Iowa County Volunteer & Livestock Judging Team Coach

Jeff Thomas says, “It’s a blessing to give back to an organization that taught me many life skills and gives to so many.” Jeff Thomas has been with Iowa County 4-H for 50 years – initially as a member of the Cobb Busy Badgers 4-H Club, then a leader after graduating from college. His impact as a 4-H leader spans 35 years as the Coach of the Iowa County 4-H Livestock Judging Team. With these experiences he has touched the lives of over 400 4-H members. Jeff focuses on helping youth develop their life skills through livestock evaluation.

Since 1995, Jeff has had judging teams succeed at the district contests and compete at the state level. Between 1995 and 2024, 12-15 Junior teams from Iowa County won the State Livestock Contests. From 2001 to 2024, six teams won State level events, placing high enough to represent Wisconsin at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contests.

Jeff is an active community member, assisting with fundraisers and school referendums, as well as serving as president of the Iowa-Grant Music Parents for ten years. He served 30 years as Swine Superintendent at the Iowa County Fair and 35 years with the Iowa County Cattlemen Association. He helped start the ICCA High School Senior Scholarship Program and the Steak Feed on the Farm event. Jeff has served many roles at the Family in Faith Church. Jeff is a life-long livestock farmer. He and his wife, Renee, own and operate a fourth generation family farm.