Official Legal Publication serving Lincoln County and the Towns of Arriba, Genoa, Hugo, Karval and Limon
Doug and Rhonda Blackwelder have been supporters of the 4-H program since participating in 4-H as youth. Doug grew up on a farm and ranch north of Limon and was a 10-year 4-H member in Lincoln County as part of the Walk’s Camp 4-H Club. Doug showed cattle at the Lincoln County Fair and was also part of the livestock judging team.
One of his fondest 4-H memories was participating in the catch-a-calf contest at the National Western Stock Show and then returning to show his calf the following year. Rhonda was also a 10-year 4-H member in Idaho, where she showed sheep and especially enjoyed showing and riding horses. Both Doug and Rhonda tell lively stories of traveling by bus to Washington, D.C. for Citizenship Washington Focus.
Doug and Rhonda started raising hogs in Lincoln County in 1976. What began with three gilts, one bred sow, and a borrowed boar grew into a confined hog operation with over 200 sows. One of their favorite 4-H activities was supplying 4-H members with pigs to show at the county fair.
They became deeply involved in 4-H when their children, Lindsey, Andrea, and Dan, were all 10-year 4-H members in Lincoln County. In addition to showing pigs, their children were avid sheep showman and also showed cattle. All three children liked the Round Robin Showmanship contest the best. Their granddaughter Mikaela Taylor was an 11-year 4-H member in Lincoln County and followed the family tradition of showing livestock and competing in the Round Robin Showmanship contest.
Doug served on the Fair Board and Livestock Sale Committee and Rhonda was elected to the 4-H Foundation in 1988 and continues to serve the 3-year term for which she initially volunteered. Doug and Rhonda cannot think of any program that is more dedicated to and caring about neighbors throughout Lincoln County.
They enjoy going to the fair and visiting with many friends, watching the shows, and sharing memories and stories while supporting today’s youth.
“It has been rewarding to be involved in the 4-H program for so many years, and it is an honor to serve as the Grand Marshals for the 2024 Lincoln County Fair, and we hope to see you at the fair!”
