The Michigan 4-H program flourishes due to the unwavering dedication of its leaders who commit themselves to nurturing agricultural education and leadership skills in young people. Recently, six outstanding individuals were bestowed with the prestigious 2025 Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture awards. These honors highlight their exceptional efforts in fostering growth and development across diverse agricultural fields, from livestock management to horticultural practices and veterinary science. Each awardee not only receives recognition but also a significant financial grant to bolster their vital work within the 4-H community.
These distinguished leaders serve as beacons of commitment, embodying the spirit of volunteerism that is fundamental to the 4-H movement. Their influence extends beyond direct instruction, encompassing mentorship, community engagement, and the cultivation of essential life skills such as decision-making, public speaking, and responsible citizenship. The grants provided by the Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment empower these leaders to expand their initiatives, enrich curricula, and ensure that agricultural opportunities remain accessible and impactful for all Michigan youth, including those with special needs, fostering a new generation of informed and engaged agriculturalists.
Acknowledging Distinguished 4-H Contributors
Six exemplary individuals from Michigan's 4-H program were recently honored with the 2025 Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture awards. This recognition celebrates their significant achievements in youth agricultural education and leadership, spanning various disciplines like livestock, horticulture, and veterinary science. Each honoree receives a notable grant to enhance their chosen 4-H agricultural program, supporting volunteer training, resources, and curricula.
Brigitte Grobbel, an alumna of 4-H from Clinton County, has significantly contributed as a livestock and dairy project leader, guiding youth in critical life skills through judging teams. Genevieve Hecht of Tuscola County, a long-standing volunteer, has been instrumental in the Tuscola County 4-H program for nearly two decades, chairing committees, organizing industry speakers, and advocating for educational programs. Michelle Holladay from Oceana County has consistently promoted youth achievement, particularly in the 4-Star 4-H Club, the largest in her county, by offering animal loans and spearheading leadership development through the 4-H Ambassador program. Tyler Labadie and Garrett Thompson, from Barry County, have channeled their deep roots in 4-H into creating and running the Skillathon contest at the Clare County Fair and hosting numerous statewide livestock clinics. Jennifer Laux of Saginaw County has profoundly impacted her community by leading the Saginaw County Fair Livestock Exhibitor Group and the Frankenmuth Area Patriots 4-H Club, offering extensive training and integrating agricultural education into community outreach. These leaders exemplify selfless dedication, ensuring Michigan's youth are well-equipped with agricultural knowledge and leadership capabilities.
Impactful Leadership and Community Cultivation
The dedication of Michigan's 4-H leaders goes beyond traditional teaching, fostering a rich environment where young individuals can thrive and gain valuable life skills. Their work strengthens the agricultural community by preparing future leaders and innovators, ensuring the continuity and advancement of farming practices and related fields. This commitment to youth development not only shapes individual lives but also fortifies the agricultural sector as a whole.
Each of the distinguished leaders recognized with the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture awards has implemented unique and impactful strategies. Brigitte Grobbel has instilled discipline and critical thinking in youth through livestock judging, extending her influence to state-level programs and youth scholarship initiatives. Genevieve Hecht's leadership ensures that agricultural projects are accessible to all, including those with special needs, and she actively promotes community service among 4-H participants. Michelle Holladay's efforts to provide project animals reduce financial barriers and her work with the 4-H Ambassador program empowers teens to become proactive community influencers. Tyler Labadie and Garrett Thompson have created educational competitions and supported various statewide agricultural workshops, mentoring youth in different aspects of livestock. Jennifer Laux connects agricultural projects with broader community engagement, teaching young members how to share their knowledge with schools, retirement homes, and local events, and even initiated a local 'seed library.' Collectively, their diverse contributions reinforce the profound impact of 4-H on youth, agriculture, and the wider community.
