Grobbel honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailBrigitte Grobbel of Clinton County is among six Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2025.
Brigitte Grobbel, of Clinton County, is among six outstanding 4-H volunteers honored with the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2025. This award recognizes 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 project areas.
A livestock enthusiast, Grobbel has served as the 4-H livestock and dairy project leader for St. Clair County’s Haybuster 4-H Club for the past six years. She has also led livestock judging teams in both Sanilac and St. Clair counties, helping to instill in youth important life skills developed in the sport: decision-making, time management and public speaking. Beyond her club and county affiliations, Grobbel has also donated her time as a resource leader related to livestock evaluation and selection, animal nutrition and showmanship at a variety of statewide 4-H programs and events. These include 4-H Exploration Days, 4-H Spring Livestock Workshop, Michigan 4-H Livestock Judging Camp and 4-H Animal Science Career Quest, among others.
With a keen interest in helping youth plan for the future, Grobbel routinely shares her experiences in the livestock and agricultural field, encouraging youth to pursue careers or secondary education related to these important industries. Grobbel also utilizes her vast industry connections to link youth with key individuals, helping them grow their own networks and prepare for the next phase in life. She encourages youth to expand their portfolios beyond traditional livestock programming through judging, skill-a-thons and other educational contests, recognizing the important skills developed through such experiences.
“The livestock and 4-H community is the best place to encourage today’s youth to instill work ethic, dedication and begin their own leadership skills,” said Grobbel. “Youth development of skills and livestock education has been very rewarding. Whether it’s been providing instructions on how to properly hold a halter on a calf, helping a youth exhibitor figure out how to move a stubborn sheep, or the look on their face when explaining how to fill out a judging card, seeing the lightbulb go off and some success with their efforts, definitely is the best part.”
Grobbel, a former 4-H’er herself, also volunteers as a member of the Thumb Jackpot Beef Show and Paul DeLong Memorial Show committees, both of which provide scholarships to local 4-H and FFA members. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships and support to Michigan 4-H livestock judging contestants, among other things.
MFB Excellence in Agriculture Award honorees are recognized by both Michigan 4-H and MFB. Each receives a $1,000 grant, funded by the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment at the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Awardees use the grants to help support a 4-H agricultural program of their choosing, or for volunteer training, supplies or curricula to enhance 4-H programming locally and statewide. Honorees will also receive a personalized recognition memento.
Other recipients of the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2025 are Genevieve Hecht of Tuscola County, Michelle Holladay of Oceana County, Tyler Labadie and Garrett Thompson of Barry County, and Jennifer Laux of Saginaw County. To learn more about the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award and honorees, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-farm-bureau-4-h-excellence-in-agriculture-award/.
