Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
This year’s Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame nominee, Deanna Holmes, grew up as a dedicated nine-year member of the Poweshiek Pals 4-H Club in Jasper County, where she and her brother raised a small cow herd and showed cattle and horses at county, state, and national levels. She met her husband at a cattle show, and after moving to Kossuth County in the early 1990s, she began volunteering as Assistant Beef Superintendent at the county fair. Over the years, she took on greater responsibilities, eventually chairing the Open Beef Show for 25 years, moving it to spring to boost participation, and creating the Kossuth County Kids Class.
Deanna’s impact extends far beyond the beef arena. She has served 15 years on the fair board, led the Lu Verne-Do-R-Best 4-H Club for 15 years, spent 13 years as Horse Superintendent, coached 4-H basketball, and currently serves as Goat Superintendent and an active member of the Youth Committee. She has led numerous livestock workshops, mentored countless youth, and raised $45,000 for goat and sheep pen and electrical upgrades.
Her dedication also shines in community outreach, providing goats and sheep for farm safety day demonstrations and encouraging new families to join 4-H. Professionally, she owns and operates Paws Motail dog boarding and works as Practice Manager at Holmes Animal Clinic, balancing career and service with ease. Above all, she values family—supporting her three children in all their activities and now cheering on her five grandchildren, including two active Clover Kids. Deanna Holmes truly embodies the 4-H mission of youth development, agricultural education, and community service.
