The University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand-new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, November 15. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, according to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Program Director Dale Leidheiser.

“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser says.

Wisconsin 4-H is proud to be represented by Dr. David Dickson in the 4-H Hall of Fame. Known worldwide for his knowledge and skill in dairy cattle judging, Dr. Dave was involved with the 4-H Dairy project in Wisconsin for three decades. He was a UW-Madison dairy science professor and UW-Extension dairy specialist for 31 years. Dr. Dave’s ability to teach students was recognized by the American Dairy Science Association in 1996, when he won the Purina Mills Teaching Award the first year he was nominated. Dave’s cartoon illustrations added humor to his teaching. He was the founding advisor of the Badger Dairy Club, a 20-year advisor to UW-Madison’s Alpha Gamma Rho, and supporter of the Association of Women in Agriculture.

As a youth, Dickson became the second person in the U.S. to earn high individual honors at both the National 4-H Dairy Cattle

Beth and Mark Heinze accept the 4-H Hall of Fame award on behalf of Dr. Dickson, with Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Program Director Dale Leidheiser and Wisconsin 4-H Youth Leader Council President Pauline Schlais

Judging Contest and the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. While at UW-Madison, Dickson authored a brochure, Dairy Cattle Judging Made Easy that was later made into a CD. The brochure and CD are still used today by 4-H and FFA dairy cattle judging teams.

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame website to learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders.