Posted on August 21, 2018 at 3:14 PM by Global Reach
Max Schmidt has been around 4-H and extension work for most of his adult life. His wife, Georgia has been a huge supporter throughout their marriage. Not a stranger to 4-H, Max participated in the International Farm Youth Exchange in the 1960’s while in college. He was stationed in Israel.
After he and Georgia married and started a family, he wanted to instill the values of 4-H in his kids. In 1979, when their twin boys turned 10, Max decided to start a 4-H group in the Elma area of NE Iowa. This starter group had nine boys and was aptly called, The Elma 9er’s. Max was dedicated to leading this group for the next 8 years. Georgia, a stay at home mom, would always be a ready and willing supporter for this group, and the group her daughters attended, “The Afton Aces”. Max’s original Elma 9er’s has undergone change over the years, but is still in existence today in a co-ed club.
Meetings, presentations, projects, working exhibits, international nights, 4-H record books, 4-H carnival and of course….the county fair were hallmarks of the Schmidt family way of life. Max and Georgia selflessly gave of their time, talents and resources so that kids in the community could have a chance to be part of something that taught them to grow in their knowledge and love of agriculture, in their capacity as future leaders, and in their ability to be better citizens.
Even after their kids were gone, Max particularly, has always been a friend to the 4-H community and Extension service. He continues to give of his time and resources very generously throughout the year.
Both Max and Georgia can still be found each year at the Mighty Howard County Fair, enjoying livestock shows, particularly the swine show, as they support and cheer on the next generation of 4-Her’s.
