A lifelong passion

For as long as he can remember, 4H has been a part of Doug Woebbeking’s life. From growing up on a farm in Gladbrook to starting his own 4-H club with his kinds and finally becoming Jasper County Fair Board President, Woebbeking has taken on every role and still loves it as much as when he started.

For the time, effort and enthusiasm he has given to 4-H and the fair, Woebbeking was named Grand Marshal for the 2025 Jasper County Fair Parade.

“It is quite an honor,” Woebbeking said.

Woebbeking has been involved with 4-H ever since he was a kid. His parents were big supporters and it was a staple during his formative years. Following high school graduation, Woebbeking attended Iowa State University where he continued his interest in agriculture by majoring in ag business. He used that degree to begin work in the wholesale fertilizer business.

“I’ve been doing that since 1980 and I’m still working today,” Woebbeking said.

Following college graduation, he also got married and moved to Newton. Since 4H had always been a part of his life, once he had kids, he knew he wanted to continue the involvement with them.

“I have two kids and when they were old enough to be in 4-H I started my own club, Lucky 7s,” Woebbeking said. “I got a bunch of families involved that weren’t familiar with 4-H but friends with my kids. There were seven families and that is where we got Lucky 7s.”

These years working with the kids were some of the best for him. Even though they could be challenging — teenagers aren’t always excited about hard work — he loved every minute of it.

“When my kids were in 4-H, those were the best years. They showed cattle, pigs and sheep,” Woebbeking said. “I see families bringing their livestock now and I think, ‘Wow, I did all of that.’ The weeks before fair, walking the pigs and cattle, washing the cattle, I don’t have to do any of that anymore. It could be very trying, it is all about parenting, but reminding them this is what it is all about. The reward is fair.”

During the next phase of his 4-H journey, Woebbeking got involved with the fair board. He was ready to move on from leading a club and saw the board as a way to continue giving back and growing the fair and its offerings.

“I got on the fair board and was on it for 18 years. I am still very much involved. I helped with a couple of projects. The last few years I helped bring the inflatables,” Woebbeking said. “Each fair board member has an agenda and my agenda has always been about the youth. I never really got involved with being a livestock superintendent. I was more of the other side, which I always enjoyed. It is about the kids. We wouldn’t have this county fair if it wasn’t for the kids. The kids make the fair, so that is what we need to focus on.”

Now, Woebbeking is still involved, helping fundraise and being a grandfather to the newest 4-H members. He is always excited for his kids and now grandkids to attend the fair. He knows it is because of their great experience that they make their way back each year.

“I think there are still great memories coming down the road,” Woebbeking said.