2020 Pottawattamie County (West): John Fischer

On November 9, 1964 at the age of ten, John Fischer opened a checking account at his local bank to buy three 4-H calves at a local calf sale the next day. That began a relationship with 4-H that continues to this day. He showed cattle and had projects in agronomy, small engines, communication, clothing selection, and more. He held nearly all club offices, was a member of the West Pottawattamie County Council, and he was selected to the first State 4-H Council in the late 60’s. He was selected as the Outstanding Senior Boy in 1971.  

Since Iowa State University and Extension were so involved with 4-H through the years, State 4-H Conference in Ames and meetings of the State 4-H Council led John to his college choice of Iowa State University. John graduated from the College of Agriculture in 1975.  

Outside of 4-H, John has been an active farmer of crops and livestock since he started farming after college in 1975. He had a “second” career in banking and farm management that began in 1995 and continued until 2017. He became Vice President and a Director at Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Neola.  After retirement from the bank, he and son, Daniel established Fischer Management LLC, to continue their farm management responsibilities. He has been a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Church of Neola, serving on their finance council for 30 years. He has been a Neola Township Clerk since 1990, served on the Soil Commissioner and member of the USDA farmer “County Committee” for 8 years.  He is currently serving as a Trustee on the Iowa State University “Agricultural Endowment” Committee. In April of 2020, he donated his 181^st unit of blood to the Red Cross!

John has continued to be active and support the West Pottawattamie 4-H program. When he returned to the area after college graduation, he became active in the West Pottawattamie Youth Committee, which is a body of volunteers that help the West Pott. 4-H program. He has served as a poultry and rabbit superintendent. He and his wife, Mary, served in various club leadership roles and all four of their children were 4-H members. In 1996, John became active in the West Pottawattamie Livestock Sale Committee and has handled money and written checks to 4-H’ers for their animals for 11 years.  He currently serves as a co-superintendent, a position he has held for the past 13 years. John is a constant advocate for the 4-H members and families. He has helped get the carcass program up and running and is instrumental in teaching the 4-H’ers about their market animal. He truly makes sure that all 4-H’ers are able to “Make the Best Better”.