Featured Image: Roger and Nancy Bowman,  Friend of 4-H Award recipients

Lehigh County 4-H is pleased to recognize Roger and Nancy Bowman as the 2025 Friend of 4-H Award recipients. Their long-standing commitment to agriculture and youth development has made a significant impact on 4-H members across Berks and Lehigh counties.

Roger and Nancy have been involved in 4-H for several decades, serving as Berks County 4-H leaders for more than 30 years and now helping with the Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club alongside their grandsons. As retired teachers, they have dedicated much of their lives to supporting youth education in agriculture.

The Bowmans purchased their farm in Lenhartsville in 1973. Over the years they raised a variety of livestock, later focusing on purebred Corriedale and Dorset sheep. They continue to exhibit their animals and wool fleeces at events including the Allentown Fair, York Fair, Keystone International Livestock Expo, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show. They also serve as directors of the Berks County Sheep and Wool Growers Association and have been involved with the Pennsylvania Corriedale Association.

Roger and Nancy have supported Lehigh County 4-H in two key areas: leadership at local fairs and hands-on education for youth. For 20 years they have served as the sheep and goat superintendents at the Allentown Fair and assist with sheep and goat registration at the Schnecksville Fair. They have also taught thousands of Allentown elementary students during the Allentown Fair Agricultural Day, providing educational sessions on sheep and wool.

In 2022 they launched an annual shawl project with the Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club. They donate yarn, equipment, and instruction, allowing members to complete a full sheep to shawl experience. The shawls are auctioned at the club’s Round-Up Sale and have raised a total of 9,550 dollars for eight local charities over the past four years.

The Bowmans have also hosted workshops on wool grading, wool judging, and sheep breed characteristics for 4-H livestock and skillathon teams across the state. Their commitment to agricultural education has strengthened the knowledge and confidence of many 4-H youth.

If your child is interested in joining, please contact Kelly in the 4-H office at 610-391-9840 or kmb26@psu.edu. You can register your child for 4-H by visiting https://4h.zsuite.org/ and choosing Lehigh as the county.

Information provided to TVL by:
Ingrid Garcia