Rita Koch

When Rita Koch stepped into the poultry barn 25 years ago to support her daughters’ 4-H journey, she had no idea it would turn into decades of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Today, she’s the longtime Poultry Project Superintendent, Certified Pullorum Tester, and a friendly, knowledgeable face at countless poultry clinics across Stephenson and Ogle Counties. Whether judging shows or teaching kids how to handle birds with care, Rita’s passion has helped generations of youth grow their confidence, curiosity, and showmanship—one feather at a time.