Florida 4-H News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

H. Fred Dietrich, III Elected To Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

By: Laura Lok                                                                                       
Public Relations Coordinator                                                                   
Phone: (352) 846-0996, ext. 237                                                              

Contact: Lane Jimision
Florida 4-H Foundation, Inc.
Phone: (352) 846-0996, ext. 238

GAINESVILLE — H. Fred Dietrich, III, an active member and supporter of 4-H for more than 40 years, has been elected to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.  Dietrich was one of five individuals to be inducted in 2006 at ceremonies held on July 27 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  

“I tribute much of success today to my 4-H experiences,” said Dietrich.  “I gave my first speech when I was in 4-H. Now I can speak to a room with no problem.”  

While a member of 4-H, he served as State 4-H Treasurer, District 4-H President, and County 4-H Council President. He also started a purebred herd of Santa Gertudis Cattle project in 1957 that he still owns today!  That herd won him many state, regional and national show awards.  

As an adult, Dietrich donated his auctioneer services in Orange and Osceola Counties.  He has been Auctioneer at over 12 different fairs across the state and judged many 4-H contests and shows. He also put on numerous demonstrations in Livestock selection and showmanship, and was a local 4-H club leader.  

“I was an agent during Fred’s first year in Orange County,” said Dr. Bruce Christmas. “He had such a great work ethic – always keeping me on time. It was obvious he always wanted to succeed.”  

Professionally, Dietrich has worn several hats.  He was an Agribusiness Teacher for 30 years, has been an Auctioneer since 1969 and was also a Cattle Rancher. As a teacher, he has received honors including the National Educators Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2002), National Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association Outstanding Teach Award (1986), Florida Vocational Association Outstanding Educator Award (1987) and the FFA Honorary American Degree (1977). 

As a cattle rancher he has held many leadership positions including: President of the National Polled Santa Gertrudis Association (2 years), Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Board of Directors, President of the Florida Santa Gertrudis Association (2 years, Secretary 15 years), President of the Orange County Farm Bureau (2 years, Director 34 years), and the President of the Orange County Cattlemen’s Association (2 years, Director 33 years).

The Florida 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to coincide with the 100^th Anniversary Celebration of the 4-H Program.  It currently contains the names of 117 inductees honored for their service and dedication to the Florida 4-H.  One hundred individuals, living and deceased, became charter members during the 2002 founding. Florida 4-H is the youth development component of the University of Florida’s IFAS Cooperative Extension Service currently serving 241,000 youth statewide and over 60 million alumni nationwide.   

The four other 2006 inductees are: Gladys Freeman of Okeechobee County, Earl Ray Gill of Hardee County, Marjorie Modesky of Duval County and Frank Sullivan of Brevard County.

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