Adair County 4-H Alumni Speak Out
Mike Nelson
Education: I graduated from Orient-Macksburg
High School and completed Farm Operations
Course at Iowa State University
Career: I and my family operated a farrow-tofinish swine operation for 35 years. Our grain
farming operation started in 1976 continues today.
Family: I and my wife, Lori, have two sons, Eric
and Grant.
4-H Involvement: I was a 9-year member of the Richland Ramblers 4-H Club and held all club offices
during that time.
Favorite Part of 4-H: County fair – people; competition; viewing the results of months of hard work.
Life skills gained: Responsibility, work ethic, time and financial management while caring for my 4-H
livestock projects.
Advice to 4-H’ers: 4-H and FFA programs provide many opportunities. Take full advantage of
these learning opportunities when they are available.
Why volunteer: I am currently President of the Adair County Fair Board. I appreciated the volunteers
who were on fair board when I and my boys were in 4-H and FFA. County fair is a treasured tradition; a
valuable asset to the community. It is well worth the effort to grow and maintain our county fair for
today’s youth.