Though she may not be an Iowa native, Krystal Schnabel is not new to youth programs, especially 4-H. She brings her rich 4-H past to her new position as Wright County’s Youth Coordinator based out of the ISU Extension Office in Clarion.
Schnabel grew up in the Albert Lea, Minnesota area on a small dairy farm. She was very active in both 4-H and FFA throughout her youth where she gravitated towards showing livestock. Even after her family sold out of the dairy business, she purchased and eventually bred her own animals to use for projects. Schnabel also acted as a Minnesota state FFA officer for two years.
After high school, she attended college and eventually entered the workforce. She worked for Olan Mills church directories and gained a leadership position in the company. She moved on to work for an ag newspaper out of Rochester where she sold advertising in North Iowa. This is where fate intervened to keep her in Iowa.
Schnabel explains she met her husband Matt at a farm show and the rest is history. The couple relocated to Kanawha eight years ago so Matt could start a job at the Iowa State Northern research farm where he is now the superintendent. Over the years, Schnabel stayed home with their three children.
Recently though, she said she was intrigued enough by a new job opportunity to make a big change and get back to something she loved as a youth. “Applying for the Wright County Youth Coordinator job wasn’t really part of my plan. But 4-H was such a big part of my life growing up, that I saw the chance to help other kids and work with youth to develop leaders, so I jumped in.”
Last week was Schnabel’s first on the job. She will be working with youth programming throughout the county, primarily 4-H and Clover Kids. She’s diving into the position full force as she already has a Clover Kids program planned this week.
Schnabel is excited about the opportunities that the position holds. Her goals are to grow programming for youth and try new things out in the county like workshops and camps. She also hopes to prepare youth for future careers and implement more community service projects.
“Wright County already has a great 4-H program with lots of involved parents, leaders, and kids,” Schnabel said. “I think we’re all going to work together to do great things in the upcoming years.”
Schnabel looks forward to meeting 4-Hers, youth, and parents in the near future. She encourages people to email her at Schnabel@iastate.edu if they have questions about 4-H or youth programming in the county.
