The steep ladder of experience and leadership scaling the learning curve of Michigan agriculture begins for most people with 4-H. From there it continues through FFA and Michigan State University’s College of Ag and Natural Resources on its way to Farm Bureau involvement.
But it all starts with 4-H, so when that foundational youth program administered by MSU Extension looks back to honor its standout alumni, it’s not unusual to see a good number of Farm Bureau leaders crossing the stage.
At this year’s recent Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration, outstanding 4-H youth, alumni, volunteers, partners and staff were honored for their contributions to the program that gives most of Michigan’s ag leaders their start.
“There is so much to celebrate: exceptional alumni, dedicated partners, committed volunteers, outstanding staff and noteworthy students,” said Abbey Miller, director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation, which cohosted the event alongside MSU Extension. “We’re grateful for this chance to come together to recognize those 4-H’ers, past and present.”
4-H Emerald Clover Society
The Emerald Clover Society celebrates individuals who had significant 4-H involvement as youth and who have made significant contributions to their local, state and national communities.
Newly inducted Farm Bureau members include Sarah Black (Clinton County Farm Bureau), Katie Eisenberger (Isabella), Thomas L. Bosserd (Wayne), Maury Kaercher (Kalamazoo), Dist. 38 State Sen. Edward W. McBroom (Iron Range) and former Dist. 103 State Rep. Joel Sheltrown (Ogemaw).
Black is starting her 32nd year on MFB’s staff, currently serving as both director of business operations and general manager of MFB affiliate, Great Lakes Ag Labor Services. She’s been an active 4-H volunteer for 33 years.
“4-H opened my eyes to the value of setting goals, working hard and working with others to achieve goals,” Black said. “It helped me realize my passion for agriculture and servant leadership, and that when you put others before yourself and work together, we can achieve amazing results.
“4-H teaches you that life isn’t just about you, and that there will be challenges to overcome.”
Eisenberger is MFB’s current Young Farmer program manager.
“In 4-H I learned to try without fear of failure, as every experience was about growth, not success or failure,” Eisenberger said. “This mindset — jumping in, figuring it out, and adapting along the way — now shapes my personal and professional life.
“Being inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society is an honor, and I’m proud to support Michigan 4-H as it continues to provide opportunities for youth to learn and keep trying!”
Other Emerald Clover Society inductees included Mary Draves (Midland), Nancy Victorson (Newberry), Shaun Wade (Norton Shores) and Dave Weatherspoon (East Lansing).
MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards
Michigan Farm Bureau’s 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes outstanding Michigan 4-H volunteers or groups that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development in the areas of beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science.
Farm Bureau members Donna Budd (Wayne County Farm Bureau) and Mandy Rogers (Washtenaw) were both honored this year.
Other honorees included Rick Gould (Sturgis), Kevin Yeager (Centerville), Charity Hackett (Eau Claire) and Angela Oakman (South Lyon.)
4-H Excellence, Citation
Other awards given out at the Sept. 21 event included the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding volunteers for their dedication to youth, in two categories based on the recipient’s seniority.
Bob Richards of Ovid took home the Lifetime Volunteer Award for his 10+ years as a 4-H volunteer.
The Volunteer of the Year Award, for those with less than 10 years of service, went to Jennifer Specht of Vassar.
The Michigan 4-H Citation Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions to and support of Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs have significantly advanced the work of Michigan 4-H on a multicounty, regional, statewide and national basis. This year’s Citation Awards went to Apple and Julie Chapin.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development, the youth-serving program of MSU Extension. Thousands of youth are involved in 4-H with the support of caring adult volunteers; visit www.canr.msu.edu/4h for more information.
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