MSU Extension 4-H

Six outstanding 4-H leaders were honored with 2024 Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards: Donna Budd of Wayne County, Rick Gould and Kevin Yeager of St. Joseph County, Charity Hackett of Berrien 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.

Donna Budd, Wayne County

Budd is 4-H alumna who grew up on a farm and has been a 4-H volunteer since 2008. During that time, she has held many leadership positions, including leader for the Superstock 4-H Club and chairperson of the Wayne County 4-H livestock protégé program, the youth community engagement committee and the junior livestock board.  Budd has used her personal passions and connections to expand opportunities for 4-H’ers, taking them to goat shows, to meet industry professionals, to tour greenhouses and to learn about commercial crop production. In return for all she gives, Budd asks club members to prioritize giving back, making the club well known for their efforts in community service initiatives.

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. Hackett, a former 4-H’er herself, 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.

Angela Oakman, Washtenaw County

Oakman has been volunteering for Washtenaw County 4-H for five years. As a volunteer for the Hooves and Paws 4-H Club, Oakman empowers club members to run meetings, organize clinics and workshops, and develop community service opportunities. While she is always available to provide support, Oakman ensures that 4-H’ers take true ownership of the club and its decisions. Outside her community club, Oakman has also served as the Washtenaw County hippology coach for the past three years. She also donates countless hours at the Washtenaw County 4-H Fair, working in the announcer’s box and with the county horse board.

Mandy Rogers, Washtenaw County

Rogers has helped the Washtenaw County 4-H program in countless ways since becoming a volunteer 15 years ago. She has been the leader of the Saline 4-H Farmers 4-H Club; leader of the county 4-H Cloverbud Camp; coordinator of the 4-H Cloverbud Mentor Program; advisor to the small animal, livestock and dairy committees; and superintendent of the 4-H Cloverbud and poultry divisions at the county fair. In all these roles, Rogers exemplifies the 4-H guiding principles of positive youth development by providing a safe space for young people to be active participants in their learning. A Lenawee County 4-H alumna, Rogers helps current 4-H’ers coordinate a number of community service projects.

To make a tribute gift through the Michigan 4-H Foundation in honor of these outstanding individuals, visit mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation/.