2023 Black Hawk County: Kevin Sittig

For many decades, Kevin Sittig has been an amazing 4-H volunteer, serving the organization in many capacities. Even before he began volunteering as an adult, he was a 4- H member in the 1960’s, having projects in Swine, Beef and Horse, while also working with his dad on their farm. After graduating from high school in Manson, Kevin attended Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge. Upon concluding studies there, he enrolled at McPherson College majoring in Business. In 1973 he married his college sweetheart, Diane (Harbaugh) Sittig who was a longtime participant of the 4-H club program in Black Hawk County. After marrying, they moved to Iowa City so Diane could attend U of I nursing college while Kevin took a job in the Biochemistry Department. Following Diane’s graduation, the couple moved back to a family farmhouse near Waterloo where Kevin has been farming for the past 47 years on the Century Farm held by his family. He and Diane were blessed with three children, Raechel, Erek and Kim, who were active in 4-H and three grandchildren.

A career farmer, Kevin always found time to volunteer with 4-H club work, including at 4-H & FFA Fair where he’s been Swine Superintendent for 10 years besides facilitating grilling at Family picnics on the Fairgrounds. For 20 years he served on the Black Hawk County Extension Council, leading as Chairman. After retiring from that position, he returned to club work to serve as a leader of the Orange Clovers. Kevin has been a wonderful volunteer at his church, South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, having organized for 28 years the Live Nativity event. Every year Kevin would generously select a donkey from his herd to stand near the manger, surrounded by other livestock and people. Another organization he’s assisted for years is Black Hawk County Pork Producers board, which often finds him taking their big grill to various town celebrations to grill burgers and loins. Because the county 4-H program has benefitted from his generosity of time and resources, Black Hawk County is honored to recognize Kevin Sittig for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.