Posted on August 21, 2023 at 1:13 PM by Emily Saveraid
Billie Jo Haskins may not have been a 4-H’er in her youth but the time, energy, and dedication she put forth to Greene County 4-H displayed her love, spirit, and commitment to the 4-H organization.
Billie Jo has been a Greene County 4-H volunteer for more than 25 years. She got involved in 4-H after running the Craft Show at the Greene County Fair. Next, she became involved with the Youth Development Committee and the Greene County 4-H Foundation. She spent countless hours behind the scenes on these boards.
When her oldest was old enough she began as a leader of the Hardin Happy Hustlers Club for 11 years. She enjoyed working with the kids and watching them grow and improve their 4-H projects every year. As a leader, she always set time aside in the fall to judge record books.
Even though Billie Jo was a busy mom, she and her husband were able to take time to take their boys to cattle shows. They spent every year exhibiting beef at the Iowa State Fair and the Iowa Beef Expo.
Today, having the opportunity to watch her children and grandchildren, Bentley, Hayden, and Cora grow up in 4-H is a special moment she cherishes. She encourages her family and others to stay involved in 4-H because it teaches life skills. The responsibility they learn not just in showing animals but any project in the fair is so a learning opportunity for youth. It truly takes a family not just the child to learn and grow in 4-H. Billie Jo personifies the goal that 4-H envisions to develop life skills through hands-on learning experiences by helping countless youth.
Billie Jo embodies what it is like to be a true 4-H’er. A humble and selfless person who encourages others to work hard, try something new, and be the best they can be!
