Kossuth County Agriculture Hall of Fame

Guidelines Announced
2004 Award Recipients

Kossuth County Agriculture Hall of Fame
Youth Recognition Award
Jackie Hon, 2005
Eric Bruhn, FFA, 2004
David Laubenthal, FFA, 2004
Ryan Habeger, FFA, 2003

Walter Campney
Ag Hall of Fame Award - 2005

Walter and his wife, Lorraine, farmed in Plum Creek Township for 34 years. During that time, Walter was very active in community activities. In 1942 he started using artificial insemination on his dairy herd. He was Chairman of the Kossuth County Breeders Board for many years. Being a Grade A Dairy Farmer, Walter was involved with the Algona Creamery. When it closed, he worked with the Estherville Creamery and was on a Board that designed and operated a Grade A Milk Route delivering milk to households in Algona and surrounding areas. In 1941, Walter started having his dairy herd tested with the Kossuth County Herd Improvement Association and the herd was still being tested when sold in 1979. During that time, Walter was Chairman of the Dairy Herd Improvement Assoc. Board. Walter also became involved with the Burt Cooperative Elevator and was elected to the Board for 24 years. Walter served as President of the Board for most of those years. Walter believed in Soil Conservation. He worked with the Kossuth County Soil Conservation Service setting up contour lines and crop rotations so that water was kept on the land. His farm was one of the first to sell 100 bushel per acre corn and 35 bushel beans. In 1959, Walter went into partnership with his son Richard. They rented more land so needed additional corn storage. They erected one of the first corn bin dryers. Walter was involved with the Kossuth County and Plum Creek Farm Bureau and was Township Chairman for many years. Walter was also a member of the Burt Lions Club and made a life member of Lions International. Walter instilled education in his family with his son Richard graduating from Iowa State College and his son Arthur graduated from Simpson College.

After the death of Lorraine in 1971, Walter married Gladys Miner and moved to Clear Lake. He was involved in the Mason City Senior Center and was on the Board for 3 years. Walter was the “Senior Citizen of the Year” in 1980 for Cerro Gordo County. Walter and Gladys loved to dance and had the same table reserved at the Surf Ballroom for Friday and Saturday nights for 21 years.

Walter died in January of 2003. Please join us in welcoming Walter Campney to the Ag Hall of Fame of Kossuth County.

John Ley
Ag Hall of Fame Award - 2005

John Ley has made many great contributions to Kossuth County. He was the Iowa State University Extension Education Director for 27 years in Kossuth County. During those years, he was a wonderful provider of information, education, hope and encouragement to the citizens of Kossuth County. His great efforts earned him many extension awards, including the Distinguished Service Award, ISU Merit Service Award and the Iowa Friends of Agriculture Award. Prior to his career in Extension, John graduated from Iowa State University and worked in feed sales and as an Ag Teacher. He worked in Guthrie County for four years before moving to Kossuth County. John is also dedicated to our youth. He has taught farm safety at camp and assisted with youth agricultural programs. John received the 4-H Alumni Award. John retired in 1996. He is dedicated to his family. He and his wife Marjorie enjoy spending time with their four children and their families. People, and what happens to them, have always been an important part of John’s life. Please join us in welcoming John Ley to the Kossuth County Ag Hall of Fame.

Jackie Hon
Youth Recognition Award - 2005

Over the past four years, Jackie Hon has served many different positions in the FFA Chapter, including Chapter Secretary, Treasurer, Student Advisor and President. For the last 4 years, she has also been a State FFA Convention Chapter Delegate. In addition, Jackie has been a member of the Livestock Judging Team and attained her Chapter and State FFA Degrees. Jackie not only shows leadership in FFA, but also in school. She is involved with Band, Pep Band, Choir and was selected for Conference Honor Choir.

In the fall of 2005, Jackie plans to attend South Dakota State University where she will be majoring in Ag Extension specializing in Equine Sciences with the intent of achieving her masters. Her future goal is to own an equestrian horse stud breeding farm while also working at a local extension office.

Jackie’s parents are Jeff Hon and Duane and Susan Quinn of Fenton. Jackie leaves a good bit of wisdom for all of her Armstrong-Ringsted underclassmen, “Don’t let society dictate who you are, be yourself.” Please join us in welcoming Jackie Hon to the Youth Recognition Hall of Fame.

2004 Award Recipients