Skip to main content

The Faces of Iowa 4-H: Mitch Hoyer


Name: Mitch Hoyer

Current Position: 4-H Youth Development Program Specialist

Major Responsibilities: Policy and Risk Management and Educational Design and Delivery.

Hometown: Latimer, Iowa. 4-H Member for 9 years.

Education: Two B.S. degrees from Iowa State University in Animal Science and Agricultural Education. Completing Masters Degree at Iowa State in Agricultural Education and Studies in 2011.

Past Work Experiences: High School agriculture teacher/FFA advisor in Sac City, Iowa (1981-1986). Seed Sales Specialist in Cenex/Land ‘O Lakes (1986-1989). Iowa State Extension (1989 – Current).

Hobbies: Attending ISU sports and cultural events, golf, reading, gardening. Trying to become a better cook, have lots to learn, enjoy experimenting with new “rubs” for meat cuts. But compared to the people on the TV show “America’s Worst Cooks, I could be the next Emeril.

Ultimate Goal in 4-H: To do whatever I can to promote Program Policy.


When I first started talking with Mitch he told me that his first job was working on the farm walking rows of soybeans pulling and cutting the weeds. This is when I realized that Mitch has grown up around agriculture his whole life and has made a living out of showing and teaching people about what he knows and has learned as well.


Mitch primarily works in planning and preparing for the state fair in the summer. There are a lot of people involved in working to make the state fair exhibits building ready to go and Mitch even hires two interns to help him make sure everything gets done and runs smoothly. One big responsibility he has is to select judges for the competitions and to get about 200 volunteers to help. Volunteers are key to making the 4-H events at the state fair happen. Mitch says, “The Ultimate goal at the state fair is to give young people another opportunity to showcase their talents and what they are doing in the 4-H program. It’s really a great thing!”


Another duty Mitch has is to run the Risk Management program. Risk management is not about risk avoidance but about assessing potential hazards. He educates staff and leaders to ensure all the right steps will be taken in case of an emergency. The goal here is to implement safe programs for young people and create a safe and healthy environment.


What does 4-H mean to Mitch? It means opportunity for young people to learn, discover, and grow into productive citizens.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ISU Women's Basketball Game a Big Hit!

4-H Night at the Iowa State Women's Basketball Game was a huge success Saturday. It was great to see everyone out and supporting the Cyclone's. We hope everyone had wonderful time. A recap of the night.... Over 1000 4-H guests were in attendance Glen and Mary Jo Mente were recognized on the court for all the great things they do the Iowa 4-H Program One lucky fan won a basketball autographed by Bill Fennelley and the women's basketball team 4-H alum interview with Anna Grimley was broadcasted on Cyclone Sports Radio Network AND..... Chris Clover, famous 4-H mascot, made his appearance at the game throughout the night Overall, everyone had a great time. We have some fun pictures that were taken during the game, and we invite you to check them out at our facebook fan page located at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Iowa-4-H-Foundation/59560467951?v=posts&viewas=16926868

Alumni Spotlight: Lindsay Mickelson

When one thinks of 4-H, they might not jump to music. However, 4-H allows youth to develop skills that help in areas of creativity and performance. Lindsay Mickelson was a Dayton Tiger 4-H’er from Webster County. Involved in several project areas, she loved to show pigs at county and State Fair, cattle for a couple years, photography, baking and Share the Fun. “I have so many great memories from 4-H. From playing cards in the cattle barns with friends to earning trophies for raising a fine-looking pig,” says Mickelson. “Fair time was always my favorite time of year because it combined my two favorite things: hanging out with friends and tending to the animals. I can remember the first year when I started 4-H, we had our calves so tame we would lay on them in the barn, just because they would let us. Half the time the calves couldn’t care less, as long as they had food and water, they were happy.” Mickelson identifies 4-H as a steppingstone growing up, teaching her how t

Alumni Spotlight: Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs

From State Fair Queen to baby food producer, our December Alum of the Month has used the skills gained from her 4-H experience to propel herself to success. Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs was a member of the Garfield All-Stars 4-H Club for nine years in Ida County. Some of her projects included; showing cattle, quilting, knitting, woodworking, child development and much more. She also participated in Clothing Selection, Fashion Revue and 4-H Council.  Julie’s favorite 4-H memory was when she was crowned the 1993 Iowa State Fair Queen.  “The competition was such a valuable experience and my year as Queen, representing Iowa, was phenomenal,” said Burroughs. “The opportunity was such an honor and defined my 4-H experience.” Burroughs went on to coordinate the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition of 14 years. Another fond 4-H memory Burroughs has is showing livestock. “I loved the energy and sense of community on livestock show day. The entire Club worked together to get the cattle w