Posted on August 26, 2016 at 9:52 AM by Emily Saveraid
Jim and Louella Schneider carry on a strong family tradition of 4-H. Jim grew up as a Riverside Rambler 4-H member in Washington County. He has been a 4-H leader of the Ramblers since 1976 taking over the reins from his brother, John, who took over from their dad, Elmer. Jim and Louella have proudly mentored and guided their two sons through the Washington County 4-H program as well as a “herd” of nieces and nephews and hundreds of members through the Riverside Rambler 4-H Club. Jim also served on the Washington County Extension Council and has been a member of the Washington County Fair Association since 2005.
Jim helped start the very popular bucket-bottle calf class with County Extension Director Jim Frier and Howard Bohr in the early 90’s. Jim served as assistant Market Beef and Breeding Beef superintendent. When they combined into one beef show he became the beef superintendent. It was about that time he got involved with the Washington County Cattlemen, became president, and helped start the Share-A-Calf class at the Washington County Fair. He helped organize club calf sales at the Washington sale barn. He stepped down as superintendent when his son, Peter, joined 4-H in 1993. In 2011 Jim received the 4-H Alumni Award at the November 4-H Awards Night. In 2012 Jim and Louella proudly joined their family when the Elmer Schneider Family was named 4-H Family of the Year for Washington County.
Louella was not in 4-H or a 4-H leader –but she has been a strong supporter of Jim in all his 4-H activities as well as their sons, nieces and nephews and Rambler Club members. The Ramblers hold a club tour every year and Louella works hard to make that successful. Louella may not have “officially” been a 4-H leader, but when you are married to a 4-H leader you are part of that organization. Before the days of the answering machine, she took all the 4-H messages for Jim.
Jim thinks 4-H is a great program because kids learn a work ethic, it brings families together, brings different kids together, new friendships are formed, and even marriages result because of 4-H. According to their son, Andrew, one of Jim’s proudest things about 4-H is that it was something they all did as a family. Especially as an extended family going to the Beef Expo, Iowa State Fair, Aksarben, and The Royal. Looking to the future, Jim and Louella’s grandchildren, Mason and Lindsey, will continue to carry on the Schneider Family 4-H tradition.
Categories: Washington
