Holladay honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailMichelle Holladay of Oceana County is among six Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2025.
Michelle Holladay, of Oceana 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.
Holladay has consistently fostered youth achievement and excellence in agriculture, particularly within the 4-Star 4-H Club, the largest club in Oceana County. With an average of 35-45 youth actively participating, Holladay encourages club members to develop their skills, work hard and aim for success, with youth earning top placings at local, state and national events. Holladay also offers free loans of project animals, allowing 4-H members to try out the beef and dairy feeder project without the financial burden of purchasing an animal. By breaking down financial barriers, Holladay helps to make it possible for more youth to explore new project areas and expand their skills in agriculture.
Holladay is also a member of the Oceana County 4-H Youth Council, where she helps to spearhead the 4-H Ambassador program. This program offers teens the opportunity to take on significant leadership roles within their community, organizing and attending community events, serving as role models for younger 4-H members, and demonstrating the importance of leadership, service and responsibility. Through her work with the program, Holladay has supported teens in developing essential leadership skills and empowered them to become proactive, positive influences in their communities. In addition, Holladay plays a key role in fundraising for 4-H scholarships, recruiting new 4-H volunteers and donating her own time and resources to support local 4-H events.
“Being involved in 4-H for over 17 years has given me countless opportunities to watch the youth in my club grow, mature and learn,” said Holladay. “One particular experience stands out. A young man, just 13 years-old, attended a statewide event for the first time thanks to a scholarship from the local youth council. His success was a powerful reminder of what supportive mentoring, a positive environment, and a little encouragement can help young people achieve.”
Through her dedication and hands-on approach to leadership, Holladay has successfully created an environment where 4-H members not only learn about agriculture but also develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond the barn. Her work in building future leaders and empowering youth to take charge of their personal and professional development is a testament to Holladay’s excellence in advancing the social, emotional, academic and career success of youth.
MFB 4-H 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, Genevieve Hecht of Tuscola 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/.
