Posted on August 23, 2021 at 5:43 PM by Emily Saveraid
Brian Worden grew up in Dows, joining the Morgan Merrymakers 4-H Club for nine years. His favorite project areas were Beef, Swine, and Woodworking, winning the State Woodworking Award in 1979.
Joni was a member of the Belmond Pleasant Peppy Pals 4-H Club for nine years. Her favorite project areas were Home Improvement, Food and Nutrition, Clothing, and Fashion Review! Joni had projects advance to the State Fair every year. Her fondest memories were being on County Council, being a camp counselor, and the amazing friends she met. One of the biggest impacts Joni had was being awarded the Main Street Grant to have the Santa House built in Belmond. She has also taken photos of every aspect of the fair for years!
Brian’s involvement in 4-H and FFA led him to a career in Agriculture. While obtaining his Animal Science degree at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, he met Joni. After graduating in 1981, the couple married and lived in Dows for a short period. In 1988, they moved to a farm in Wright County where they both joined Joni’s families printing company, Printing Services Inc. (PSI). The couple has raised five children. All kids were enrolled in 4-H, where Joni served as a 4-H Volunteer and was on the 4-H and Youth Committee for 24 years!
During Brian’s 24 years on the Wright County Fair Board, he oversaw many improvements including expansion of the Cattle Barn, blacktop sidewalks, handicapped-accessible restrooms, Fair office, and continuous fencing. In 2013, the Board completed a successful $600,000 capital campaign to build a 100’ x 200’ Steel-framed structure becoming the new Show Arena, Swine Barn, Sheep Barn, gating and bleacher. Brian also served as Poultry Assistant, Horse Assistant, Beef Assistant and Swine Superintendent. “Our feeling is if someone is on a board that means the whole family is on the board when help is needed,” said the Wordens.
The couple has been active in the community for 40 years, volunteering on as Belmond Township Trustee, BK FFA Advisory Committee, BK Wrestling/Football Boosters, Gridiron, PSI Chairman of the Cheer Fund, and UMC Sunday /Bible School teacher.
The Wordens have held state and national leadership positions on the Iowa Jr. Maine-Anjou Association where they were Iowa Jr Advisors for over 25 years, and American Jr. Maine-Anjou Association, named Maine Couple of the Year, and Brian Maine Man of the Year. Joni was awarded the American Junior Helper Award. The Wordens are still active in the swine industry sponsoring the Iowa Swine Jackpot Series and Verified Iowa Purebred program.
The Wordens have made a positive impact on Wright County 4-H members with their dedication to Making the Best Better making them Wright County’s 4-H Hall of Fame nominees.
