2026 Buena Vista County: Ray Schable

Ray Schable has been an active supporter of 4-H throughout his lifetime.  Growing up, Ray showed cattle at the Ida County Fair and hauled his steer to the Iowa State Fair in a stock rack in the back of a pickup truck his senior year.  Ray married Lynn and had 2 children, Tanya and Jake.  Ray encouraged his kids to joing 4-H in Buena Vista County when they were old enough.  From 1991-2000 the Schables were active participants in 4-H, holding club leadership roles and on County Youth Council and showing cattle and swine at the fair.  During his children's time in 4-H, Ray volunteered as a club leader for the Providence Go-Getters, helped establish the Block and Bridle Club, and volunteered his time as Beef Superintendent starting in 1995.  Ray has continued to serve as Beef Superintendent for 30 years, helping with beef weigh in and the cattle show at the fair.    In 1992, Ray's children each showed a heifer at the fair and those two heifers were bred and kept for cows.  The cow heard has been growing steadily and for the past 33 years, Ray has been raising and selling show cattle, owing and operating Schable Cattle Company along with his son Jake, and now his grandkids, Elizabeth and Logan.  Ray has always been willing to assist and encourage all youth with showing cattle and following and supporting them at different fairs and shows.  Ray has been a pillar around the cattle barn for the last 30+ years and always greets people with a smile and calm demeanor.  You will continue to find him there for years to come, supporting his grandkids and other young showmen in the area.  Buena Vista County is so thankful for Ray and all of his contributions to our 4-H program!