Boone County’s Barb Clawson Named 2021 Outstanding 4-H Leader

AMES, Iowa—– The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award is presented each year to an adult volunteer who has encouraged, challenged, and inspired Iowa 4-H members to reach their fullest potential. This year’s recipient is Barb Clawson of Boone County. Clawson is the current leader of the Harrison Hilltop Hustlers 4-H Club and was honored on August 22, 2021 at the Iowa State Fair.

Clawson received four nominations for the award, submitted by Nicole Jonas (fellow 4-H leader), Marsha Dies (fellow 4-H leader), Justin Chesnut (Harrison Hilltop Hustlers 4-H Club parent), and Zachary and Eliza Loecke (Harrison Hilltop Hustlers 4-H Club members).

For almost 25 years, Clawson has been committed to 4-H youth, as a leader of the Harrison Hilltop Hustlers, a superintendent for the Boone County Sheep Department, and beyond. Her 4-H club will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and has grown to be the largest 4-H club in Boone County. Clawson has created a fun atmosphere and safe environment for 4-H’ers to explore their passions and interests. Most recently, Clawson has helped to implement the popular Iowa State Fair Bacon Buddies program at the Boone County Fair, pairing special needs youth and families with 4-H club members to learn and grow.

“Barb is dedicated to Boone County 4-H and to all members she has ever had in her club or the sheep project,” said nominator Nicole Jonas.

“Barb’s service to 4-H, 4-H members and 4-H parents is above and beyond,” said nominator Marsha Dies. “And it’s not about Barb, it’s about the kids. Her focus is on making 4-H a positive experience for them.”

“There is not a better example of a strong, powerful, caring woman,” said nominator Justin Chesnut. “I am so thankful we have introduced her into our four young daughters’ lives.”

“Barb is overall an outstanding leader and an amazing person,” said nominators Zachary and Eliza Loecke. “She lives her life to make the lives of others better. 4-H would not be the same without her.”

In her professional life, Clawson is a Student Services Specialist and Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. She is a Boone Community Schools volunteer, a Boone County Fair Board member and an active member of her church and community.

“We’re proud to honor Barb for her work to support 4-H’ers in Boone County,” said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “Her selfless efforts exemplify the spirit of this award.”

The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award comes with a $1,000 grant, which the honoree can designate back to Iowa 4-H through their club, county or state foundations. The award was established by Meredith Corporation and the Edwin T. Meredith Foundation through the Iowa 4-H Foundation in honor of Loren Kruse’s retirement as editor-in-chief of Successful Farming magazine. Kruse credits the outstanding guidance provided by his 4-H club leader for the successes he achieved as an adult.