Tina Frank of Keokuk County inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

Tina Frank (Lafayette Feeders Club Leader and Swine Superintendent) is Keokuk County 4-H's nomination and inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers or staff who have made a significant contribution to the Iowa 4-H program or were pioneers of Iowa 4-H.

Tina (Greiner) Frank has been involved with Keokuk County 4-H since 1978 when she started 4-H as a 3rd grader in the Lafayette Feeders 4-H Club. She started off showing sheep her first year and later showed pigs and cattle. She also participated in static exhibits such as food & nutrition, home improvement, and clothing selection. During those nine years she showed at Keokuk County Expo, Washington County Fair, Iowa State Fair, and Cattle Congress in Waterloo. She participated in livestock judging contests at county and state levels as well. During her senior year she was a counselor for day-camps and Junior 4-H camp held in Bloomfield. She was a delegate for Keokuk County in 1984 on the Citizenship trip, ELCO representative for Keokuk County and served on the Keokuk County 4-H Council. With a strong passion for the swine industry, Tina was the Keokuk County Pork Queen from 1985-1986.

She married Robert Frank in 1988 and they have two children, Megan and Patrick. Tina and Rob lived in Buchanan County for 5 years in which they were both active on the Buchanan County Pork Board and helped at the Buchanan County Fair.

Tina and Rob moved back to Keokuk County in 1994. In 1995, she became the leader of the Lafayette Feeders 4-H Club and has continued to be the leader for the past 29 years. Tina has had hundreds of 4-H members, including her children and many nieces and nephews. Now her oldest granddaughter is also a member, meaning her family is on its third generation in the Lafayette Feeders 4-H Club.

Tina embodies the four Hs of 4-H. Her club pledges their head, heart, hands, and health in a variety of ways. Whether it is community service projects like their annual blood drive, to helping establish the Travis Greiner Memorial Tractor Ride, or participating in an angel tree initiative, Tina keeps her 4-H members active and engaged in the 4-H program.

Tina has helped for many years as a volunteer for the Keokuk County Expo Board at different events before, during, and after the fair. She is usually in the concession stand helping serve food.

Tina took over the position as a swine superintendent in 2008 from her father Elmer Greiner who is also an inductee into the 4-H Hall of Fame. She is a promoter of the derby swine show, as she believes that 4-Hers should understand the production and carcass side as well as the show pig side. During fair week, she enjoys reconnecting to the 4-Hers and families as they grow each year. Tina will continue supporting 4-H for the valuable lessons and life skills taught by being a part of the organization.

For more information about joining 4-H, programing opportunities, or how to volunteer for Keokuk County 4-H, please contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641/622-2680. Follow “Iowa State University Extension: Keokuk County” on Facebook.