Pete Lyon.

DES MOINES – Pete Lyon has been named Tama County’s 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Inductees represent Iowans who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program, working tirelessly to see that the state’s youth have a great learning experience in a safe and fun environment. These adults have modeled volunteerism, community service, integrity, and leadership to Iowa’s youth. Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will in turn support the continuation of a 4-H program that builds Iowa’s leaders.

Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year. Inductees can be recognized posthumously. 

Pete Lyon

Pete Lyon of Toledo has been actively involved in Tama County 4-H since the age of 10 as a member of the Toledo Wideawakes Club showing dairy cattle and sheep at both the Tama County Fair and the Iowa State Fair. During his time in 4-H, Pete served in every office position within his club and was on County Council. From 1990-2003, he gave back to the program as a leader for Toledo Wideawakes, mentoring many members and providing extra support to youth with limited family involvement. He made each individual feel valued and important. He also spent countless hours helping members prepare their animals and get them ready for shows, demonstrating patience, leadership, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Pete is proud of his accomplishments at the Iowa State Fair, where he won Grand Champion Shorthorn three consecutive years from 1972-1974. He also competed in the 4-H dairy judging contest at the State Fair, earning fourth place and advancing to the national competition in Madison, Wisc. where he placed seventh overall.

Throughout the years, Pete has remained deeply involved in 4-H as both a participant and mentor. Today, Pete continues supporting the next generation of 4-H members by providing cattle for his grandchildren to show in Tama County. All four of Pete’s children participated in 4-H; today he has nine grandchildren actively involved in the program.

Pete has been married to his wife, Mary, for 49 years. Together, they have four children, 22 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and another on the way. Pete lives near Toledo, where he farms crops and raises cattle. He credits 4-H with teaching him the importance of commitment, perseverance, and always doing your best.

Thanks to leaders like Pete Lyon, Tama County 4-H continues to thrive, inspiring young people to embrace agriculture, leadership, and personal growth. His legacy of dedication ensures that the next wave of 4-H members will carry forward the principles he has championed for so many years.

Pete Lyon will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, in the 4-H Exhibit Building. It is an honor to have him inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

Thank you, Pete Lyon, for your dedication to the youth of Tama County!