Posted on August 26, 2016 at 10:04 AM by Emily Saveraid
There has never been a time when 4-H was not a central part of Pat and Randy Lichty's lives. As children, each was raised in rural Black Hawk County and were part of large, active families where older brothers and sisters led the way with 4-H careers.
Randy's 4-H membership began at 10, in the Orange Kings and later the Orange Boosters clubs where he had swine, beef, junior and senior cattle feeders, woodworking, electric, welding and small engine projects. On the north side of the county, Pat Schmitz was growing up a Mt. Vernon Pals club member, developing skills and success in dairy, food and nutrition, clothing, home improvement, citizenship and leadership projects.
Not surprisingly, clover power brought the two together; during the County Citizenship trip in 1972.After graduating Randy attended ISU majoring in farm operations. Pat also attended ISU, and later UNI. After their children were raised she earned an associate degree in photography.
Married in 1975, Pat and Randy continued their rich history with 4-H on the family farm, raising 6 sons, all 9-year 4-H members, 3 who served on the State 4-H Council. "Two of them met their wives at 4-H activities!" Pat points out.
The Lichty’s served as club leaders for 20+ years, were County Council Advisors, on the fair board, and State 4-H Conference chaperones. Randy is cattle superintendent, Pat is photography superintendent at Black Hawk County 4-H & FFA Fair. "Besides believing in 4-H, we are believers in giving back to the community, it’s something instilled in us by our parents." Today, most of their 7 grandchildren are involved in 4-H.
Additionally the couple is active in their church. Randy is an ECI Co-op Board Director and through her photography business Pat recently joined the Hudson Chamber of Commerce. For 35 years the Lichty’s have annually hosted school students for visits, noting, "We feel it is important for kids in Iowa to learn about farms."
Categories: Black Hawk
