Hecht honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailGenevieve Hecht of Tuscola County is among six Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2025.
Genevieve Hecht, of Tuscola 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 beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science project areas.
Hecht has been a vital vessel in the Tuscola County 4-H program for nearly 20 years. Originally a Mecosta County 4-H member herself, she became a 4-H volunteer in Tuscola County as soon as she aged out. Today, Hecht is chair of Tuscola County Fair’s Large Livestock 4-H committee, leader of the Granny’s Kids 4-H Club, and parent of active 4-H youth. With roots in agriculture and 4-H, Hecht is a true asset and resource to the Tuscola County 4-H program, ensuring youth and families are at the heart of every decision she makes.
“My greatest reward as a 4-H volunteer leader has been working alongside other 4-H volunteers to create and offer opportunities for youth to participate in and learn new skills,” said Hecht. “These skills, along with industry connections made through 4-H, will benefit youth throughout their life.”
As a leader in the 4-H livestock project areas, Hecht has supported new fair superintendents in coming up to speed, sought and organized industry speakers, and advocated for educational programs like YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals). Hecht has also taken great care to ensure livestock projects are accessible to youth with special needs and encourages local 4-H youth to give back through community service. As a 4-H alumna, Hecht’s knowledge and understanding of 4-H guiding principles, and acceptance of evolving 4-H policies and procedures, help to set a positive tone and example for others in the 4-H community.
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 MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards in 2025 are Brigitte Grobbel of Clinton 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/.
