Posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
For Jim and Jeanne Beenken, there is much more to a County Fair than just the six days that animals and members are on the grounds, which is why Tama County has selected them as their 2020 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. Few see the amount of background work that Jim Beeken, Tama County Fair swine superintendent since 1979 until a few years ago, does to make sure the youth are educated in their swine project, the scale is ready so that all swine are weighed, tagged and ear notched prior to the fair, organizes the weigh-in process, and makes sure the show runs smoothly the day of the fair. And beside him is his wife Jeanne, who has been a part of the Tama County Fair Board recently completing a term as treasurer. It is an honor to induct this couple into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame and the youth of Tama County thank you, Jim and Jeanne, for your dedication to them!
Beginning in 1979, Jim became the swine superintendent of the Tama County Fair. Along with a committee, they helped to grow the swine program. Jim does everything possible to make everything fair for 4-H/FFA members. Jim has always cared that the youth were learning something new about their project, regardless of their age. The swine project was much more than just the few minutes in the show ring for those members, it was the education and the process to get to the fair that Jim has been passionate about.
Before weigh-in, Jim visits the Extension office to check that the scale is properly working and taking a day to be there to talk to each member. You can see how much he cares about these exhibitors.
Each year at the end of the fair weigh-in, Jim is normally covered by yellow paint. He is the one who paints each pig with their rate of gain and then spends the time to clean the numbers to be ready for next year. Jim is organized and spends time looking over the weigh-in paperwork to make sure that each class is fair. He is detailed and always prepared.
And beside him at meetings and at the fair is Jeanne, who has served the Tama County Fair Board as a member and treasurer for a number of years. Her accuracy and attention to detail has been vital in keeping the fair board accurate in their funding and spending.
It is an honor to have this couple inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame! Thank you, Jim and Jeanne for your dedication to the youth of Tama County.