Kleine Wins Women in Ag Award
Published: Friday, October 31, 2025
The year 2025 has been a year of celebration for New Carlisle native Sandy Kleine. She and her husband, Kenneth, celebrated their 25th anniversary earlier this month. Sandy was presented with the St. Joseph County (Ind.) Friend of 4-H award at the county fair in July, and she was recognized by Purdue University Extension for her influence on agriculture during the Indiana State Fair.
Shocked, blessed and humbled were three words Kleine, a long-time 4-H club leader in St. Joseph County, used when recounting the day she learned she was selected as a winner for the Women in Agriculture Achievement Award.
"What I've done, I don't think of it as anything special. There are millions of housewives on the farm. They keep things moving," she said. "I don't do anything more than what thousands of farmwives do. I'm here to support, to organize, to keep the house moving."
Agriculture has always been a part of Kleine's life. The mother of five grew up on a farm in the New Carlisle area and showed beef in 4-H and has now been a 4-H leader for over 25 years.
Kleine is the coordinator for the Olive Twp. 4-H Club. She is also the co-superintendent of the sheep club, a member of the advisory council, the auction committee, the St. Joseph County ag team, and has previously served on the county Extension board. Kleine also works as a school bus driver for special needs students in St. Joseph County. As a bus driver, she gets a chance to teach others about agriculture in everyday conversations.
Now, with eight grandkids, Kleine finds it important to educate others about agriculture because "kids today aren't exposed to things like that." She said many people don't know where their food comes from or what the agricultural products in their clothing, makeup, etc. come from.
St. Joseph County Extension Director Emily Evers described Kleine as trustworthy, dependable, passionate about youth and ag education, and "a great partner to the county extension."
"She goes above and beyond the expectations," Evers said. "And that's the thing about Sandy. She didn't expect the recognition. She was surprised by the recognition, but she was very deserving."
"I don't think of myself as extraordinary. I live a very simple life: family, work, farm," Kleine said with a smile. "Ag has been a part of my life it's just daily life."
Kleine was nominated for the award by Evers and Extension 4-H educator Emma Rauch.
"I was very honored! I said, 'There are so many more women in the county who do more for ag than I do,'" Kleine said, remembering her conversation with Evers.
When Evers told her it was for the state, Kleine was flabbergasted.
"My kids were pretty proud of me. I just never dreamed that (I could get) that high of an honor. I was honored and humbled," she said with a chuckle. "Everything that I have put into the 4-H program or Ag Days or helping my husband on the farm it's validation. People do notice what you've done and appreciate it."
Kleine said promotion of agriculture, organization, humility, teaching others about agriculture and being a team player are all qualities worthy of the Excellence in Agriculture award.
Leading in 4-H is a lot more work than many people know, according to Kleine. From the end of the school year to about two weeks after fair, Kleine works on preparing for and processing results from the fair. But, she said, it is worth it. She said one of her favorite aspects of leading 4-H is seeing how the kids grow.
"The people, the kids—you get some kids who just can't soak up enough information in 4-H," she said.
The shared memories, learning experiences and character growth achieved at the fair and in 4-H are also some of Kleine's most-loved aspects about the program. She said 4-H offers constant learning opportunities.
When asked what's next, Kleine said, "Just keep on doing what I'm doing!"
Return to Top of Page