Malcom’s Gina Urfer inducted into the 2020 4-H Hall of Fame

by J.O. Parker
   Life-long Poweshiek County resident, Gina Urfer, has been named to the 2020 4-H of Fame class.
   Urfer, who was born and raised in Malcom, is a past 4-H leader and has remained active in farming with her husband, Jim, since 1977.
   When asked her thoughts on the honor, Gina said, “she was shocked.”
   “There are many others who are more deserving,” she said.
   She got involved as a leader of the Jackson Busy Bee’s 4-H Club in the late 1980s when her daughter, Jenny, entered the program. She took club duties over from Marsha Tarvin. She worked with assistant leaders, Terri Rempp and Linda Iverson.
   Jenny, who graduated from Montezuma High School in 1996 is a medical doctor in Cedar Rapids.
  “My daughter went into medical school and on her application for admission, she put the 4-H Pledge and her professor who reviewed it, said he was in 4-H.
   The couple’s son, Josh, was a member of the Jackson South Pow 4-H Club.
   The couple has five grandchildren.
   Gina spent 16 years as a home health nurse and 17 years at the University of Iowa as a dialysis tech. She left the health care industry to help Jim with his company, Circle U Ag, a fertilizer chemical business they have operated since 2010.
   The couple also raised beef cattle and a cow/calf heart. In past years, they raised sheep.
 Gina and Jim, through their business, Circle U AG, have supported the community’s youth through scholarships and team sponsorships. For many years, Gina has helped at the Poweshiek County Fair with judging and assisting wherever she is needed.
   For several years now, Gina has given her time to help with various activities her granddaughters, Leah and Lexi, do in Clover Kids and 4-H.
   Gina enjoys sharing her passion of the outdoors and agriculture with the youth in the area. She is always willing to help at a moment’s notice whether it is decorating the Monte Square with the Montezuma Garden Club or as a member of the Madison Church of Christ.
  “Gina is one of the most giving and altruistic persons and is an asset to the community,” noted a spokesperson with Poweshiek County 4-H.