Lenhartsville Couple Honors 4-H with Friend of 4-H Award

URGENT UPDATE: The Lehigh County 4-H has just honored Roger and Nancy Bowman of Lenhartsville with the prestigious 2025 Friend of 4-H Award for their unwavering dedication to agriculture and youth development. This recognition highlights their profound influence on 4-H members throughout Berks and Lehigh counties.

The Bowmans, seasoned advocates for 4-H for over three decades, currently play a vital role in the Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club, actively engaging alongside their grandsons. Their commitment to fostering youth education in agriculture began when they purchased their farm in 1973, where they initially raised a diverse range of livestock before specializing in purebred Corriedale and Dorset sheep.

The couple has made a tangible impact at major agricultural events, including the Allentown Fair, York Fair, Keystone International Livestock Expo, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where they continue to showcase their livestock and wool fleeces. Their leadership extends beyond the farm; they have served as directors for the Berks County Sheep and Wool Growers Association and have been integral members of the Pennsylvania Corriedale Association.

For more than 20 years, Roger and Nancy have taken on critical roles as sheep and goat superintendents at the Allentown Fair, enhancing the educational experience for thousands of young attendees. They have led hands-on sessions for elementary students during the Allentown Fair Agricultural Day, teaching about sheep and wool.

In a remarkable initiative, the Bowmans launched an annual shawl project with the Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club in 2022. They generously provide yarn, equipment, and instruction, creating a comprehensive sheep-to-shawl experience for club members. The shawls produced from this project are auctioned at the club’s Round-Up Sale, raising an impressive $9,550 for eight local charities over the past four years.

Their workshops on wool grading, wool judging, and sheep breed characteristics have empowered countless 4-H participants across the state, enhancing their knowledge and confidence in agriculture. The Bowmans’ dedication exemplifies the spirit of community and education that 4-H embodies, making a lasting impact on the lives of many young people.

For those interested in joining the 4-H movement, contact Kelly Weisner, Extension Educator for 4-H/Youth Development, at 610-391-9840 or via email at [email protected]. Registration for 4-H is available at https://4h.zsuite.org/, with options to select Lehigh or Berks counties. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in agriculture and youth development—join now!