Harold Stevens
Harold was born in Grant, Nebraska, where his father to this day resides. During Harold's 10 years of 4-H work, he attended the 4-H Congress and was one of Nebraska's delegates to the National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C. He was also active in FFA and was given the state farmer degree as a senior in high school. Harold enrolled in the Ag College at the University of Nebraska, seeking to get a double major in animal science and vocational agriculture. Harold was quite active in Block and Bridle and other activities, serving as Vice President of Block and Bridle, and President of the University 4-H Club.
During his tenure at Dawson County, which began July 1, 1945, 4-H enrollment has increased from 331 to 1,761 members. He has coached seventeen 4-H livestock demonstration teams for the national contest in Chicago, twelve 4-H livestock judging teams have competed in the Chicago International 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, and twelve teams have also gone to contests at the Denver National Western, many winning top honors.
Harold organized the first T-bone Club in Nebraska, the first Spare Rib Club in the state, helped in forming the Dawson County Sheep and Wool Association and has organized non-livestock commodity groups as the Dawson County Corn Grower's Club and Dawson County Noxious Weed District.
Harold has been recruited to judge 4-H Club shows, county fairs, area shows, and state fairs. He is currently the showmanship superintendent of the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Show touted as "the world's largest 4-H show".
In 1967, 1970, 1972, 1973 and 1974 he was selected by the University of Nebraska and the National People to People program to head up the Nebraska Educational tours to the South Pacific, Europe and Africa.
Harold also maintains an impressive list of civic activities; Lexington Rotary Club, Master Mason, Lexington and Cozad Chamber of Commerce member.
Harold has been recognized for many of his high achievements; The Agricultural Achievement Award from the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, the Distinguished Service Award from the Gamma Sigma Delta agricultural honorary, the USDA Superior Service award, Induction into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement and many other awards.
Harold has put his best foot forward by "helping people to help themselves through 4-H and adult livestock programs".