Jim Fuhrman has been volunteering for 4-H for many years.
Fuhrman was born and raised in Tigerton. After graduating from Tigerton High School, he began farming with his father. Now he is farming with his son in the town of Fairbanks on 330 acres and with 80 cows.
Fuhrman and his wife of 29 years, Diane, have three children and two grandchildren. The Fuhrman children were members of the Tiger Tribe 4-H Club.
Both Jim and Diane volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he is the vice president of the congregation. Fuhrman is also the secretary of the Tigerton FFA Alumni Association. He likes to hunt with his son and go to dances with his wife.
Q How did you become the swine superintendent?
A “My son was involved in the livestock project. I got to be a 4-H leader and got on the 4-H Livestock Key Committee. I was secretary for a couple years and then chairman for four years. Then Tom Henn wanted to step down, and I said I’d do it. It’s been about 15 years. It’s a nice group of people to work with. You get to know the parents and the kids.”
Q What do you do?
A “At the fair on Wednesday during the week I’m probably here from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday are long days because Thursday is judging. I keep everything flowing. We’ve been improving and trying to streamline something every year. Friday afternoon I set up the auction ring and make sure everything is correct in the auction catalog and serve as announcer. Saturday and Sunday there isn’t much. On Monday we get all the market animals that are going to slaughter on the right truck.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “I guess I enjoy it, working with the animals and the kids. Some guys go fishing, I do this for enjoyment. We’ve got a nice group of people here. The kids in 4-H and livestock, I wouldn’t be afraid to send them anywhere to represent Shawano County.”
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