08/02/2026
Congratulations to this years outstanding Individual, Outstanding Supporter and our Hall of fame awards! We couldn’t do what we do without you!
DeJong Is 2026 Outstanding Fair Individual
The Outstanding Fair Individual was Vickie DeJong. Pictured, left to right: Lyndon DeJong holding Teddy DeJong, Jeff DeJong holding Russell DeJong, Vickie DeJong, Colton O’Dell and Kellie O’Dell.
The Outstanding Fair Individual award was presented to Vickie DeJong during the fair awards ceremony held July 24, in the Fair Pavilion during the fair. The award is in recognition of her many years of dedication and service to 4-H and the Pierce County Fair.
DeJong’s involvement in the fair began as a 4-H member, where she participated for nine years. Her commitment to the program continued as she became a 4-H leader for 10 years while her own children were active members.
DeJong next took on the role of Home Environment Superintendent, a position she has held for 14 years beginning in 2012.
Throughout her years of service, Vickie has generously shared her knowledge and experience with countless exhibitors, families, and volunteers. She has always been willing to lend a helping hand, answer questions, and encourage others to do their best. Her dedication has helped make the fair a positive and rewarding experience for many participants.
In addition to mentoring, Vickie has played an important role in updating and improving the displays in the Home Environment area, helping to keep exhibits attractive, educational, and engaging for visitors.
DeJong’s decades of commitment, leadership, and service embody the true spirit of the county fair. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the fair community, making her a deserving recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Fair Person award.
She is married to Lyndon DeJong. They have two children, daughter, Kellie O’Dell, and husband, Jeromy, and their two children, Lyleth and Colton; and son Jeff, his wife, Ariel, and their two children, Theodore and Russell.
Asmus Seeds Is Outstanding Fair Supporter
Outstanding Fair Supporter was Asmus Seeds. Pictured are Dallas, Kayla, Derek, Desiray and Dana Asmus.
Derek Asmus is the owner and operator of Asmus Seeds LLC, established in 2021. Asmus Seeds was named the 2026 Outstanding Fair Supporter during the fair awards ceremony held Friday, July 24, at the fairgrounds Pavilion.
Based just east of Pierce, Derek runs the business with his wife, Kayla, and their three children: Dana, Desiray, and Dallas.
As a trusted local dealer, Derek provides growers with elite seed genetics from Brevant, DeKalb, and Cropland. He is also an Independent sales representative for Conklin AgroVantage nutrients, offering fertilizer, micros, and soil sampling.
With Conklin, Asmus also provides high quality vehicle and tractor lubricants, livestock products and professional cleaning supplies.
His main focus is maximizing grower profitability through data-driven crop nutrition.
By providing the expert nutritional blueprints farmers need to build stronger fields and secure top-tier yields, he ensures growers apply the exact product required to optimize soil health.
Driven by the mission, “Reaching higher yields by helping your ground grow,” Derek is ready to partner with you to unlock your field’s true potential.
Asmus Seeds has been a grand Champion sponsor of the Pierce County Fair for many years and his involvement and sponsorship are appreciated.
Kathy Lauer Is Hall Of Fame Recipient
Hall of Fame recipient Kathy Lauer pictured with family and friends. Pictured, left to right: Jim Herian, Kathy Lauer, daughter, Lindsey Lauer, mother, Mary Petersen, and Larry Petersen.
The Pierce County Agricultural Society Hall of Fame Award began in 1983 to honor those who have dedicated themselves to working with the Pierce County Fair for an extended period of time. The photos of those honored with this award hang in the 4-H Fair Center.
This year’s Hall of Fame recipient is Kathy Kratochvil Lauer.
Kathy began helping at the fair as a 4-Her. Throughout high school and college, she was always at the fair, contributing wherever she could.
It all began with a community service, punishment for taking a cooler to the city park and getting caught. Gerald Hixson, then secretary of the County Fair Board, suggested helping at the fair to complete the required number of service hours. The rest is history!
After college, Kathy became employed in Pierce and was volunteering at the fair so much, she was nominated and elected as the only female director in 1993, and still holds that director position today.
Her duties include all the fair advertising, designing the fair poster and putting together the Open Class book, calling to find volunteer ticket takers and gate watchers, and whatever else the board put on her plate. Kathy always has a “list” at the Fair Board meeting that keeps the ball rolling with details and deadlines of various projects.
She served on the planning committee when the new Pavilion was built. Even though she lived near Hartington for 20 years, she still attended meetings and kept involved. Kathy currently lives south of Pierce and is employed at Pierce Telephone. She has a daughter, Lindsey, and special friend, Jim Herian.
