2013 Boone County - Marshall King

Over the years, Marshall has been involved in many different facets of the 4-H program in Boone County. He was a club leader for the Dodge Go Getters 4-H Club for 20 years (1963-1982), the Beef Superintendent for 28 years (1963-1990) and a member of the Auction Committee from 1991 to present. Although he wasn’t a 4-H’er as a youth, in 1991 he became an Honorary 4-H Member for his many contributions to the positive development of youth. 

As a leader of the Dodge Go Getters, Marshall worked with the youth in the beef project and served as a chaperone on trips to Washington D.C. Members really appreciated his patience, understanding and friendly personality. As Beef Superintendent, he coordinated the 4-H/FFA Beef Show at the Boone County Fair and even held weigh-ins at his farm. As an auction committee member, he contacts many individuals and businesses for donations toward the Auction Supporters Fund which ensures every member received a premium during the auction. 

Marshall was a member of the Boone County Fair Board for 18 years (1969-1987) and served as President from 1981 – 1986. During his time on the fair board, he helped make many improvements to the grounds and initiated a Sunday morning non-denominational church worship service during the Boone County Fair. 

Marshall King was a member of the Boone County Cattleman’s Association. In 1994, Marshall received the Iowa Cattleman’s Association’s Hall of Fame Award for his contribution to the beef industry in Iowa. Marshall has also received the Master Farmer Award by Wallace’s Farmer in 1974. He served as chairman of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association and served as Regional Vice President of the National Cattleman Beef Association. 

While he was a farmer, many international visitors and even President Gerald Ford visited his farm located north of Boone. For over 12 years, the King Family hosted 4^th graders from Boone at their farm.   During their visit, the 4^th graders did hands on activities and learned what it is to be a farmer. Marshall really enjoyed these visits and would answer any questions from the kids.  

Currently, Marshall is very involved in community outreach at the United Methodist Church and the driving force behind the Fair Days at the local nursing homes. Every year, he coordinates with 4-H’ers to bring their animals and conference judging exhibits to nursing homes after fair. Marshall had five children involved in the 4-H program, two sons (Jon and Randy) and three daughters (Nancy, Lori and Kathy).