Mich. Farm Bureau Recognizes Local 4-H Leaders
Published: Friday, July 4, 2025
The following is from Jamie Wilson of Michigan State University Extension.
Six outstanding 4-H leaders were honored with Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards: Rick Gould and Kevin Yeager of St. Joseph County (Mich.), Charity Hackett of Berrien County, Donna Budd of Wayne County, Angela Oakman of Washtenaw County and Mandy Rogers of Washtenaw County.
The 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Michigan 4-H volunteers or groups that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development in the areas of 4-H beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine and veterinary science.
Rick Gould and Kevin Yeager, St. Joseph County: The dynamic duo of two-year volunteer Gould and 36-year volunteer Yeager collaborate to support 4-H'ers in St. Joseph County's 4-H swine project. Whether they're helping a 4-H'er find their next fair animal, helping another increase the growth rate of their pig or teaching a third about proper swine care, Gould and Yeager make learning fun. They embody the 4-H pledge in their efforts, sharing their knowledge with 4-H'ers (head), truly caring about 4-H'ers and their hogs (heart), giving their time and talents to help 4-H'ers (hands), and teaching 4-H'ers about animal nutrition (health).
Gould and Yeager also help 4-H'ers they work with become young leaders by encouraging members to apply for 4-H State Awards and more.
Charity Hackett, Berrien County: Hackett is the club coordinator for one of the largest 4-H clubs in Berrien County, the We Can Ride 4-H Club. Part of the 4-H Proud Equestrians Program, the club focuses on teaching young people with disabilities horseback riding, showmanship, groundwork and stable management.
Hackett excels at helping young people work through feelings of nervousness, fear or anxiety to grow their confidence and knowledge. Hackett also works to ensure the club's teen leaders are learning and growing, encouraging them to pursue further education, and emphasizes the need for teen leadership. A former 4-H'er herself, she has helped the We Can Ride 4-H Club become a safe environment where young people are empowered, increase their existing skills and develop new ones.
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