/ ECS / Keith L. Brown
“I firmly believe that my early experiences in 4-H, and later with Extension, provided the groundwork for my later accomplishments in life.”
Keith L. Brown graduated from MSU in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. He and his family own and operate Brownson Farms and the Horse and Carriage Bed and Breakfast, both in Jonesville. Brown was district director for Congressman Nick Smith from 1997 to 2004 and served 15 years on the Moscow Township board, serving 12 years as township supervisor. He was also a Kellogg National Leadership Program group III advisor. Brown currently serves as Jonesville Lions Club president, Hillsdale County Fair Board president, Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation past president, and Michigan Centennial Farm Association past president. He also serves on the Hillsdale County GOP Executive Committee, Hillsdale County Extension Advisory Committee and served on the Michigan Farm Bureau State Policy Development Committee. He was a founding member of Hillsdale Hay Inc. and currently serves the combined role of secretary/treasurer. Brown has also been Jonesville School Board president, MABC-Select Sires board member and Select Sires, Inc. national board member, Michigan Holstein Association past president, Michigan Purebred Dairy Cattle Association past president, and Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine lay member. He received the 1981 MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Service Award and was named the 1982 MSU Dairyman of the Year. In memoriam April 1, 2009.
4-H has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities, allowed me to form lasting relationships, and given me the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
— Brooklyn Hetrick, Oakland County
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he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!