Grant County 4-H Livestock Teams Coach

His Grant County 4-H Livestock teams have participated in District, State, National and International competitions over the last 36 years. Coach Dennis Patterson has influenced the lives of the youth over 700+ times through the Livestock Judging Teams, Meats Evaluation Teams, Livestock Skillathon Teams, and Livestock Quiz Bowl Teams. Twenty-eight of the teams have represented Wisconsin 4-H at the various National contests. One team even represented the US at an International event in Edinburgh, Scotland.

As a coach of these teams, Dennis is obviously very effective at working with youth – both the very young and teenagers. His enthusiasm for 4-H and the livestock projects is contagious. One 4-H family said about Dennis, “He is a huge asset to Grant County 4-H. He puts in countless hours teaching, preparing, and coaching youth and is always present to help youth at the local fairs. To prepare for judging contests, he finds a spot for anyone interested and takes someone who might not have any knowledge of the specific contest and works with them year after year. Many wonderful opportunities and memories have been made possible because of Dennis’ dedication.”

Dennis has been active with the Blake Prairie and Grant County Fairs and served on the 4-H Leaders Board and Livestock Auction Committee.

Dennis was a 4-H member, met his wife and raised his children through 4-H. He has been a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Dennis farms 840 acres near Bloomington, WI with brother Dale, and daughter, Amanda, where they raise beef, sheep, hogs and crops.