Posted on August 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM by Emily Saveraid
Larry Kinsinger is a lifelong member and advocate of 4-H. His involvement began at age ten when he joined the Highland Hotshots 4-H club. His parents were supporters of 4-H, with his father serving as a club leader and welding teacher. Larry showed cattle and pigs at the Wapello County Fair and participated in welding projects and grain judging competitions. He recalls club camping trips and an especially memorable trip to Chicago via the train out of Ottumwa. He held various officer positions in his club and feels 4-H kindled his interest in having similar roles in organizations he valued.
Larry also credits 4-H with influencing his choice to farm and his ability to weld. Larry supported all four of his children as they participated in 4-H—also as members of the Highland Hotshots. The family legacy continues as his grandchildren are now involved in their local 4-H clubs.
Larry continued his support of 4-H as a member of the Wapello County Extension Council. He has volunteered at the Wapello County 4-H Expo for the last fifteen years, supporting numerous events and fundraisers. He has also served on the Wapello County 4-H Foundation board since approximately 2006. He previously held the office of vice president and currently serves as treasurer.
Outside of 4-H, Larry has been a Wapello County Farm Bureau member for over fifty years, serving in many roles and meeting with state legislators to advocate for farm bills and policy. He also was a member and treasurer of the Wapello County Pork Producers for over twenty years and has been a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ottumwa since the 1970s.
