Steinkamps inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

Bob and Kim Steinkamp, of of rural Primghar, were inducted into the 2023 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Exhibits Building on Sunday, Aug. 20.

Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by Iowa 4-H Foundation President David Bolte and Interim State 4-H Program Leader Mitchell Hoyer as they were introduced on stage.

The Steinkamps have been actively involved in 4-H and the O'Brien County Fair since their kids started in fourth grade. Kim served as a leader for the Highlanders 4-H Club for 18 years. She was always looking for new projects for her 4-H'ers to try. She remained up to date on new guidelines and rule changes to help 4-H'ers succeed in their projects and record keeping.

During the fair, she could often be found on the grounds helping with cleanup, doing building watches and helping in the 4-H concession stand. To this day Kim continues to volunteer her time as a comment writer during non-livestock judging day.

When their kids joined 4-H, Bob helped them with their livestock projects. He also helped other 4-H members find livestock to purchase and helped them prepare their animals to be ready by fair time. Bob became an active volunteer for the O'Brien County Fair, especially within the Swine Department. Bob served on the fair board for 17 years and as a swine superintendent for eight.

He volunteered his time, equipment and knowledge to help make improvements to the fairgrounds each year. He took great pride in how the grounds looked for fair week and continues to volunteer his time. Bob and Kim have visited other fairs in the area to see what improvements would be beneficial to the O'Brien County Fair.

As a family Bob, Kim and their kids never missed an Iowa State Fair while in 4-H. They have always enjoyed helping the Pork Producers grill and serve food in the pork tent. The rest of their time at the fair was spent watching 4-H exhibitors show and looking at non-livestock exhibits. Bob and Kim continue to volunteer in local 4-H programs and the county fair. They enjoy helping their grandkids with projects and watching them show in the same arena that their kids did.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall program. They have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.