Posted on August 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Wright County proudly nominates Kevin Hadley for the 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to agriculture, youth development, and community service. A resident of Wright County for 70 years, Kevin has worked as a farmer and Pioneer Seed Sales Representative, continuing his family’s legacy since 1983.
Kevin’s 4-H journey began in 1960 with the Iowa Hawkeye 4-H Club, where he showed dairy cattle and participated in demonstrations—one of which was even televised. A favorite memory was a 4-H award trip to Chicago, made unforgettable by a stalled train over the Mississippi River.
The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” has guided Kevin throughout his life. He attended the State 4-H Conference in Ames and later served as a 4-H leader, sheep superintendent, Wright County Fair Board member, and currently serves on the Wright County Extension Council and 4-H Endowment Committee as treasurer.
Beyond 4-H, Kevin has served on the Dows-Rowan Coop Board, USDA-FSA County Board, and Rowan Library Board, and is active in the Rowan Methodist Church. He also ran the kids’ pedal pull at the fair for many years, bringing joy to young fairgoers.
Kevin and his wife, Betty, have four children—Kyle, Wyatt, Cherish, and Melissa. Kyle and Wyatt were both nine-year 4-H members, continuing the family’s strong 4-H tradition. Betty has been a constant supporter of Kevin’s work and a beloved figure in the 4-H community.
Kevin encourages today’s youth to embrace every opportunity 4-H offers—a message he’s lived by for decades.
