Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Darla Merwald made a lasting impact on 4-H at both the county and state levels during her 54 years of involvement. As leader of the Timber Creek Champs 4-H Club and a member of the Youth Development Committee, she was deeply committed to youth development. Her leadership extended to the Central Iowa Fair, where she served as the 4-H Horse Show Chair—organizing clinics, securing donations, and ensuring a positive experience for all participants. She also served on the Fair Board and co-chaired the Fair Rodeo, which was entirely funded by donations.
At the state level, Darla contributed to the Iowa 4-H Horse Advisory Committee, helping update the Horse Show Rule Book and leading Hippology and Showmanship contests at the Iowa Horse Fair. As Co-Chair of the Iowa State Fair 4-H Horse Show, she focused on quality, rule adherence, and horse health—enhancing professionalism and participation.
Darla’s 4-H journey began as a member of the Lynngrove Hustlerettes in Jasper County. Her children, Mike and Missy, followed in her footsteps, competing in multiple 4-H events and achieving notable success, including Missy’s eight Class Champion titles.
She also served as a judge for over 40 county 4-H horse shows across Iowa, always eager to share her knowledge and passion for horses. In honor of her legacy, the Iowa State Fair Horse Show Committee recognized her posthumously, and her family established the Darla Merwald “Passion for Horses” 4-H Scholarship, which has awarded $8,000 to date and continues to support Iowa 4-H youth.
Darla’s lifelong dedication to 4-H and youth development leaves a lasting legacy across Iowa.
