowa State Fair, and Ak-Sar-Ben. Deb helped develop the Total Quality Management Program which is a National Program for Animal Care and partnered with her husband, Rich, to develop the Speak Out for Agriculture (SOFA) program. This program has been integral in introducing youth to careers in Agriculture for the past 19 years.
Deb enjoyed the communication project area as a 4-H’er advancing to the state fair with many presentations following hours of preparation.
The livestock projects consumed a large portion of her time. She exhibited purebred Angus Cattle at many fairs and shows, participated in the horse and sheep projects.
Deb was known for her showmanship skills. She won the State Livestock Judging Contest the first year she was eligible to compete and set a state record for scoring that remained in the record book for many years. Ak-Sar-Ben and the State Fair were like family vacations for Deb and her family. Many herdsmanship honors were won as she took pride with fellow 4-Hers in making sure everything was in order.
Deb attended 4-H camps, state 4-H conference and served on her county council. She was the first female to win the Iowa FFA Creed Speaking contest. Her 4-H experience helped her in obtaining the honors of Miss Iowa Angus and Miss American Angus, later becoming a certified Angus Judge.
Her proudest moments have been witnessing the growth of 4-H members. She enjoys helping them prepare for college and takes great pride in helping them with application skills and interview practices. Her door continues to be open for 4-H’ers even after they have finished their 4-H career.
Leadership that Deb has provided for the youth and 4-H program in Adair County is invaluable. Her leadership, guidance, and understanding when tasks seemed impossible; and her ability to find the “good” in everyone and work to bring out the best in each and every person she came in contact with continues to be appreciated by her co-workers and many, many Adair County 4-H’ers and their families. Her dedication to the 4-H program and the youth of Adair County is immeasurable.
Categories: Adair
