Posted on August 22, 2022 at 11:04 AM by Cade Cameron
Roger and Jody Helmrichs have been involved with the Delaware County 4-H program in many capacities. Roger joined the Milo Livestock 4-H Club in 6th grade, where he exhibited dairy and beef at the Delaware County Fair, Ryan Dairy days, the Iowa State fair, and National Cattle Congress. He held many offices in his 4-H club including President and was elected as co-chair of the 4-H County Council. He was selected to attend the State 4–H Conference, State Leadership Conference, and the Washington D.C. Citizenship Shortcourse.
Today, Roger and Jody continue to give back to the 4-H organization in Delaware County. You can find Jody volunteering at the 4-H Food Stand during the Delaware County Fair every year. Roger is the go-to handyman, helping with repairs at the food stand and around the fair.
Roger and Jody fund an annual scholarship through the 4-H foundation to be given to a graduating Delaware County 4-H senior. Each year, Jody and Roger actively support the livestock auction at the conclusion of the Delaware County Fair. They consistently purchase at least one of each animal species being sold. The couple also sponsors several trophies for the Delaware County Fair livestock shows.
Roger has been a member of the ISU Extension and Outreach council for Delaware County since 2008. He currently serves as Chairman of the council and serves on the personnel committee and fair livestock sale committee. Through his leadership, the Delaware County 4-H program has reached record-breaking participation numbers.
Roger and Jody live on an acreage near Dundee with their horses, dogs, and cats. Both are retired from full-time employment, but keep busy with part-time work and volunteer activities. Jody works as a substitute special education aid at West Delaware and volunteers regularly to bring her therapy dog, Quinn, to school to interact with students.
Besides his involvement with the Extension Council and 4-H programs, Roger is chair of the Delaware County Republican party, chair of the Barn Quilts of Delaware County, Richland Township Clerk, and a member of the Friends of Backbone Lake (Park). Roger also served on the West Delaware School Board for 12 years.
Roger and Jody know it takes a lot of volunteers to support a successful 4-H program. They appreciate 4-H and 4-H volunteers.
