Posted on August 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM by Emily Saveraid
Darrell Kruse has been a dedicated Van Buren County Extension and Outreach volunteer. He has been an assistant leader of the Friendly Four Corners 4-H Club for seventeen years and has served eight years on the Van Buren County Extension Council
Darrell is very involved in the swine project area and has his lottery class, “Kruse Single Selection.” Each year, youth interested in purchasing pigs contact Darrell, who works with a local pig producer to bring pigs to the spring weigh-in for youth who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to have pigs. Darrell’s work doesn’t stop after weigh-in; he mentors the youth throughout the project and will schedule visits to their homes to watch them work, do chores, and clean pens. When it comes time for the fair, there is a Kruse Single Selection swine class where each exhibitor who purchased pigs through Darrell can participate. First and second-place winners get a check from Darrell at the fall awards banquet. Darrell has done Kruse Single Selection for at least ten years.
As a 4-H club leader, Darrell has helped youth with numerous Pioneer Grants and community service projects. Darrell is a hard worker and instills a work ethic into the club. Members understand and appreciate the results of their hard work. In 2018, Darrell built a winner photo backdrop at the fairgrounds for winners' photos.
Darrell has also been an involved council member who attended trainings, legislative days, and other events. Beyond his dedication to 4-H, Darrell volunteers at various food pantries and can be seen at several community fundraising events.
