In 1917 an organization to be known as the Farm Bureau Association of Story County was formed. The object of the cooperative was to advance and improve in Story County the Science and Art of Agriculture, Domestic Science, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry. Dues were set at $1.00, and later in the year at $2.50.
The first county president was H. E. Evenson of Roland; treasurer, Herman J. Twedt, McCallsburg; and first director for Howard Township, P. J. Peterson. In 1919, Henry Birkeland was elected county secretary.
Other early leaders included M. J. Rod, county secretary in 1932; K. P. Teig, county vice president, 1933, and county president from 1934-36. His son, Kermit Teig, was county junior president in 1937.
Farm Bureau Women's officers have included as county chairmen, Mrs. William Dailey, 1950; Mrs. Twedt Hanson, 1952-55 and 1966-67; and Mrs. Vere Bielefeldt, 1959-60.
Magnus Simonsen served as county treasurer from 1959-60, as did Twedt Hanson from 1966-67, and Myron Boten was vice president in 1944. Mrs. Vere Bielefeldt and Mr. and Mrs. Twedt Hanson were awarded trips to Washington, D. C., for leadership in the county.
Many projects were undertaken, such as a livestock tuberculosis eradication program, corn yield plots, financing 4-H and extension, county picnics and sports festivals, choosing a vigilance committee to work with the County Poultry Assn, to try to curtail petty thievery (offered a reward of $100 for convictions of parties stealing grain, animals and poultry), hay making demonstrations, tattooing promotions because of thefts, corn husking contests, a full program of home demonstrations for women, and other programs. County picnics were often held in the Roland park or at Lake CoMar.
Farm Bureau has come a long way since 1917, but still has the same objectives. First and foremost is the interest of the members and their occupation--farming. Through the years, Farm Bureau has meant many things to many people. It has been a link between the farmer and the extension service, bringing new knowledge to the home and farm. To many it has been the responsibilities of leadership, and to all it has provided the opportunity of gathering with neighbors and forming life -long friendships.
The heart of the whole program still lies in its main project--to help the legislator become aware of and familiar with the problems of the farmer so as to better represent the farmer in new legislation.
Orville Davis of Roland is the present president of the county organization, and chairman of the women's group is Mrs. Lester Peterson of Lafayette Township.
The Howard Rockets 4-H Club was organized in 1931. Originally known as the Howard Vikings, the club was organized by Palmer Teig who was also club leader through 1940. With "To Make the Best Better" as their motto, 4-Her's through the years have striven to build leadership in community affairs
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