Although Joe was never involved in 4-H growing up, he has lived the 4-H experience through his three children. His children were involved with swine, sheep, beef, and static projects at the county fair. Melissa and Lynnae were members of the Classy Clovers 4-H Club while his son Andrew was a member of the Grant Little Giants 4-H Club. While his kids were involved in 4-H, Joe became active in the Plymouth County Pork Producers. The Plymouth County Pork Producers worked to create the program Adopt-A-Pig. This program found a way for youth to have an opportunity to work side by side local hog farmers to learn about swine production. As a part of this program, the youth participating could bring two hogs to exhibit at the Plymouth County Fair. This program allows kids to have hands on experience with at their mentor’s farms and learn how to care for them and then be shown at the Plymouth County Fair.
Joe is known for his generosity and willingness to give back to the community. His favorite part about being involved with the Plymouth County Pork Producers and the Plymouth County 4-H program is getting the opportunity to learn more about kids as well as share his knowledge about swine. He loves to see their confidence and knowledge grow throughout the summer. Joe has also given his time to serving at the swine superintendent for the 4-H program and was also a swine committee member in past years. You can often find Joe stepping into help or working on a project for the youth without anyone asking him to do the project. Joe has a passion of educating others as well as making the world a better place. Joe is well known throughout the fairgrounds, and especially in the swine barn. Everyone knows they can ask him for help with just about anything.
Plymouth County Extension Director, Janelle Johnson (left) attended the Iowa 4-H Hall Of Fame ceremony held Sunday afternoon at the Iowa State Fair, and offers her congratulations to Plymouth County’s latest Hall of Fame inductee, Joe Rotta.
