‘It’s such an honor’

4-H has been a part of Larry Opfer’s life for almost as long as he can remember. From his time as a Hamilton Hot Shot in Decatur County, to serving as a horse superintendent at the Jasper County Fair, he has stayed busy and helped a lot of 4-H’ers on their journeys through the organization.

Opfer was honored as a 4-H Hall of Fame member during a ceremony Aug. 18 at the 4-H Building during the Iowa State Fair.

“When I got the letter, I couldn’t speak for about five minutes,” Opfer said. “It’s an honor, such an honor.”

Opfer started his 4-H career while growing up in south central Iowa. His leadership abilities showed early and during his eight years with the Hamilton Hot Shots he served in each leadership office at least once. He learned a lot of those skills close to home.

“As a kid in the fair, my mother was my leader,” Opfer said. “She was the first woman to be a leader of a men’s club in the State of Iowa.”

He continued down the path participating in educational presentations at both the county and state fair level, receiving an excellence rating and serving on county and area 4-H councils.

Opfer also worked to encourage and assist younger 4-H members by conducting a county-wide swine fitting and showmanship workshop. He was also a member of the livestock judging team.

Leadership and delegate roles brought Opfer to the Iowa 4-H Conference, the American Royal Livestock Show, the National 4-H Conference and the Citizenship Trip to Washington D.C. His hard work was rewarded with a 4-H achievement scholarship that he used at Iowa State University to study agriculture business and finance.

Following graduation, Opfer started a career in banking initially helping those farmers impacted by the farm crisis of the early 1980s. He worked as an advisor, problem solver and business partner with farmers, many of which were friends and acquaintances from his youth.

Later in his career, Opfer moved to Jasper County and started his next chapter at the Jasper County Fair. He and his wife were active in 4-H with his wife serving as a leader and himself as jack-of -all-trades. He built obstacles for llamas and horse projects, helped with fittings for llama, horses and cats and gave a hand with tack or general advice in the barns.

He helped his kids with a variety of projects from woodworking and gardening to art and animals. He took a special interest in the Equine Experience and became a constant presence during the meetings, encouraging the kids to learn proper riding and safety techniques.

“I like to give my time back being a part of the fair,” Opfer said. “It has been invaluable for me and I’ll continue to do that.”

Opfer found a partner with a new employer who encouraged community involvement and volunteerism. They also became financial supporters to worthy community projects.

“It is so beneficial to be a part of the bank that I work for because they are so supportive,” Opfer said. “We’ve done a large amount of donations and I’m able to work (at the fair) the whole week of the fair which a lot of companies won’t allow.”

A recent project was a new photo board for the fairgrounds. Made of brick, Opfer said it can stand up to about anything.

“I think it will be an awesome addition to the fair,” Opfer said. “It is permanent and flood resistant and everything else.”

During his time in Jasper County he has also served as a horse superintendent, as a member of the Jasper County Fair Foundation and business partner and friend of the Brice Leonard Supreme Showmanship Competition.

“I don’t know how many years I have been a horse superintendent but that has been a highlight, being able to help the kids in the 4-H clubs,” Opfer said.

It is because of volunteers like Opfer that 4-H continues to make a difference in the lives of youth across the county. Like Opfer, they are learning lessons to take with them for the rest of their lives and hopefully pass down to the next generation of 4-H’ers.