It takes many volunteers each year to present the Washington County Fair, and two staples of the sheep project area with nearly 50 years of volunteerism have been inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Dave Birney and Duane Sprouse were presented the recognition before the fair. The volunteer duo has served for a total of 48 years in the sheep project area, working to improve the overall experience for youth exhibitors.

Birney is a Washington County 4-H Alum and is a former member of the Jackson Boys. He even met his wife Linda on the 4-H trip to Washington, D.C.

Sprouse became involved with 4-H through his time as an ag instructor.

Sprouse and Birney will be invited to again receive the recognition in November at the annual 4-H Awards Night. The duo will be honored at next year’s county fair with a special family lamb class called “Ewe Raised Me Right.”