Posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
Joyce Barre has been an active member of the 4-H community since she was a child. Wonderful experiences with sewing, better grooming, and fashion revue helped to shape her early career path in the fashion retail industry. Her textiles and merchandising degree from Iowa State took her to Illinois where she met her husband, Rick. With the arrival of their first child, the support of family brought the pair back to southeast Iowa. 
When her children were old enough, Joyce eagerly signed her two girls, Kala and Kari up for the 4-H Clover Kids program. With the challenging work schedule of a dairy farmer, Joyce eventually made the decision to branch off and form her own club, the Lucky Clovers. Under Joyce’s continued direction, the Lucky Clovers club has continued well beyond the participation of her daughters. The program has shown consistent dedication to several Wapello County community programs including the Ottumwa Public Library and the Heartland Humane Society for more than 15 years.
Joyce has a unique style of leadership within her 4-H club. She focuses her efforts on guiding the members of the club and teaching foundational skills. Her own daughters, now immersed in the worlds of education and healthcare, recognize the value of Joyce teaching and upholding the proper meeting procedures. Beyond teaching a variety of life skills, she is careful to place decision making opportunities in the hands of the members. She recognizes that the most important thing about participation in 4-H is that the youth have the opportunity to follow their interests and to develop skills in leadership, communication, and citizenship.
Joyce’s dedication to 4-H doesn’t end with her club. Over the years, Joyce has been an active volunteer with the Wapello County Expo. Joyce has also shared her wide variety of expertise in baking, fashion, gardening, bucket/bottle calves, and more as she has volunteered as a judge in surrounding counties.
Above all, Joyce values the community that comes along with 4-H involvement. Years of friendships and mentorships keep her involved and will continue for many years to come.
